Summer in Chicago means one thing for me: peaches. When the farmers markets fill with crates of golden, sun-kissed peaches, I know it’s time to bake one of my family’s favorite desserts — Peach Upside Down Cake. I still remember the first time I baked it with Grandma Elizabeth. She shared her simple rule: “If you’ve got ripe peaches, make them shine.” And this cake does exactly that.
With its tender, buttery crumb and beautifully caramelized peach topping, this peach upside down cake has become a staple at my supper clubs and family gatherings. The kids love flipping the cake and seeing the glossy peach layer revealed like magic. My husband calls it “summer on a plate,” and honestly, I couldn’t describe it better.
Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this peach upside down cake is simple, forgiving, and guaranteed to impress. Now, let’s dive into the story and magic behind this show-stopping dessert.
The Story Behind Peach Upside Down Cake
A Family Tradition Turned Summer Favorite
Growing up, my Polish-American kitchen was filled with rustic, fruit-forward desserts. Grandma often made traditional upside-down cakes with whatever fruit was in season, but peaches were always the star. After culinary school, I refined her method—keeping the heart of the recipe while simplifying it for busy home bakers. Every slice carries our family’s shared love of simple, beautiful food.
Why Peach Upside Down Cake Is Perfect for Any Occasion
Peach upside down cake feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make. The caramelized peach topping creates a natural decoration that needs no frosting or extra garnish. It’s ideal for summer brunches, backyard barbecues, or even as a make-ahead dessert for holidays. The tender vanilla cake underneath soaks up all the peach juices, creating a moist, flavorful bite every time.
Ingredients and Preparation for Peach Upside Down Cake
Essential Ingredients for Peach Upside Down Cake
The key to an unforgettable peach upside down cake is using perfectly ripe, juicy peaches. When in season, fresh peaches deliver unbeatable flavor and texture. You’ll need about three large ripe peaches, thinly sliced into elegant half-moon shapes. For the caramelized topping, a combination of unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar creates that golden, glossy finish when the cake is flipped.
The cake batter itself is wonderfully simple and comes together with basic pantry staples: unsalted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and a touch of yogurt. The yogurt keeps the crumb tender and moist while balancing the sweetness from the peaches.
Preparing the Pan and Layering the Peaches
Proper pan preparation ensures your peach upside down cake releases beautifully after baking. Begin by lining the bottom of a 9-inch round springform pan with parchment paper and thoroughly greasing both the paper and the sides of the pan. This step is crucial to prevent sticking when you invert the cake.
Next, arrange the thinly sliced peaches in a spiral pattern starting from the center. Slightly overlapping the slices helps create a full, seamless layer of fruit that will look stunning once flipped. Make sure there are no gaps, as the cake batter can seep through, affecting the presentation. Once the peaches are perfectly arranged, prepare to pour in your cake batter.
Print
Peach Upside Down Cake
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
With caramelized peaches and a tender vanilla crumb, this Peach Upside Down Cake is a simple yet stunning dessert perfect for summer gatherings and family celebrations.
Ingredients
- 3 large ripe peaches, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for topping)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for batter)
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar (for batter)
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar (for batter)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and grease well.
- Prepare topping: In a saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter, stir in 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Pour into prepared pan and arrange sliced peaches in a spiral pattern.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream 1/2 cup butter with 2/3 cup granulated sugar and 1/3 cup brown sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. In alternating batches, mix in dry ingredients and milk-yogurt mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Do not overmix.
- Gently pour batter over peach layer and smooth top. Bake 30–40 minutes until golden brown and toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool completely in pan. Run a knife around edges, then invert onto serving plate to reveal caramelized peach topping.
Notes
For extra flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon to the batter. Substitute nectarines, plums, or apples when peaches aren’t in season.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: peach upside down cake, summer dessert, fruit cake, easy baking, caramelized peaches
Mixing and Baking the Peach Upside Down Cake
Creating the Cake Batter
The batter for peach upside down cake is simple yet produces a tender, moist crumb every time. Begin by creaming the unsalted butter with both granulated and brown sugar. Beat the mixture on medium-high speed until it becomes light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, helping create that tender texture.
Next, add the vanilla extract and beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt. Alternately add the dry mixture and the milk-yogurt combination to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix only until the flour streaks disappear; over-mixing can make the cake dense instead of light.
Baking and Inverting the Cake
Carefully pour the batter over the peach layer, smoothing the top gently so the fruit design stays intact. Bake the cake in a preheated 350°F oven for 30 to 40 minutes. The cake is ready when it turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Cooling ensures the fruit layer firms up and releases cleanly. Before unmolding, run a knife around the edges to loosen any stuck spots. Then, confidently invert the cake onto your serving platter, revealing the stunning caramelized peach topping. The result is a glossy, picture-perfect dessert ready for any occasion.
Serving, Storing, and Customizing Peach Upside Down Cake
Best Ways to Serve Peach Upside Down Cake
Peach upside down cake shines brightest when served at room temperature, allowing the flavors to fully develop. I love presenting it on a simple white cake stand, letting the glossy peach top take center stage. For an extra indulgent touch, serve each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess pairs beautifully with the caramelized peaches and moist vanilla cake.
This cake is versatile for any gathering—from casual backyard barbecues to elegant summer dinner parties. Its beautiful presentation requires no additional decoration, making it a simple yet stunning dessert to serve anytime.
Storing and Variations to Try
Peach upside down cake stores wonderfully. Keep leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerated for up to 3 days. Before serving leftovers, allow the cake to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften the texture and enhance the flavor.
You can easily customize this cake to suit your tastes. Try adding a touch of ground cinnamon or cardamom to the batter for a warm spice note. If peaches aren’t in season, substitute with nectarines, plums, or even thinly sliced apples. The simple upside-down technique works beautifully with a variety of fruits, making this a flexible year-round dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peach Upside Down Cake
How long to cook peach upside-down cake?
Bake the peach upside down cake at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes. The cake is ready when it turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist and tender.
Why is my upside-down cake soggy?
A soggy upside down cake often results from using overly juicy fruit or underbaking. Make sure to use ripe but firm peaches and bake until fully set. Allow the cake to cool completely before inverting, which helps prevent excess moisture from pooling.
What kind of pan is best for upside-down cake?
A 9-inch round springform pan works best for upside-down cakes. The removable sides make it easier to release the cake cleanly after flipping. If using a regular pan, ensure it’s thoroughly greased and lined with parchment paper for easy release.
Can you substitute fresh peaches for canned peaches?
Yes, you can substitute fresh peaches for canned peaches. Fresh peaches offer better flavor and texture when in season. If using canned, drain them well to avoid excess liquid that could make the cake soggy.
Conclusion
Peach upside down cake is one of those desserts that feels special without requiring complicated techniques. With caramelized peaches, tender vanilla cake, and a stunning presentation, it’s perfect for any summer gathering. This simple recipe has become a family favorite in my Chicago kitchen — just like my grandmother always intended — and I’m thrilled to share it with you. Whether you serve it warm with ice cream or at room temperature with coffee, this cake guarantees smiles at every table.
👉 I hope you enjoyed making this Peach Upside Down Cake. If you’re looking for another delicious peach dessert, don’t miss our Heavenly Summer Peach Bars — a buttery, tender crust layered with sweet, juicy peaches, perfect for any summer occasion.
Or check out these fun and tasty Mini Pancake Bites with Fresh Fruit Syrup for a playful breakfast or brunch option — light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh fruit flavor.