Few desserts capture the essence of summer quite like a peach upside down cake. It’s the kind of treat that looks impressive on the table but feels comfortingly nostalgic from the first bite. With caramelized peach slices layered beneath a soft, buttery cake, it’s both simple and stunning.
The charm of this cake lies in its presentation. When you flip it out of the pan, those golden, syrupy peaches shine on top like a jewel-toned mosaic. Each slice offers a perfect balance between juicy fruit and moist cake, with the caramelized sugar adding just the right hint of richness. It’s a dessert that doesn’t need frosting or fancy decorations to make a statement.
This cake often makes an appearance in late summer, when peaches are at their peak. It’s a wonderful way to use up ripe fruit, especially if you have more than you know what to do with. And while it’s perfect for gatherings, it also feels right at home as a casual weekend bake.
Peach upside down cake is easy to love because it doesn’t try too hard. It’s comforting, familiar, and always delivers on flavor. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and it instantly becomes a crowd favorite. Even a cold slice from the fridge the next day holds its own.
What makes it timeless is its adaptability. You can switch out the peaches for other stone fruits, like nectarines or plums, but peaches offer that unbeatable combination of sweetness and acidity that works beautifully with the caramel base. Every bite is soft, fruity, and just the right amount of sticky.
Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, peach upside down cake brings a little sunshine to the table. It’s a reminder of slow summer days, roadside fruit stands, and the simple joy of a homemade dessert done right.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted for topping
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 4 whole peaches sliced
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened for batter
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 whole eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour the melted butter into a 9-inch round cake pan and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the butter.
- Arrange the peach slices over the brown sugar in a single layer.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture, until just combined.
- Pour the cake batter over the peaches in the pan, and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges to loosen and invert onto a serving plate.
Nutrition
This cake was a hit at my family gathering! The peaches were so juicy and delicious.
I’m glad your family enjoyed it! Peaches make everything better. Can’t wait to try this myself!
Can I use canned peaches instead? I think fresh ones are too much work…
I tried making this but it turned out too sweet for my taste. Next time I’ll use less sugar!
I love peach desserts! This was super easy to make and my kids devoured it within minutes.
I dunno, my cake never looks like that. Maybe I’m doin it wrong?
Peach desserts are the best! Glad the kids loved it! 🍑
Peach cake? I was expecting pineapple or something. This was okay, but not what I was craving.
I love peaches, but I get your point. I thought it was gonna be a tropical delight too!
Pineapple would’ve been better! Who even uses peaches for cakes? 🤔
OMG this is soooo good!!! I can’t stop eating it. I’ll be making this again for sure!
Yum! But kinda icky when the butter gets all wet. Next time I might use less butter.
Simple instructions, but my cake didn’t rise! What did I do wrong? I followed it exactly!
delicious