Easy Peach Upside-Down Cake

Peach Upside-Down Cake is a soft vanilla cake baked over caramelised peaches, then flipped so the peaches sit beautifully on top. The edges get sticky and golden while the inside stays moist with peach juices. 

First Time I Made Peach Upside-Down Cake on a lazy summer afternoon when peaches were perfectly ripe, and I didn’t want them to go to waste. It’s one of those recipes that smells like warm butter and sweet peaches filling up your kitchen.

You don’t need any fancy equipment, and you’ll get a cake with juicy peaches caramelized in brown sugar and butter, sitting on a soft, fluffy vanilla cake. It’s my go-to when I want something comforting without much fuss.

How To Make  Peach Upside-Down Cake?

Recipe Overview

Peach Upside-Down Cake is made with buttery brown sugar peaches topped with a simple vanilla cake that’s soft and fluffy.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Resting Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert
• Difficulty: Easy
• Yield: 8 slices
• Calories: Approx. 320 per slice

Equipment

• 9-inch round cake pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Hand mixer (optional)

Ingredients

For the topping:

• ¼ cup butter
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• 5 fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and halved

For the cake:

• ½ cup butter, softened
• ½ cup white sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup milk

Ingredient Notes

1. Peaches: Fresh peaches work best, but you can use canned (drained) when peaches aren’t in season.

2. Butter: Adds rich flavor for the caramelized top and tender cake crumb.

3. Brown Sugar: Helps create that sticky caramel around the peaches.

4. Flour: Use regular all-purpose flour for a sturdy yet soft cake.

5. Milk: Keeps the cake moist without making it heavy.

Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the Pan

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Melt ¼ cup butter in a 9-inch cake pan in the oven.
• Sprinkle ½ cup brown sugar evenly over the melted butter.
• Arrange peach halves cut-side down over the brown sugar.

2️⃣ Make the Cake Batter

• In a bowl, cream together ½ cup softened butter and ½ cup white sugar until light.
• Beat in the egg.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ¼ cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
• Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in batches, alternating with ½ cup milk. Stir until just combined.

3️⃣ Assemble and Bake

• Gently spread the batter over the peaches in the pan.
• Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

4️⃣ Flip the Cake

• Let the cake rest for 10 minutes in the pan.
• Place a plate over the pan and carefully flip it. Let it sit for a minute to help release the peaches.

Nutrition

• Calories: ~320
• Fat: 14g
• Carbs: 46g
• Protein: 4g
• Sugar: 30g

Pro Tips

If the cake sticks, let the pan rest upside down with the plate on top for a few minutes to help it release.

If using canned peaches, pat them dry to prevent excess moisture. Don’t overmix the batter to keep your cake fluffy.

How to Store Peach Upside-Down Cake?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Warm slices in the microwave before serving.

Can You Freeze Peach Upside-Down Cake?

Yes, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm before serving.

How Do You Flip a Cake Upside-Down?

Place a plate or platter over your cake pan, hold firmly, and flip in one quick motion. Let it sit for a minute before lifting the pan.

What If You Wait Too Long, or the Cake Doesn’t Release?

If the cake cools too long in the pan, warm the bottom slightly on the stovetop for a few seconds to loosen the caramel before flipping.

Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?

Yes, thaw and pat them dry before using to avoid extra moisture in your cake.

What Other Fruits Can You Add to Upside-Down Cake?

You can use pineapple, apples, pears, or a mix of berries to create different flavors with this easy upside-down cake method.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

2. Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

3. Enjoy with coffee or tea as an afternoon treat.

FAQ

Final Thoughts

I’d love for you to try this Peach Upside-Down Cake and let me know how it turned out for you! It’s one of those cakes that brings smiles and warm peach sweetness to any table, and you don’t need any fancy tools to make it.

If you try it, share your photos or leave a comment on allcooksrecipe.com. I can’t wait to hear how you liked it!