If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly captures the warm, juicy sweetness of summer peaches combined with the comforting texture of cake, this Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake Recipe is going to be your new favorite. Imagine tender peach slices caramelized under a buttery brown sugar glaze, topped with a moist, fluffy cake that delivers just the right balance of spice and vanilla. It’s a nostalgic twist on classic peach cobbler but with an exciting upside down presentation that will wow your friends and family every single time you serve it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake Recipe calls for straightforward, easy-to-find ingredients that work beautifully together to create incredible flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role in bringing that perfect harmony of moist crumb and luscious fruit topping.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted): This forms the delicious buttery base that caramelizes with the brown sugar for that signature glossy top.
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed): Adds a deep, rich sweetness and helps the peaches achieve that golden caramel glaze.
- 3–4 ripe peaches (peeled and sliced): Fresh peaches bring natural juiciness and vibrant flavor to every bite.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, providing structure without toughness.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures your cake rises beautifully and stays light.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps balance the acidity for a perfect crumb.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and rounds out the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Creamed with sugar to make the cake tender and flavorful.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a light, fluffy batter.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness to the cake.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Delivers warmth and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional): Adds a subtle nutty note that pairs beautifully with peaches.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Keeps the cake incredibly moist and adds a slight tanginess.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Balances the batter and adds richness for a tender crumb.
How to Make Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Peach Base
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9-inch round cake pan and generously grease it. Pour the melted butter into the bottom of the pan and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over it. This combination will create a luscious caramel layer when baked. Next, carefully arrange the peeled and sliced peaches in a circular pattern on top of the sugar, creating a beautiful mosaic of juicy fruit.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed, preventing any clumps and promoting a uniform rise.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is key to incorporating air, which will give your cake a light texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to create a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract if you’re using it; this will give your cake an incredible, warming aroma that complements the peaches perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Mix the sour cream into the wet ingredients until just combined. Then alternately add the dry ingredients and whole milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Be gentle when folding so the batter stays light and airy.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter over the arranged peaches in the cake pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Place in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This bake time ensures the cake is moist yet fully cooked through.
Step 7: Invert and Cool
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the caramelized peach topping to set just enough for easy flipping. Run a knife around the edges to loosen, then carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate. Let it cool completely before slicing to maintain that stunning presentation.
How to Serve Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of indulgence, serve your Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. A light dusting of cinnamon or a few toasted almond slivers sprinkled on top can add lovely texture contrasts and highlight the flavors.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a light, fruity salad or a glass of sweet iced tea to complement the warm fruit flavors. If you’re serving this dessert after dinner, consider a small cup of coffee or herbal tea to provide a soothing finish to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual slices with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for added sweetness. You can also cut the cake into small squares and serve them on mini dessert plates for a charming tea party setup. For a festive touch, add edible flowers for a stunning, fresh look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it moist. Refrigerate leftovers and enjoy them within 3 to 4 days for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake Recipe freezes quite well. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months without losing quality.
Reheating
To enjoy your cake warm again, thaw slices in the fridge overnight and reheat in a microwave or oven at a low temperature until gently warmed through. This revives the softness and brings back that fresh-baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?
Absolutely! While fresh peaches provide the best flavor and texture, canned peaches drained well can be a convenient substitute. Just be mindful that they might be a bit softer and sweeter, so adjust your brown sugar accordingly if needed.
What can I add for a spiced flavor?
Adding 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the brown sugar layer infuses the cake with warm, inviting spice flavors that complement the peaches beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake Recipe uses no animal-derived ingredients besides eggs and dairy, making it perfect for a vegetarian diet.
Can the almond extract be omitted?
Definitely! The almond extract is optional and adds a subtle nutty twist, but the cake will still taste amazing without it. You can also substitute with more vanilla extract if desired.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
You’ll want to insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked.
Final Thoughts
This Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake Recipe is such a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of fresh peaches with a nostalgic twist. It’s as fun to make as it is to share, and I promise once you’ve tried it, it will become a regular request in your dessert rotation. So grab those ripe peaches and get ready to wow everyone with this stunning, mouthwatering treat!
Print
Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake combines luscious, ripe peaches with a moist, tender cake base baked on top of a caramelized brown sugar and butter layer. Perfect for summer dessert lovers, it’s easy to prepare and offers a delightful blend of sweet, buttery, and fruity flavors with a gorgeous presentation when inverted.
Ingredients
For the Topping
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 3–4 ripe peaches (peeled and sliced)
For the Cake Batter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Topping: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly. Pour the melted butter into the bottom, spreading evenly, then sprinkle the packed brown sugar over the melted butter. Arrange the peeled and sliced peaches in a circular pattern directly over the sugar layer.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed in the batter.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color, which helps create a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Flavors: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract, if using, to enhance the aroma and depth of the cake.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the sour cream to the butter mixture and mix until fully incorporated. Then alternately add the dry flour mixture and whole milk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until smooth to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the prepared batter gently over the arranged peaches in the cake pan, smoothing the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool and Invert: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Then run a knife carefully around the edges to loosen the cake. Place a serving plate over the pan and invert the cake onto the plate, revealing the beautiful peach topping. Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a warm, spiced variation, add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the brown sugar layer before arranging the peaches.
- This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the fruity caramel topping.
- Make sure to peel the peaches to avoid any tough skin in the final cake.
- Use ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor and moisture.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before inverting to prevent the topping from sticking or breaking.
