Peach Upside Down Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of juicy peaches with a rich, buttery cake. This classic treat is not only delicious but also visually stunning, with caramelized peaches creating a beautiful top layer. Using canned peaches and a cake mix, this recipe is incredibly easy to make, perfect for any occasion when you want a dessert that impresses without much effort.
Ingredients:
- 1 (20-ounce) can sliced peaches in heavy syrup: Provides the sweet, fruity base for the cake. Make sure to drain the peaches but reserve 1 cup of the syrup.
- 1 stick of butter, melted: Adds rich flavor and helps create a caramelized topping when combined with brown sugar.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Sweetens the peaches and caramelizes during baking to form a golden, syrupy topping.
- 1 (9-ounce) package yellow cake mix: The base of the cake, providing a soft and moist texture. The reserved peach juice is used in place of water to infuse the cake with peachy goodness.
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the ideal temperature to achieve a golden-brown cake with a perfectly caramelized peach topping.
- Prepare the Pan:
- Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray. This will ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
- Create the Peach Layer:
- Pour the melted butter into the bottom of the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the packed brown sugar over the butter to form an even layer. This will create the caramelized base for the peaches.
- Arrange the drained peach slices over the brown sugar in a single layer. You can arrange them in a pattern if you like, or simply place them evenly across the bottom.
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package instructions, substituting the water with the reserved peach juice. This will infuse the cake with extra peach flavor, making it moist and delicious.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Pour the cake batter over the peach slices in the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Be careful not to disturb the peach layer underneath.
- Bake the Cake:
- Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top of the cake should be golden brown, and you should see the syrup bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Invert:
- Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This will allow the caramelized sugar to set slightly, making it easier to invert without sticking.
- After cooling, place a large plate or serving platter over the top of the cake pan. Carefully invert the cake onto the plate. The peach slices should now be on top, with a glossy, caramelized layer.
- Serve:
- Serve the Peach Upside Down Cake warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips and Variations:
- Fresh Peaches: If peaches are in season, you can use fresh ones instead of canned. Peel and slice 3-4 fresh peaches, and use a simple syrup or peach nectar as a substitute for the canned syrup.
- Spiced Peach Cake: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the brown sugar for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the peaches beautifully.
- Nutty Twist: Sprinkle a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts over the brown sugar layer before adding the peaches for a crunchy texture.
Peach Upside Down Cake is a timeless dessert that combines the best of fruity and buttery flavors in a single, elegant dish. With its golden, caramelized top and soft, peach-infused cake, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a special occasion, or just because, this cake is always a hit. Enjoy it with your favorite ice cream or on its own for a delightful, comforting treat!
