This Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake is a delightful dessert that perfectly balances the rich flavor of bourbon caramel with juicy peaches and fluffy cake. Ideal for gatherings, celebrations, or a cozy night in, this recipe promises to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this cake can be prepared by bakers of all skill levels.
- Flavor Explosion: The unique blend of bourbon and peaches creates a deliciously rich taste that is hard to resist.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for summer barbecues or fall gatherings, this cake pairs wonderfully with ice cream or whipped cream.
- Impressive Presentation: The beautiful peach topping makes for an eye-catching centerpiece on any dessert table.
- Moist Texture: The combination of all-purpose and almond flour ensures a moist and tender crumb in every slice.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake, you’ll need some essential tools that will help you create this delicious treat effortlessly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9-inch cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- 9-inch cake pan: A sturdy cake pan ensures even baking and prevents spills during the cooking process.
- Parchment paper: Using parchment helps in easy removal of the cake after baking, keeping your beautiful peach topping intact.
- Mixing bowls: Having different sizes allows for better organization when preparing ingredients separately.
- Spatula: A good spatula helps in smoothly spreading the batter over the peaches, ensuring an even bake.
Ingredients
For the Peaches
- 4-5 peaches, cored and cut into wedges (leave the skin on)
For the Caramel & Cake Batter
- 1 stick butter (8 tablespoons)
- 1 1/4 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 3 tbsp bourbon
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp baking powder
How to Make Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot enough when you’re ready to bake.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Pan
Line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper and butter the paper thoroughly. This will help prevent sticking during baking.
Step 3: Arrange the Peaches
Arrange the peach wedges over the parchment paper in a circular pattern starting from the center. Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon evenly over the peaches.
Step 4: Make the Caramel
To create the caramel:
1. Combine 1/4 cup water with 1/2 cup sugar in a saucepan.
2. Stir gently to mix, then heat over medium-high heat without stirring until it turns light brown (about 10-15 minutes).
3. Remove from heat, quickly add 1 tablespoon bourbon, and pour it evenly over the arranged peaches.
Step 5: Prepare the Cake Batter
In a mixing bowl:
1. Beat together 1 stick butter and 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
2. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Beat in 1/2 tsp vanilla and 2 tbsp bourbon.
Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl:
1. Whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup almond flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and remaining 1/4 tsp cinnamon.
2. Slowly beat this dry mixture into the wet batter until just combined.
Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter over the peaches in your prepared pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Allow your Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake to cool for about 15-30 minutes before turning it out onto a serving plate. Enjoy!
How to Serve Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake
Serving your Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake can elevate any occasion, making it both delightful and memorable. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.
Pair with Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice that complements the warm cake and adds a creamy texture.
- Bourbon Caramel Swirl: Drizzle this over the cake for an extra kick of flavor that matches the bourbon notes in the cake.
Add Fresh Berries
- Raspberries: Their tartness balances the sweetness of the cake beautifully.
- Blueberries: Serve alongside or on top for a pop of color and flavor.
Serve with Whipped Cream
- Sweetened Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it provides a perfect contrast to the dense cake.
- Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Infuse it with cinnamon for added warmth and spice.
Drizzle with Caramel Sauce
- Homemade Caramel: Make your own for an indulgent touch that enhances the bourbon caramel flavors.
- Store-bought Sauce: Quick and easy, it still adds a delicious layer of sweetness.
How to Perfect Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake
To ensure your Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake turns out perfectly, follow these helpful tips.
- Use ripe peaches: Select peaches that are ripe but firm for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t stir the caramel: Allowing it to cook without stirring creates a smooth, even caramel sauce.
- Check doneness: Use a toothpick to test if it’s cooked through; it should come out clean from the center.
- Cool before serving: Letting the cake cool allows flavors to meld and makes it easier to slice.
Best Side Dishes for Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:
- Grilled Chicken Salad: A light salad with grilled chicken offers a savory contrast to the sweet dessert.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies add earthiness and balance out the sweetness of the cake.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide both savory and creamy elements that complement dessert flavors.
- Crisp Green Salad: Fresh greens dressed lightly can cleanse the palate after rich bites of cake.
- Savory Cornbread: This slightly sweet bread pairs well with fruity desserts like this upside-down cake.
- Spiced Nuts: Crunchy, spiced nuts offer texture and a hint of saltiness that works well against sweet dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can lead to a dense cake. Always bring your ingredients to room temperature for the best texture.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too long can make the cake tough. Mix until just combined to ensure a light and fluffy outcome.
- Skipping the parchment paper: Not using parchment can cause sticking. Always line your pan with parchment for easy removal.
- Not measuring accurately: Improper measurements can ruin your cake. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
- Ignoring the cooling time: Cutting into the cake too soon can lead to crumbling. Allow it to cool sufficiently before inverting.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The cake will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 30 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake:
Can I use canned peaches for this Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake?
Yes, you can use canned peaches, but fresh peaches will provide better flavor and texture.
What is the best way to serve Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake?
Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful treat.
How do I prevent my Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake from sticking?
Always line your pan with parchment paper and grease it well before adding the batter.
Can I customize this Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake recipe?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, swap peaches for other fruits, or adjust the amount of bourbon according to your taste.
Final Thoughts
Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake is a deliciously comforting dessert that pairs sweet caramelized peaches with moist cake. This recipe is versatile; feel free to customize it with different fruits or flavors. Give it a try and enjoy this delightful combination at your next gathering!
Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake
Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake is a heavenly dessert that marries the rich flavors of bourbon caramel with juicy peaches and a fluffy cake base. Perfect for any occasion, this cake dazzles with its impressive presentation and delightful taste, making it a favorite at gatherings, celebrations, or cozy nights in. The combination of textures—from the tender fruit topping to the moist cake—ensures every bite is a delicious experience. Easy to make with just a handful of ingredients, this recipe is ideal for bakers of all skill levels looking to impress family and friends with a comforting yet elegant treat.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
Ingredients
- 4–5 peaches, cored and cut into wedges
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter
- 1 ¼ cups sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup almond flour
- 3 tablespoons bourbon
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper and grease it.
- Arrange peach wedges in the pan and sprinkle with cinnamon.
- For caramel, combine water and sugar in a saucepan; cook until light brown. Add bourbon and pour over peaches.
- In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy; add eggs one at a time along with vanilla and bourbon.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, almond flour, baking powder, and remaining cinnamon. Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet mixture.
- Pour batter over peaches and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool for 15-30 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Use ripe but firm peaches for best flavor. Allow caramel to cook undisturbed for smoothness. Customize by adding nuts or trying different fruits.
