Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake is a stunning dessert that combines the irresistible sweetness of peaches, the rich depth of bourbon caramel, and the fluffiness of a homemade cake. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or just craving a decadent treat, this cake offers an unforgettable flavor experience. With every bite, you get a perfect balance of sweet, warm, and tangy flavors. The peaches not only add a beautiful golden hue but also a smooth texture that pairs perfectly with the indulgent bourbon caramel topping.
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Why You’ll Love This Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake
This Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake is not only visually stunning, but it also offers an exceptional combination of flavors. The richness of the bourbon-infused caramel enhances the natural sweetness of the peaches, while the fluffy, moist cake underneath serves as a perfect base. It’s easy to make, elegant enough for special occasions, and the bourbon adds a delightful twist that makes it stand out from traditional upside-down cakes. Plus, the peaches’ skin remains intact, ensuring a beautiful presentation when you flip the cake!
Key Ingredients for Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake
- Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are the star of this recipe. Their sweetness and tender flesh make them perfect for baking, while their skin stays intact for a lovely appearance.
- Sugar: Essential for creating the delicious bourbon caramel that holds the peaches in place, giving the cake its signature sweet and sticky texture.
- Almond Flour: Paired with all-purpose flour, almond flour adds moisture to the cake, lending it a subtle nutty flavor and keeping it soft.
- Vanilla Extract: This common ingredient enhances the flavor profile of the cake batter, complementing the natural sweetness of the peaches.
- Cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon is added to both the cake and the peaches, giving the dessert a warm, inviting flavor.
- Bourbon: The key element for making the rich caramel. The bourbon adds a smoky, complex flavor that elevates the overall taste of the cake.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you are looking to make this Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. For a more nutty flavor, try substituting the almond flour with coconut flour. If you’re not a fan of bourbon, you can opt for rum or vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch cake pan by lining it with parchment paper and buttering the paper.
- Arrange the Peaches: Start by arranging the thinly sliced peaches in a circular pattern, beginning from the center of the cake pan and working your way outwards. Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon over the peaches to add warmth and depth.
- Make the Caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine ¼ cup of water and ½ cup of sugar. Stir the mixture and heat over medium-high until it turns a light amber color (about 10-15 minutes). Be sure to watch the caramel closely as it can burn quickly. Once it reaches the right color, remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of bourbon. Pour the caramel evenly over the peaches.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 stick (8 tablespoons) of butter with ¾ cup sugar until light and fluffy. Add in 3 eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons bourbon for extra flavor.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup almond flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon. Gradually add this mixture into the wet ingredients, beating until smooth.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the cake batter over the caramelized peaches, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly based on your oven and the consistency of the caramel.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15-30 minutes before gently flipping it over onto a plate to reveal the gorgeous caramelized peach topping. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake
- Use the Right Pan: Always use a cake pan, not a springform pan. A springform pan can cause the caramel to leak, making a mess in the oven.
- Watch the Caramel: Caramel requires close attention. Once the sugar and water mixture is heating, don’t stir it, and be sure to pull it off the heat the moment it turns amber. If you leave it too long, it could burn.
- Test for Doneness: Since the cake is baked on top of the caramel, it may need extra baking time. Always test with a toothpick to ensure the cake is fully cooked before removing it from the oven.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake is perfect on its own, but you can elevate the experience by pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a more decadent dessert, drizzle some extra bourbon caramel over the top. If you’re looking to make a version that’s slightly less sweet, try substituting some of the sugar with honey or maple syrup.
Storage and Make-Ahead Notes
You can store the Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For best results, enjoy it the same day it’s made, but it will keep its flavor even after a few days of storage. You can also prepare the caramel and cake batter in advance, then bake it just before serving for a warm, freshly baked treat.
A Perfect Summer Dessert with a Bourbon Twist
This Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake is a perfect dessert for any occasion, especially during the summer when peaches are at their peak. The combination of caramelized peaches, sweet cake, and a hint of bourbon creates an irresistible flavor profile that is sure to please. Whether you’re hosting a summer dinner or looking for a unique cake to impress your friends, this dessert will become a favorite in no time.
Conclusion
Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake is a delightful twist on a traditional dessert, blending the natural sweetness of ripe peaches with the bold, smoky flavor of bourbon caramel. The light, fluffy cake acts as the perfect base, while the peaches’ golden hue and texture shine through in every slice. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this cake is sure to impress. With its easy-to-follow recipe and versatile ingredients, it’s the kind of dessert that will become a staple in your baking repertoire. Try it today and indulge in a slice of pure heaven!
FAQ
Can I use frozen peaches for Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake?
While fresh peaches are preferred for their texture and flavor, you can use frozen peaches as a substitute. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before arranging them in the cake pan. This will help avoid excess moisture in the caramel.
How do I store leftovers of Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it, but be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Can I make Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake can be made a day ahead of time and stored at room temperature. The flavors will actually deepen overnight, and the cake will still be moist and delicious when served. Just make sure to cover it properly to keep it fresh.
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Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 cake (serves 8-10) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake combines the natural sweetness of ripe peaches with a rich, smoky bourbon caramel and a fluffy, moist cake. It’s an elegant dessert perfect for special occasions, with each bite offering a delicious balance of flavors.
Ingredients
- 4–5 peaches, cored and sliced (skin on)
- 1 stick butter (8 tablespoons)
- 1 ¼ cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup almond flour
- 3 tbsp bourbon
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch cake pan by lining it with parchment paper and buttering the paper.
- Arrange the sliced peaches in a circular pattern, starting from the center of the pan and working outwards. Sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Make the caramel by combining ¼ cup of water with ½ cup sugar in a saucepan. Heat on medium-high until the mixture turns amber, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of bourbon. Pour evenly over the peaches.
- Beat 1 stick of butter with ¾ cup of sugar until light and fluffy. Add 3 eggs, one at a time, then add 1 teaspoon of vanilla and 2 tablespoons of bourbon.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flours, baking powder, and remaining ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating until smooth.
- Pour the batter over the caramelized peaches, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for 15-30 minutes before flipping it out onto a plate.
Notes
- Always use a cake pan, not a springform pan to prevent caramel from leaking.
- Be vigilant with the caramel to avoid burning. Once it reaches amber, remove from heat immediately.
- Check the cake’s doneness with a toothpick as baking time may vary.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of the cake)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
