Imagine a cake that captures all the sunny, juicy magic of summer in every bite: that’s Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake. With a buttery, caramelized peach topping and a tender crumb beneath, this dessert does double duty—combining two beloved classics in one showstopping slice. Whether peaches are in season or you just want to treat yourself to something special, this recipe will instantly transport you to warmer days and happy gatherings. The rich aroma, irresistible flavor, and vibrant colors make this cake a celebration on your table no matter the occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for this Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake is likely already in your pantry or fridge, yet each ingredient plays a starring role—from plump peaches to creamy butter. The simple, carefully chosen ingredients ensure each layer shines for maximum flavor and beautiful presentation.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Creates a rich, golden base for the peaches to caramelize while baking.
- Light brown sugar (packed): Adds a deep, molasses sweetness and helps form that irresistible cobbler-like topping.
- Ripe peaches (peeled and sliced): Fresh, juicy peaches are the star; choose ones that yield slightly to touch for the best flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Gives structure and stability to the cake, ensuring a soft, yet sturdy crumb.
- Baking powder: Adds lift and ensures your cake rises beautifully.
- Baking soda: Reacts with the sour cream for extra tenderness.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Creamed into the batter for a rich, velvety base.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a lovely golden crust.
- Large eggs: Bind the batter and add essential moisture.
- Vanilla extract: The perfect background note, bringing warmth and inviting aroma.
- Almond extract (optional): Just a hint gives a subtle, nutty depth that makes peaches sing.
- Sour cream: The secret to a moist, tender cake with a slight tang.
- Whole milk: Adds richness and helps blend all ingredients into a smooth batter.
How to Make Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Peaches
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9-inch round cake pan, then pour the melted butter evenly into the bottom. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the butter, making sure it’s spread all the way to the edges. Now, arrange your ripe peach slices in a beautiful circular pattern over the brown sugar—this not only ensures every slice looks tempting, but allows the peaches to caramelize into a golden crown.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step makes sure everything is evenly distributed, so your Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake bakes up light and even from edge to center. Don’t skip the sifting or whisking—it’s the key to a tender crumb.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. This creaming process whips in air, setting your cake up for a gorgeous, airy texture. It usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and, if you’re feeling extra, the almond extract too. These bring a burst of scent and flavor that makes the cake so much more than just sweet.
Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk
Gently mix in the sour cream. Then, add the flour mixture and whole milk in turns—beginning and ending with the flour. Adding them alternately keeps the batter from becoming overmixed and ensures a solid yet soft texture. You should stop as soon as everything is combined and smooth.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Carefully pour the batter over your arranged peaches, using a spatula to smooth the top so it bakes evenly. Pop your pan into the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake has pulled just slightly from the sides. The aroma at this point is pure summer!
Step 7: Cool and Invert
This is the big reveal! Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes—any longer and the caramel could stick too much. Run a knife around the edge, then, with a swift but gentle motion, invert the cake onto your serving plate. Lift off the pan and admire your stunning Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake with its glistening peach and caramel topping.
How to Serve Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake
Garnishes
Add a flourish with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream—the creamy coldness accentuates the warm, jammy peach layer. If you want a hint of freshness, scatter a few fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving.
Side Dishes
Though the Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake can absolutely star on its own, a side of fresh berries or a light fruit salad makes for a beautiful, colorful dessert plate. Coffee or an aromatic tea pairs delightfully, cutting through the sweetness and turning your treat into a full afternoon affair.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve individual slices in shallow bowls with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. Or cube leftovers into parfait glasses with vanilla yogurt and granola for a playful brunch twist. This cake is also lovely transformed into trifle, layered with whipped cream and extra peaches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep the Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake at its best, cover cooled leftovers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The moisture from the peaches keeps the cake tender, but make sure it’s well covered to prevent drying out or absorbing any fridge odors.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this cake! Wrap individual slices or the whole (completely cooled) cake tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Store for up to 2 months. To serve, simply thaw overnight in the fridge—peach desserts freeze particularly well since the fruit layer holds its texture.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftover Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake, gently warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, just until the caramel topping is soft and glossy again. For a crispier edge, reheat in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. Serve slightly warm for that fresh-baked feeling!
FAQs
Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If peaches aren’t in season, canned (drained well) or frozen (thawed and patted dry) peaches work great. Just avoid using fruit packed in syrup, as it may make the topping too sweet or soggy.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt makes a fantastic replacement for sour cream, lending the same moisture and tang. You can also use full-fat plain yogurt if that’s what you have on hand.
How do I keep the cake from sticking when inverted?
The trick is to thoroughly grease the pan, use parchment paper if desired, and let the cake rest for about 10–15 minutes after baking. Run a knife around the edge before inverting, and the peach topping should release beautifully!
Can I make Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake gluten free?
Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. As with all gluten-free baking, expect a slightly different texture, but the flavors will shine just as bright.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, the milk with non-dairy milk, and use coconut yogurt instead of sour cream. The taste may change slightly, but the cake will still be a delicious treat everyone can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake is the edible embodiment of summer joy—simple, showstopping, and guaranteed to gather smiles around the table. Don’t hesitate to bake it for your next celebration or a cozy night in, and don’t be surprised if it disappears faster than you imagined. Happy baking, and here’s to sharing sweet moments with every gorgeous slice!
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Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of a peach cobbler and an upside-down cake with this irresistible Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake recipe. Juicy peaches, a tender cake layer, and a caramelized brown sugar topping create a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 3–4 ripe peaches (peeled and sliced)
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
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and pour melted butter into the bottom.
- Prepare Topping: Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the butter. Arrange peach slices in a circular pattern over the sugar.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Prepare Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract and almond extract (if using). Add sour cream and mix until combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the flour mixture.
- Assemble Cake: Pour batter over peaches and smooth the top.
- Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate. Allow to cool before slicing.
Notes
- For a spiced twist, add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the brown sugar layer.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
