Rustic Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake Recipe

Rustic Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake Recipe: Country Sweet Treat

Sweet summer peaches dance with rich bourbon in this decadent bourbon peach upside down cake that promises pure indulgence.

Caramelized fruit nestles into a golden, tender crumb with deep amber undertones.

Each slice tells a story of Southern comfort and culinary creativity.

Warm spices mingle with the gentle bourbon smoky whisper, creating a dessert that’s both rustic and elegant.

The cake glossy caramel-like surface glistens with juicy peach slices, beckoning you closer.

Layers of flavor unfold with every delectable bite.

Grab your skillet and let’s bake a dessert that turns ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 357 kcal

Servings: 9

Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake Ingredient Highlights

For Caramelizing and Flavoring:
  • Granulated Sugar: Creates golden caramel base with deep amber undertones, select pure white crystalline sugar for best results.
  • Water: Helps dissolve sugar smoothly during caramelization process, use filtered water for clarity.
  • Bourbon: Adds rich, smoky complexity to the cake, choose a medium-bodied Kentucky bourbon for authentic flavor.
  • Cinnamon: Brings warm, subtle spice that complements peaches beautifully, use freshly ground for maximum aroma.
For Cake Batter Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides essential structure and tender crumb, select unbleached flour for better texture.
  • Almond Flour: Adds nutty dimension and moisture, ensure finely ground for smooth integration.
  • Butter: Delivers rich, creamy foundation, use high-quality unsalted butter at room temperature.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients and create lightness, select fresh large eggs for optimal volume.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall sweetness with deep aromatic notes, choose pure extract over artificial.
  • Baking Powder: Ensures proper rising and soft texture, verify freshness for best results.
For Fruit Layer:
  • Fresh Peaches: Provides juicy, sweet centerpiece, select ripe but firm peaches with vibrant color and slight give when pressed.

Tools to Get Your Bourbon Peach Cake Just Right

  • 9-inch cake pan: Essential for baking the upside-down cake with the perfect shape and size.
  • Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and helps easily remove the cake after baking.
  • Medium saucepan: Perfect for creating the caramel sauce with sugar and bourbon.
  • Mixing bowl: Needed for combining cake batter ingredients and achieving a smooth texture.
  • Whisk: Great for blending dry ingredients evenly without lumps.
  • Electric mixer or hand mixer: Helps cream butter and sugar to a light, fluffy consistency.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness by testing the center for moist crumbs.
  • Serving plate: Used for presenting and serving the finished cake.

How to Build the Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake

  • Peachy Caramel Canvas

Prepare a cozy 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper, creating a delicious foundation for your dessert. Lovingly arrange peach slices in a gorgeous spiral pattern, starting from the center and gracefully spreading outward.

  • Caramel Magic

Create a golden caramel sauce by gently heating sugar and water until it transforms into a rich amber liquid. Add a splash of bourbon for depth and complexity, then pour this liquid treasure over the arranged peaches.

  • Batter Bliss

Whip butter and sugar into a light, fluffy cloud. Gently incorporate eggs and a hint of bourbon, building layers of flavor with each addition. Fold in a mixture of flour and spices, creating a silky smooth batter that promises deliciousness.

  • Cake Transformation

Pour the luscious batter over the caramel-kissed peaches, spreading it evenly. Slide the pan into a warm oven, allowing the cake to bake until golden and perfectly set.

  • Sweet Reveal

After a brief cooling period, carefully invert the cake onto a beautiful serving plate. Gently peel away the parchment to unveil a stunning upside-down masterpiece that showcases glistening peaches and rich caramel.

Creative Tips for Bourbon Peach Cake

  • Create a stunning golden-brown caramel by watching the sugar mixture carefully and removing from heat at the perfect amber color to prevent burning.
  • Swap bourbon with dark rum, brandy, or orange liqueur to add different flavor profiles while maintaining the cake's sophisticated essence.
  • Replace fresh peaches with nectarines, plums, or apricots during different seasons to keep the upside-down cake exciting and adaptable throughout the year.
  • Sprinkle sliced almonds or chopped pecans between peach layers before adding caramel for an unexpected crunch and nutty complexity in every bite.
  • Prepare the cake a day in advance and store at room temperature, covered loosely. The flavors will meld together, creating an even more delicious dessert when served.

Great Times to Serve Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake

  • Serve with Creamy Companions: Top each slice with a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream or a scoop of rich bourbon-vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.
  • Garnish with Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds or chopped pecans over the cake to add a delightful textural contrast and enhance the nuttiness from the almond flour.
  • Drizzle with Sweet Finish: Create an additional bourbon caramel sauce by reducing bourbon, brown sugar, and a touch of heavy cream to pour elegantly over each slice, intensifying the cake's deep, warm flavors.
  • Pair with Afternoon Delight: Serve alongside a hot cup of chai tea or a smooth bourbon cocktail to complement the cake's rich, spiced profile and elevate the tasting experience.

Storing Bourbon Peach Cake for Later Enjoyment

  • Quick Serve Suggestions: Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for maximum flavor impact. Best served fresh on the day of baking to experience peak texture and taste.
  • Smart Refrigeration: Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
  • Freeze Like a Pro: Slice cake into individual portions before freezing. Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Keeps perfectly frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
  • Reheating Hack: Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Add a light drizzle of bourbon or caramel sauce to refresh flavors and restore moisture.
Print
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Rustic Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake Recipe

Rustic Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Moist bourbon peach upside down cake combines Southern charm with rich, caramelized fruit layers. Sweet peaches and smooth bourbon create a delectable dessert experience you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 45 peaches (cored and cut into wedges, skin on)
  • 1 stick / 8 tbsps / 113 g butter
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 ¼ cups sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup almond flour
  • 3 tbsps bourbon
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Pan Preparation: Line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper and generously coat with butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Peach Arrangement: Create an artistic radial pattern of peach wedges across the pan’s bottom, sprinkling with ground cinnamon for enhanced flavor.
  3. Caramel Creation: In a saucepan, transform water and sugar into a rich golden-brown liquid without stirring, heating for 10-15 minutes until caramelized.
  4. Bourbon Infusion: Remove caramel from heat and swiftly integrate bourbon, creating a glossy, aromatic syrup that will elevate the cake’s complexity.
  5. Caramel Layering: Distribute the bourbon-enhanced caramel evenly over the peach arrangement, allowing it to seep between fruit wedges.
  6. Batter Preparation: Cream butter and sugar until light and voluminous, then individually incorporate eggs, ensuring complete integration after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and remaining bourbon.
  7. Dry Ingredient Blend: Combine all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and remaining cinnamon in a separate bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture.
  8. Batter Composition: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring minimally to maintain the cake’s delicate texture and prevent overmixing.
  9. Baking Process: Pour batter over caramel-coated peaches, smoothing the surface evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness with a clean toothpick test.
  10. Finishing Touch: Cool cake in pan for 15-30 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate, removing parchment paper. Serve warm to highlight the caramelized peaches and bourbon-infused aroma.

Notes

  • Prep with Precision: Line the pan meticulously to prevent cake sticking and ensure clean release after baking.
  • Caramel Mastery: Watch the sugar transformation closely; golden-brown color indicates perfect caramelization without burning.
  • Mixing Magic: Fold dry ingredients gently to maintain the cake’s tender crumb and prevent overworking the batter.
  • Temperature Timing: Let the cake rest 15-30 minutes post-baking to stabilize structure and make inverting easier without breaking.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 357
  • Sugar: 39 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 83 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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