Peach Upside Down Cake Recipe

PUBLISHED August 15, 2025· MODIFIED August 15, 2025 · by the author listed in the recipe card 1397 words. · About 7 minutes to read this article.· This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases· Leave a Comment

If you’re looking for a perfect summer dessert that showcases the sweet and juicy flavor of peaches, look no further than this Peach Upside-Down Cake! This easy-to-make treat offers a beautifully caramelized peach topping over a moist and tender cake.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Dessert

Bursting with Flavor. The fresh, sweet peaches caramelize beautifully with brown sugar and butter, creating a sticky, irresistible topping.
Simple Ingredients. You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, and the steps are straightforward for even beginner bakers.
Versatile. You can easily swap out peaches for other fruits like pineapple or plums to suit your preference.
Make-Ahead Friendly. This cake can be made ahead of time and stored, making it a great option for parties or gatherings.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, attending a potluck, or just craving a fruity dessert, this peach upside-down cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why Is It Called Peach Upside Down Cake?

Peach Upside Down Cake gets its name from the way it’s prepared and served. The cake is baked with a layer of peach slices arranged on the bottom of the pan, usually covered with a buttery, sugary caramel. After baking, the cake is flipped or inverted onto a serving plate, which brings the caramelized peaches to the top, creating the “upside down” effect.

This technique originated with other fruit-based upside-down cakes, most notably pineapple, but has since been adapted to a variety of fruits, including peaches. The result is a moist, tender cake with a beautifully caramelized fruit topping that’s visually striking and delicious!

What Does Peach Upside Down Cake Taste Like?

Peach upside-down cakes are not only visually stunning but also delicious. The combination of tender cake and the caramelized, syrupy peach topping creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

The fresh peaches paired with a hint of vanilla and buttery brown sugar take this cake to the next level.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Fresh Peaches- You can use fresh or canned peaches, but fresh peaches give the best flavor and texture.
Brown Sugar– Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.
Unsalted Butter– Helps create that perfect caramelized peach topping.
All-Purpose Flour– Creates the base of the cake, making it fluffy and light.
Baking Powder– Ensures the cake rises properly.
Sugar– Sweetens the cake layer and complements the peaches.
Eggs– Binds the cake together and gives it structure.
Milk– Adds moisture to the cake, creating a tender crumb.
Vanilla Extract– Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle, sweet aroma.

How To Make Peach Upside Down Cake

Prepare the Peach Topping. In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring until smooth and caramel-like. Pour the mixture into the bottom of a greased loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Arrange the sliced peaches in a single layer over the brown sugar mixture, covering the entire bottom of the pan.
Make the Cake Batter. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, cream the sugar and butter together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined.
Assemble and Bake. Pour the cake batter over the peach topping in the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Invert and Serve. Once baked, allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Carefully run a knife around the edges of the cake to loosen it. Place a serving plate upside down over the pan, then invert the cake onto the plate. Let the cake rest for a few minutes to allow the topping to settle. Slice and serve warm!

Tips And Tricks

Making this Peach Upside-Down Cake is a breeze, but these tips will help ensure that you get the best results every time:

Use Ripe Peaches. Make sure to use ripe, firm peaches for the best flavor and texture. If your peaches are too soft, they may release too much liquid during baking.
Caramelize the Topping. When cooking the brown sugar and butter, ensure it turns into a smooth caramel-like consistency for the best flavor.
Let the Cake Rest. After baking, allow the cake to cool slightly before flipping it to ensure the topping sets and doesn’t run everywhere.

Variations

If you’re feeling creative, here are some fun variations to try with your Peach Upside-Down Cake:

Pineapple- Swap the peaches for pineapple rings and top each ring with a maraschino cherry for a tropical twist.
Berry- Add blueberries or raspberries to the peach topping for a colorful and fruity variation.
Spiced- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter to bring a warm, spiced flavor that complements the peaches beautifully.

What To Enjoy With Peach Upside Down Cake?

This cake is perfectly delicious on its own, but here are some ideas to make it even more delightful:

Whipped Cream– A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the rich cake.
Vanilla Ice Cream– Serve the warm cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing that’s hard to resist.
Fresh Mint– Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a burst of color and a refreshing flavor contrast.

How Long Does It Last?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake for up to 4 days.

Bring it to room temperature before serving or reheat it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes! You can freeze Peach Upside-Down Cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

When ready to enjoy, let the cake thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before serving.

More Perfect Peach Recipes

Pin It!

If you love this Peach Upside Down Cake recipe as much as we do, make sure you share it with your friends on Facebook and Instagram so they can try it too! Don’t forget to Pin it so you can make it again soon.