Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake Recipe

Irresistible Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake Recipe That Wows

Bourbon peach upside down cake changes ordinary dessert into a sultry Southern delight that whispers of summer’s sweet embrace.

Sophisticated yet rustic, this indulgent treat marries caramelized fruit with rich, spirited undertones that dance across your palate.

Soft, tender crumb meets golden-brown edges, creating a sensory experience that elevates traditional cake expectations.

Warm spices and smooth bourbon weave through delicate peach layers, promising complex flavor profiles that surprise and enchant.

Seasonal stone fruits acquire depth and complexity when paired with this spirited baking technique.

Careful preparation unlocks a dessert that speaks to comfort and culinary creativity, blending familiar ingredients with unexpected nuance.

Your taste buds will celebrate this remarkable fusion of classic technique and contemporary flair.

Why Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake Feels Warm and Wholesome

  • Caramelize Peach Perfection: The unique method of creating a caramel base with bourbon transforms ordinary peaches into a rich, glossy, and deeply flavored topping that adds sophistication to a classic cake.
  • Boozy Baking Brilliance: Adding bourbon creates a complex, warm undertone that elevates the dessert from simple to extraordinary, infusing the cake with a sophisticated adult twist that makes every bite memorable.
  • Rustic Elegance in One Pan: This upside-down cake offers a stunning visual presentation with minimal effort, allowing home bakers to create a restaurant-worthy dessert that looks impressive but requires surprisingly simple techniques.

Everything That Goes into a Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake

Fresh Fruits:
  • Peaches: Sweet summer stone fruit with vibrant flavor, best when ripe and slightly soft to touch.
Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Almond Flour: Provide structure and tender texture to the cake, blend creates a rich, complex base.
  • Baking Powder: Helps cake rise and become light and fluffy.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, tender cake texture.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization and cake structure.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to cake's richness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile with warm, sweet notes.
Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Bourbon: Adds depth and complexity to both caramel and cake batter, provides subtle warmth.
  • Water: Helps create smooth caramel sauce.
Spices:
  • Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic flavor that complements peaches and bourbon.
Baking Preparation:
  • Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cake removal and prevents sticking.

How to Make the Perfect Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper.

Generously butter the parchment to keep everything from sticking.

Step 2: Arrange Peach Design

Lay peach wedges in a decorative pattern starting at the center of the pan.

Sprinkle cinnamon evenly over the arranged peach slices.

Step 3: Create Caramel Bourbon Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine water and sugar and heat over medium-high without stirring.

Cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden brown.

Remove from heat and carefully stir in the bourbon—it may bubble.

Pour the hot caramel sauce over the peaches right away.

Step 4: Mix Cake Batter

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract and the rest of the bourbon.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and the remaining cinnamon.

Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter gently over the peach and caramel layer.

Smooth the surface with a spatula and bake for 30 to 35 minutes.

Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the cake rest for 15 to 30 minutes before flipping.

Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate and peel off the parchment.

Slice and enjoy your warm, boozy peach dessert.

Tips for Keeping Peaches Juicy and Cake Fluffy

  • Select Ripe Peaches: Choose fragrant, slightly soft peaches that give gentle pressure when touched for maximum flavor and sweetness.
  • Caramel Control: Watch the caramel closely while cooking to prevent burning; it should reach a light amber color without turning dark brown.
  • Bourbon Boost: Use quality bourbon to enhance the cake's depth of flavor; Kentucky bourbon works particularly well with peaches.
  • Arrange with Care: Place peach wedges in a decorative pattern for a stunning presentation when the cake is flipped.
  • Cooling Technique: Allow the cake to rest for the full recommended time before inverting to ensure the caramel sets and peaches release cleanly from the pan.

Storing Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake Without a Mess

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover cake covered in plastic wrap or inside an airtight container for up to 3 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain the cake's delicious texture.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 1 month to preserve the cake's quality and bourbon-infused flavor.
  • Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or restore moisture by placing a slice in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Enjoy the cake slightly warm for the best taste experience.

What to Enjoy with This Boozy, Sweet Dessert

  • Pair with Smooth Bourbon Cocktail: Enhance the cake's bourbon notes by serving a classic old fashioned with a twist of orange zest, complementing the caramelized peach flavors.
  • Match with Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Top a warm slice with a scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream, creating a delightful contrast between the cake's warmth and the cold, smooth dessert.
  • Serve with Spiced Chai Tea: The aromatic and slightly spicy chai will beautifully echo the cake's cinnamon undertones while providing a comforting beverage that balances the dessert's sweetness.
  • Complement with Mascarpone Whipped Cream: Whip together mascarpone, heavy cream, and a touch of honey to create a rich, silky topping that will elevate the cake's texture and add a luxurious dimension.

Fun Flavors That Pair Well with Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake

  • Rustic Rum Raisin Rendition: Swap bourbon for dark rum and add plump raisins soaked in rum alongside the peaches. The raisins will bring a rich, sweet depth to the cake's fruity base.
  • Spiced Apple Bourbon Remix: Replace peaches with thinly sliced apples and increase cinnamon to ½ teaspoon. Mix in ground nutmeg for a warm, autumnal flavor profile that complements the bourbon's richness.
  • Vanilla Almond Bourbon Breeze: Enhance the cake's almond flour by adding sliced almonds on top of the caramel layer. Increase vanilla extract to 2 teaspoons and sprinkle toasted almond slivers after baking for extra crunch and nutty complexity.
  • Ginger Bourbon Berry Burst: Add minced candied ginger to the cake batter and layer fresh raspberries or blackberries with the peaches. The bright berries and spicy ginger will create a vibrant counterpoint to the smooth bourbon caramel.
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Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake Recipe

Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Bourbon-infused southern charm meets sweet peach perfection in this classic upside down cake. Caramelized peaches nestled in a rich bourbon-kissed batter create a delightful dessert that will sweep you off your feet with its irresistible flavor profile.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 45 peaches, cored and cut into wedges (leave the skin on)
  • 1 stick (8 tablespoons / 113 grams) butter
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup almond flour
  • 1 ¼ cups sugar

Liquid Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons bourbon
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup water

Spices and Leavening:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare a 9-inch (23-centimeter) cake pan by lining it with parchment paper and generously coating the surface with unsalted butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Artfully position peach wedges in a radial pattern starting from the center of the pan, ensuring even coverage, and dust the arranged peaches with a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
  3. Create a rich caramel syrup by combining water and granulated sugar in a medium saucepan, heating without stirring until the mixture transforms into a golden-brown liquid (approximately 10-15 minutes).
  4. Remove the caramel from heat and swiftly incorporate bourbon, creating a fragrant and glossy syrup that will infuse the cake with depth and complexity.
  5. Pour the bourbon-enhanced caramel evenly over the prepared peach arrangement, allowing it to seep between the fruit wedges.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, airy, and significantly increased in volume.
  7. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next, then blend in vanilla extract and remaining bourbon.
  8. In a separate bowl, thoroughly combine all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and remaining ground cinnamon, creating a uniform dry ingredient mixture.
  9. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to maintain the cake’s delicate texture.
  10. Gently transfer the batter over the caramel-coated peaches, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure even distribution.
  11. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center, which should emerge clean.
  12. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15-30 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate, gently peeling away the parchment paper.
  13. Serve the cake warm, showcasing the glistening caramelized peaches and inviting bourbon-infused aroma.

Notes

  • Caramelizing sugar requires patience and constant attention to prevent burning, creating a rich golden-brown base for the cake.
  • Use ripe, juicy peaches at peak season for maximum flavor and natural sweetness in this elegant dessert.
  • Bourbon adds a sophisticated depth and warmth that complements the peaches’ natural fruitiness.
  • Room temperature eggs and butter ensure smoother batter and more even cake texture.
  • Allow cake to cool slightly before inverting to prevent peaches from sticking or breaking apart.
  • Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent summer dessert experience.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 95 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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