If you have a soft spot for comforting desserts that combine juicy fruit with tender cake, you’re going to absolutely adore this Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake Recipe. It’s an inviting twist on classic cobbler and cake, layering sweet, spiced peaches beneath a moist, cinnamon-kissed crumb topping. This dessert’s beautiful presentation, with caramelized peaches shining through the golden cake, makes it perfect for any occasion—from casual family dinners to festive celebrations. Get ready to fall completely in love with the warmth and nostalgia packed into every bite of this Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake Recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake Recipe lies in its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients that each bring a special touch. From the buttery crumble that adds a satisfying crunch, to the fragrant spices that highlight the peaches’ natural sweetness, every element works together to create harmony in flavor and texture.
- Salted butter, melted and softened: Provides richness and moisture, essential for both the crumble topping and silky cake crumb.
- All-purpose flour and cake flour: These two flours balance tenderness and structure in the cake’s texture.
- Light brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes, perfect for enhancing the peaches’ sweetness and creating the crumble’s toasty flavor.
- Raw sugar (optional): Sprinkled on top for an extra crunchy texture and sparkle.
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves: These warm spices infuse the peaches and cake with cozy, inviting aromas.
- Medium peaches, sliced: The star ingredient with juicy, fragrant flesh that caramelizes beautifully under the cake.
- Baking powder and baking soda: The leavening agents that help the cake rise to light, fluffy perfection.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist without weighing it down.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake batter and contributes to a tender crumb.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness to the batter.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor profile with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Full-fat sour cream: Adds slight tanginess and tender crumb texture to the cake.
- Milk (2% or whole): Balances the batter’s moisture, making sure it bakes up soft but structured.
- Heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract (for whipped cream): Whipped into clouds of creaminess that beautifully finish this dessert.
How to Make Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350℉ (175℃). While it’s warming up, butter a 9-inch cake pan generously, then spray it with nonstick spray to ensure a smooth release later when you invert the cake. This upfront step means your Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake Recipe won’t stick and will come out looking picture-perfect every time.
Step 2: Prepare the Peaches
In a bowl, toss your sliced medium peaches with 3 tablespoons of light brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. This simple spice-sugar combo brings out their natural juiciness and creates a beautifully caramelized base for your cake. Then, arrange the spiced peaches in concentric circles at the bottom of your cake pan, making sure every piece gets some love and a chance to shine once the cake is flipped.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Layer
Combine 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons raw sugar (if using), 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl. Mix until it forms a crumbly texture, reminiscent of a streusel. This crumble will bake on top of the cake, adding an irresistible crunch and a touch of rich, buttery sweetness that complements the tender peaches beneath.
Step 4: Prepare the Cake Batter
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cup plus 1 1/2 tablespoons cake flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 3/8 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves. These spices spread throughout the batter will echo the warm flavors of the fruit topping.
In a large mixing bowl, cream 1/4 cup softened butter with 3 tablespoons vegetable oil and 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 1 large egg, followed by 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and 1/4 cup full-fat sour cream for richness and moisture. Alternately add the dry ingredients and 1/2 cup milk, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter and keep the cake tender.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cake batter evenly over your arranged peaches in the prepared pan. Then sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly on top of the batter for that signature crunchy-but-soft topping. Bake for 42 to 49 minutes—test by inserting a toothpick in the center, and when it comes out with moist crumbs, it’s perfectly baked. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before you carefully invert it onto a serving plate. This final move reveals your stunning upside down peaches, glistening and caramelized.
Step 6: Whip the Cream
To complete this show-stopping dessert, whip 1/2 cup cold heavy cream with 3 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and a pinch of nutmeg until stiff peaks form. This softly spiced whipped cream adds an airy, decadent layer of flavor to each slice.
How to Serve Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Serving your Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake Recipe with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream is heavenly, of course. For a little extra flair, try sprinkling some cinnamon or finely chopped toasted pecans or almonds on top. A fresh sprig of mint also brings a fresh contrast that elevates presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This cake shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an extra indulgent touch. If you want to balance the richness, offering a light fruit salad or a simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette adds a refreshing counterpoint to the warm spices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a delightful twist at brunch or a party, cut the cake into mini squares and serve on small plates topped with fresh peach slices and a drizzle of honey or caramel sauce. Another fun idea is to serve it in individual ramekins to make each portion feel special and personal. This dessert also works beautifully as a layered trifle with whipped cream and fresh peaches for something unexpected and fabulous.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is warm, keeping it in the refrigerator will help maintain freshness and prevent the peaches from becoming too soft.
Freezing
You can freeze slices of this cake by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw slices overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat your cake gently by warming a slice in the microwave for about 20 seconds, or warm in a low oven (300℉) for 10-15 minutes to bring back that freshly baked flavor and softness. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream to revive the full, luscious experience.
FAQs
Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?
Fresh peaches work best in this recipe for their natural sweetness and texture, but canned peaches can be used in a pinch. Be sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could affect the cake’s consistency.
What if I don’t have cake flour? Can I substitute all-purpose flour?
You can substitute cake flour with all-purpose flour by removing 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour per cup and replacing it with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. This helps mimic the lighter texture of cake flour for your Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake Recipe.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Use a toothpick inserted in the center; when it comes out with moist crumbs but no raw batter, your cake is perfectly baked. Remember, the crumble topping will brown nicely, which is another visual cue.
Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?
This recipe relies on butter, sour cream, and heavy cream for its signature richness, but you can experiment with vegan butter, plant-based sour cream, and coconut cream. Results might vary, especially in texture, but it’s definitely possible to make a delicious vegan version.
Is the whipped cream necessary for the recipe?
While the whipped cream adds a lovely lightness and a contrast to the warm cake, the Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake Recipe is wonderful on its own. The whipped cream is an optional delicious finishing touch.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and this Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake Recipe does just that. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy family night or to impress guests with a stunning homemade dessert, it’s sure to become a beloved favorite. So dive in, get those peaches ready, and prepare for some serious scrumptiousness. Happy baking!
Print
Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake combines the classic flavors of a peach cobbler with the indulgent texture of a moist cake. Fresh peach slices are spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar, arranged at the bottom of the pan, and topped with a tender cake batter and buttery crumble. Baked to perfection and inverted to reveal a beautiful peach topping, it’s finished with a dollop of homemade spiced whipped cream for a delightful treat perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Peach Topping
- 3 medium peaches, sliced
- 3 tbsp light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
Crumble Layer
- 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp raw sugar (optional)
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon
Cake Batter
- 1 1/4 cup + 1 1/2 tbsp cake flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/8 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- Pinch ground cloves
- 1/4 cup salted butter, softened
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup full-fat sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk (2% or whole)
Whipped Cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, cold
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) to prepare for baking your cake.
- Prepare Pan: Butter a 9-inch cake pan thoroughly and spray it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Peaches: Toss the sliced peaches with the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well coated.
- Arrange Peaches: Place the peach slices in concentric circles on the bottom of the prepared cake pan for an even and attractive layer.
- Make the Crumble Layer: In a bowl, combine melted butter, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, raw sugar (if using), salt, and cinnamon. Mix until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves to ensure even distribution of leavening and spices.
- Cream Butter and Oil: In a large bowl, beat together softened butter and vegetable oil until smooth, then add the granulated sugar and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, then mix in sour cream and vanilla extract for moisture and flavor.
- Combine Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Assemble Cake: Pour the prepared cake batter evenly over the arranged peaches in the pan.
- Add Crumble Topping: Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the batter to create a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Bake the cake for 42 to 49 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool and Invert: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate so the peach layer is on top.
- Make Whipped Cream: Beat the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of nutmeg until stiff peaks form.
- Final Cooling: Allow the cake to cool for an additional 20 minutes before slicing to set the texture.
- Serve: Serve the cake warm or chilled, topped with a generous dollop of the spiced whipped cream.
Notes
- Using ripe, juicy peaches will enhance the flavor and sweetness of the cobbler.
- If fresh peaches are not in season, frozen peaches (thawed and drained) can be used as a substitute.
- The crumble topping adds a delightful crunchy texture but can be omitted if preferred.
- Make sure to allow the cake to cool slightly before inverting to prevent breaking.
- This cake is delicious served warm with whipped cream, but can also be enjoyed cold.
