Description
This Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring juicy peaches caramelized with a hint of bourbon and warm cinnamon, all baked under a rich, buttery cake batter made with a blend of all-purpose and almond flours. The cake is crowned with a golden caramel glaze that enhances the fruit’s natural sweetness, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Layer
- 4–5 peaches, cored and cut into wedges, skin on
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon bourbon (for caramel)
Cake Batter
- 1 stick butter (8 tablespoons), softened
- 1 1/4 cup sugar (divided as 3/4 cup and 1/2 cup in caramel)
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 3 tablespoons bourbon (total, divided 1 Tbsp caramel + 2 Tbsp batter)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (divided as 1/4 tsp for fruit and 1/4 tsp for batter)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature before you start baking.
- Prepare Cake Pan: Line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper and butter the paper thoroughly. Avoid using a springform pan for stability during baking.
- Arrange Peaches: Place the peach wedges neatly over the parchment paper, starting from the center and working outward in a circular pattern. Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon evenly over the arranged peaches.
- Make Caramel: Combine 1/4 cup water with 1/2 cup sugar in a saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat without stirring, letting the sugar dissolve and caramelize until it turns a light brown color, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat, quickly stir in 1 tablespoon bourbon, and pour the caramel evenly over the peaches in the pan.
- Prepare Cake Batter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 3/4 cup sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Incorporate vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons bourbon into the mixture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet batter, mixing slowly to combine without overmixing.
- Assemble Cake: Pour the batter evenly over the caramel-coated peaches in the pan. Smooth the top gently with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 15-30 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate so the caramelized peaches are on top. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm peaches to hold their shape during cooking.
- Be cautious when making caramel; avoid stirring to prevent crystallization.
- Butter should be softened, not melted, for the batter.
- The almond flour adds moisture and a subtle nutty flavor; you can omit it and replace with equal all-purpose flour if needed.
- Ensure to cool the cake sufficiently before inverting to prevent sticking.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Bourbon peach cake, upside-down cake, caramel peach dessert, bourbon dessert, peach cake recipe