If you’re looking for a deliciously fruity and visually stunning dessert, this Peach Upside Down Cake is a must-try. Baked in a cast iron skillet, this cake combines the rich, caramelized flavor of peaches with a light and fluffy yellow cake. The use of a cast iron skillet not only enhances the cake’s texture but also gives it a beautiful, rustic presentation. Perfect for a family gathering or a special treat, this cake is sure to impress with its caramelized peach topping and moist cake base.
Ingredients:
- 1 (20-ounce) can sliced peaches in heavy syrup (drained, with 1 cup juice reserved)
- 1 stick of butter, melted
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 (9-ounce) package yellow cake mix
Directions:
1. Prepare the Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9×13-inch cake pan or a large cast iron skillet (2 inches deep), combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Spread the mixture evenly to create a caramel-like layer.
2. Arrange the Peaches:
Place the drained peach slices over the brown sugar mixture in the pan. Arrange them in a decorative pattern if desired.
3. Prepare the Cake Batter:
Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package directions, but replace the water with 1 cup of the reserved peach juice. Mix until smooth.
4. Assemble the Cake:
Pour the prepared cake batter evenly over the peaches in the pan, ensuring it covers the fruit completely.
5. Bake the Cake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Note that if using a cast iron skillet, the cake may take up to 1 hour to bake due to the thicker batter.
6. Cool and Serve:
Allow the cake to cool slightly before inverting it onto a serving plate. Serve warm or at room temperature for a delightful treat.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips
- Warm or Room Temperature: This Peach Upside Down Cake is delicious either warm or at room temperature. For a warm treat, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds.
- Garnishes: Enhance the presentation with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh mint leaves can also add a touch of color and freshness.
- Serving Plate: For an elegant presentation, carefully invert the cake onto a serving platter. The caramelized peaches will be beautifully displayed on top, making for a stunning dessert.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cake will maintain its flavor and texture if kept covered.
- Refrigeration: If you need to store the cake for a longer period, refrigerate it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 1 week. Be sure to allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving to regain its original texture.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and gently reheat if desired.
Following these tips will help ensure that your Peach Upside Down Cake remains delicious and enjoyable for as long as possible.
Variations:
- Pineapple Upside Down Cake: Substitute the peaches with pineapple slices. You can also add maraschino cherries for a classic tropical twist. Follow the same method for preparing and baking.
- Berry Upside Down Cake: Use a mix of fresh or frozen berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries instead of peaches. This variation adds a burst of vibrant color and a tangy flavor to the cake.
- Apple Cinnamon Upside Down Cake: Replace the peaches with thinly sliced apples and sprinkle them with cinnamon and a bit of nutmeg before adding the cake batter. This creates a cozy, autumn-inspired dessert.
- Pear Upside Down Cake: Use sliced pears in place of peaches. Pears add a sweet, subtle flavor that pairs well with the caramelized brown sugar topping.
- Cherry Upside Down Cake: Substitute the peaches with fresh or canned cherries. For added flavor, you can add a splash of almond extract to the batter for a hint of nuttiness.
- Peach and Almond Upside Down Cake: Add sliced almonds on top of the peach layer before pouring on the cake batter. The almonds will toast slightly during baking, adding a delicious crunch.
- Lemon Peach Upside Down Cake: Incorporate lemon zest and a bit of lemon juice into the cake batter for a zesty contrast to the sweetness of the peaches.
- Spiced Peach Upside Down Cake: Add a blend of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and ginger to the cake batter for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the peaches.
- Coconut Peach Upside Down Cake: Mix shredded coconut into the cake batter and sprinkle additional coconut on top of the peaches before baking. This adds a tropical flair and extra texture.
- Maple Peach Upside Down Cake: Substitute some of the brown sugar with maple syrup in the caramel layer for a rich, maple-flavored twist on the classic peach cake.
FAQs:
1. Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh peaches. Peel, pit, and slice them, then cook them briefly in a saucepan with a bit of sugar to caramelize slightly before arranging them in the pan.
2. Can I use a different type of fruit for this cake?
Absolutely! You can substitute peaches with pineapples, berries, apples, pears, or cherries. Adjust the cooking time if necessary, as different fruits may require slight variations.
3. How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is done. The edges should also start to pull away from the pan.
4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the cake.
5. How can I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Ensure that you thoroughly coat the pan with butter and brown sugar before adding the fruit. For extra security, you can also line the pan with parchment paper.
6. What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?
You can use a 9×13-inch cake pan or any other oven-safe pan that’s at least 2 inches deep. Just follow the same steps for preparing and baking the cake.
7. Can I substitute the yellow cake mix with another flavor?
Yes, you can use other cake mix flavors like spice cake or white cake. Just keep in mind that this may change the flavor profile of the cake.
8. How can I make the cake gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free cake mix or make a gluten-free cake batter from scratch. Ensure that all other ingredients, like the canned peaches, are gluten-free.
9. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
10. Can I add nuts to the cake?
Yes, you can add nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts to the caramel layer or the batter for extra texture and flavor. Just sprinkle them on top of the peach layer before adding the batter.