This Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake combines the sweetness of ripe peaches with the rich flavors of bourbon caramel and a moist, tender cake. It’s a delightful dessert with a stunning presentation, perfect for summer occasions or special events. The bourbon caramel ensures the peach slices stay in place, creating an elegant and flavorful topping. This cake is a unique twist on the classic upside-down cake, making it a must-try.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the cake:
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4-5 peaches, cored and cut into wedges (leave the skin on)
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1 stick butter (8 tablespoons)
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1¼ cups sugar
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3 eggs
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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¼ cup almond flour
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3 tbsp bourbon
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½ tsp cinnamon
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½ tsp vanilla
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1 tsp baking powder
For the bourbon caramel:
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¼ cup water
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½ cup sugar
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1 tbsp bourbon
Directions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Prepare the Cake Pan: Line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper and butter the paper.
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Arrange the Peaches: Arrange the sliced peaches over the parchment paper, starting at the center and working outward. Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon over the peaches.
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Make the Caramel: In a saucepan, combine ¼ cup of water and ½ cup sugar. Heat over medium-high heat without stirring until it turns light brown (about 10-15 minutes). Remove from heat and quickly add 1 tablespoon of bourbon. Pour the caramel evenly over the peaches.
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Make the Cake Batter: Beat the butter and ¾ cup of sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, then beat in vanilla and 2 tablespoons of bourbon.
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Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon. Gradually add this mixture into the batter, beating until just combined.
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Bake: Pour the batter over the peaches and smooth the surface. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick or knife comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for 15-30 minutes before turning it out onto a plate. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrients (Per Slice)
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Calories: 310 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 40g
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Protein: 4g
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Fat: 15g
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Saturated Fat: 8g
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Cholesterol: 60mg
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Sodium: 170mg
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Potassium: 160mg
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 30g
The Peaches: Sweet and Tender
The heart of this cake lies in the peaches, which bring a juicy, natural sweetness that complements the richness of the bourbon caramel. For the best results, use ripe, juicy peaches that will caramelize beautifully as the cake bakes. The skin is left on for extra flavor and texture, and the peaches are sliced into wedges, arranged beautifully in the cake pan.
The peaches are seasoned with a little cinnamon, which enhances their natural sweetness and adds a hint of spice. As the cake bakes, the peaches soften and become even more flavorful, their sweetness melding perfectly with the warm caramel sauce below.
The Bourbon Caramel: A Rich, Bold Flavor
The bourbon caramel is the secret ingredient that sets this cake apart from a traditional upside-down cake. The caramel is made by melting sugar with water until it turns a beautiful golden brown. Once the caramel has reached the right color, the bourbon is added, giving it a deep, smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the peaches.
The bourbon caramel creates a glossy, rich layer on top of the peaches, ensuring they stay in place and infusing each bite of cake with a burst of flavor. The warmth of the bourbon is not overpowering but provides a sophisticated contrast to the sweetness of the fruit. This bourbon-infused topping is what makes this cake so memorable, adding a unique twist to a classic dessert.
The Cake: Moist and Tender with a Hint of Almond
The cake itself is soft, moist, and perfectly light, thanks to the combination of all-purpose flour and almond flour. The almond flour adds a subtle nutty flavor and creates a slightly denser texture, which complements the softness of the peaches and the richness of the caramel. The addition of cinnamon in the batter ties together the flavors of the cake and the peaches, adding a comforting, warming spice.
The bourbon, vanilla, and butter create a luscious, aromatic base for the cake, while the eggs provide the structure and richness needed for a perfect crumb. The combination of these ingredients makes the cake incredibly tender, ensuring that each bite is satisfying without being too heavy.
Assembling the Cake: Layering for a Beautiful Finish
Assembling the cake begins with arranging the peaches in the cake pan. The peaches are placed in a beautiful circular pattern, starting from the center and working outward. A sprinkle of cinnamon adds a touch of warmth and helps to bring out the sweetness of the fruit.
Once the caramel is poured over the peaches, the cake batter is added on top, gently smoothing it out to cover the fruit. As the cake bakes, the batter rises around the peaches, creating a stunning upside-down cake with a glossy, caramelized top.
Baking the Cake: Golden and Perfectly Cooked
Bake the cake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes. The cake is ready when it’s golden brown on top, and a toothpick or knife inserted into the center comes out clean. As the cake bakes, the bourbon caramel slowly soaks into the batter, infusing it with rich flavor while the peaches become tender and golden.
It’s essential to let the cake cool for 15-30 minutes before flipping it out of the pan, as this allows the caramel to set slightly, preventing it from spilling everywhere when you turn the cake over.
Serving the Cake: Elegant and Delicious
Once cooled, the Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake is flipped onto a serving plate, revealing the stunning caramelized peaches arranged beautifully on top. The result is a dessert that’s both visually striking and deliciously flavorful.
This cake is best served warm, allowing the flavors of the caramel and peaches to shine. You can garnish with fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar for a little extra elegance. This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a dollop of mascarpone cheese for added richness.
Conclusion
Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake is a luxurious, comforting dessert that takes a classic favorite and elevates it with the bold flavors of bourbon caramel and the sweetness of ripe peaches. The combination of a moist, tender cake with a caramelized peach topping is a treat for the senses, offering a beautiful presentation and an unforgettable flavor profile. Perfect for special occasions or as a treat to enjoy at home, this cake is sure to impress with its richness, sophistication, and irresistible taste. Whether you serve it as the centerpiece of a summer gathering or as a comforting dessert for family and friends, the Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake is bound to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.