Upside-Down Peach Cake

Total Time

Prep: 15 min. Bake: 45 min. + cooling

Makes

8 servings

Updated: Jun. 30, 2023
Folks have been flipping over this peach upside-down cake for generations. This dessert is very popular with my family and guests. —Terri Kirschner, Carlisle, Indiana

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup butter, softened, divided
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 cups sliced peeled fresh peaches
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1-1/4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup 2% milk

Directions

  1. Melt 1/4 cup butter; pour into an ungreased 9-in. round baking pan. Sprinkle with brown sugar. Arrange peach slices in single layer over sugar.
  2. In a large bowl, cream sugar and remaining butter until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition. Spoon over peaches.
  3. Bake at 350° until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 45-50 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. Serve warm.
Upside-Down Cake Tips

What other fruits can you add to upside-down cake?

There are many delicious options besides peach for upside-down cake. Pineapple cake, whether baked in a cast-iron skillet or as adorable minis, is a classic. A little plum cake is perfect for summer.

How do you flip a cake upside-down?

Flip it quickly and carefully, being sure to protect your body. Once the cake tests done, let it stand 10 minutes or as long as the recipe directs. (Larger cakes stand for longer than small ones.) Place a serving plate upside-down over the cake. Wear oven mitts if you’re able, but the most important thing when flipping the cake is to keep the serving plate firmly aligned over (to catch!) the cake. If you can’t wear mitts, protect yourself with hot pads or kitchen towels. Flip the cake in one smooth, easy movement, placing it plate-side-down on the counter. Then gently wiggle and lift the baking pan away.

What if you wait too long?

Just pop your cake back in the oven for a moment to help it warm up for a neat release.

How long will this cake last?

Sweet upside-down cakes are best served warm, the day they’re made. But you can cool, then cover and refrigerate the leftovers for 2-3 days. Warm a piece up in the microwave to reignite that caramelized magic!

Christine Rukavena, Taste of Home Senior Book Editor

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 384 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.