If you adore the cozy, melt-in-your-mouth flavors of a classic southern dessert and enjoy a delightful twist that will wow every guest, this Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake Recipe is exactly what you need in your baking repertoire. Combining juicy, cinnamon-kissed peach slices with a tender, spiced cake and an irresistible crumbly topping, this dessert is the kind of sweet treat that feels like a warm hug. The magic happens when you flip it out of the pan, revealing those caramelized peaches glistening on top, perfectly balanced with a luscious whipped cream finish. It is a wonderful celebration of peaches that is both nostalgic and refreshingly unique.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake Recipe truly special are the simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one brings its own bit of charm—whether it’s the fragrant spices warmed through the batter or the tender cakes flour lending the perfect crumb, every component adds to the overall harmony of flavors and textures.
- Salted butter: Using butter melted for the crumble and softened for the batter ensures distinct textures and rich flavor.
- All-purpose flour: A touch creates the base for the crumble topping, giving crunch and balance.
- Light brown sugar (packed): Adds subtle molasses notes, both in the peaches and crumble, enhancing caramelization.
- Raw sugar (optional): Sprinkled on top for extra crunch if you want that bit of rustic sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves: These warm spices infuse the cake and fruit with comforting aromatic depth.
- Medium peaches: The star of the recipe, providing juicy and naturally sweet slices that caramelize beautifully.
- Cake flour: Produces a soft, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
- Baking powder and baking soda: The perfect pairing to give your cake a nice lift.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and delicate.
- Granulated sugar and powdered sugar: For sweetness in the batter and the whipped cream topping.
- Egg, sour cream, vanilla extract: Bring richness, moisture, and fragrant notes to the cake batter.
- Milk (2% or whole) and heavy cream: Essential for tenderizing the batter and creating the whipped cream fluffiness.
How to Make Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Start things off right by preheating your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Then butter a 9-inch cake pan generously, and give it a light spray of nonstick spray to make sure the cake releases beautifully after baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Peaches
Take your peach slices and toss them gently with light brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. This sweet-spice coating will caramelize in the oven, creating the heart of our Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake Recipe. Arrange the peaches in concentric circles at the bottom of your pan for an eye-catching presentation once flipped.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Layer
Mix the melted butter, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, a bit of raw sugar, salt, and cinnamon until the mixture becomes crumbly. This crumble will bake atop the cake, adding irresistible texture and a complementary sweet crunch.
Step 4: Prepare the Cake Batter
In one bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves—this blend of spices adds complexity and warmth. In another large bowl, cream the softened butter and vegetable oil together until smooth, then beat in granulated sugar until fluffy and light. Add the egg, sour cream, and vanilla next, mixing well.
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients alternated with milk. Be gentle—mix just until combined to keep your cake tender and moist. Overmixing could make it dense, and we want every bite soft and dreamy.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour that beautiful batter right over the arranged peaches in the pan. Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the top, ensuring every bite has a hint of that buttery crunch. Bake for 42 to 49 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Cool and Invert
Patience now—let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to let it set slightly. Then invert it carefully onto a serving plate to reveal the stunning peach topping. This step is where the magic of the Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake Recipe truly shines.
Step 7: Whip the Cream
For the crowning touch, whip together cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of nutmeg until stiff peaks form. The spiced whipped cream adds a creamy richness that complements the warm cake in perfect harmony.
Step 8: Serve
Let the cake cool a little more, about 20 minutes, before slicing. Serve warm or chilled with a generous dollop of the spiced whipped cream for a truly unforgettable dessert experience.
How to Serve Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Presentation is part of the joy. Fresh peach slices, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a few toasted pecans can add extra flair to your slices. A small mint leaf can also brighten the look and introduce a fresh contrast to the warm spices.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with fruity accompaniments—think fresh berries or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. For a grown-up twist, a drizzle of bourbon caramel sauce alongside can elevate this peachy delight to an indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving mini versions in individual ramekins to wow guests at your next gathering, or layer thin slices of the cake with whipped cream and peach compote in a trifle dish for a stunning layered dessert variation. The Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake Recipe’s versatility makes it perfect for both casual family dinners and elegant celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert for busy days.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this cake freezes nicely. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil before placing in a freezer-safe bag. It’s best enjoyed within 2 months to preserve that fresh-peach goodness.
Reheating
To reheat, bring slices to room temperature first and warm gently in a microwave or low oven (about 300℉). Add a fresh dollop of whipped cream after warming to revive that just-made feel.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen peaches can work if fresh ones aren’t available, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could make the cake soggy.
What is the best type of cake flour to use?
Look for light cake flour without bleach for the fluffiest texture. If you don’t have cake flour, you can substitute with all-purpose flour minus 2 tablespoons per cup for similar results.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap out butter for a dairy-free margarine and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for whipping. For sour cream, try a plant-based yogurt alternative to keep that tangy moisture.
Why do we invert the cake after baking?
Inverting reveals the caramelized peaches on top, giving the cake its signature appearance and juicy fruit layer that makes this Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake Recipe truly special.
Is this cake better served warm or chilled?
Both are wonderful! Warm slices with whipped cream feel comforting and cozy, while chilled cake offers a refreshing take, perfect for warmer days.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough that you try making this Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake Recipe soon. It’s a beautiful blend of nostalgic flavors with an exciting twist, sure to become a family favorite or a show-stopping dessert at any gathering. Baking it fills your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas, and sharing it creates lasting smiles around the table. Trust me, once you experience biting into that tender, spice-kissed cake topped with luscious caramelized peaches and fresh whipped cream, you’ll be hooked.
Print
Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 49 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 9 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Peach Cobbler Upside Down Cake is a delightful fusion of caramelized peaches and tender cake, topped with a buttery crumble layer and served with homemade whipped cream. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this dessert combines fruity sweetness with warm spices for a comforting treat that’s ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Peach Layer
- 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 the oven to 350℉ (175℃) to prepare for baking the cake evenly.
- Prepare Pan: Butter a 9-inch cake pan and spray with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Peaches: Toss sliced peaches with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to coat them with spices and sweetness.
- Arrange Peaches: Place the peach slices in concentric circles at the bottom of the prepared cake pan for even fruit distribution.
- Make the Crumble Layer: Combine melted butter, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, raw sugar (optional), salt, and cinnamon, mixing until the mixture is crumbly and evenly blended.
- Mix Dry Ingredients for Cake: In a separate bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves to evenly distribute leavening and spices.
- Cream Butter and Oil: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and vegetable oil together, then add granulated sugar and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender crumb.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract until well combined for moisture and flavor.
- Combine Batter: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients alternately with milk, mixing just until combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the cake light.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour the prepared cake batter over the arranged peaches in the pan, ensuring an even layer over the fruit.
- Add Crumble Topping: Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the cake batter to form a crunchy top layer after baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 42–49 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs, indicating the cake is done.
- Cool and Invert: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert it onto a serving plate so the peaches are on top, creating the upside-down effect.
- Make Whipped Cream: Beat cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and nutmeg until stiff peaks form to provide a creamy topping.
- Final Cooling: Let the cake cool for an additional 20 minutes before slicing to set the structure.
- Serve: Serve the cake warm or chilled with a dollop of freshly made whipped cream for added richness.
Notes
- Use ripe peaches for the best flavor and sweetness.
- The raw sugar in the crumble layer adds a subtle crunchy texture, but it’s optional.
- Be careful not to overmix the cake batter to keep the cake tender and moist.
- Chilling the whipped cream bowl and beaters before whipping helps achieve stiffer peaks.
- This cake is best enjoyed within 2 days but can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
