This peach upside down cake is soft, buttery, and topped with golden caramelized peaches that melt into a rich vanilla cake. It’s an easy, classic dessert that flips into a beautiful fruity topping perfect for summer or cozy baking days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Beautiful caramelized peach topping
- Soft and moist vanilla cake
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect summer dessert
- Impressive flip presentation
- Great warm or cold
- Easy one-pan recipe
- Family-friendly dessert
- Works with fresh or canned peaches
- Classic homemade flavor
Ingredients

Peach Topping
- 4 to 5 peaches, sliced (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Cake Batter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
Step-by-Step Instructions

- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter in a baking pan or skillet.
- Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over melted butter.
- Arrange peach slices on top in a single layer.
- Optional: sprinkle cinnamon over peaches.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk into batter.
- Pour batter gently over peaches.
- Spread evenly without disturbing fruit layer.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes until golden and set.
- Let cool for 10–15 minutes.
- Carefully flip onto a serving plate.
Tips & Variations
- Use brown sugar caramel base for richer flavor
- Add bourbon vanilla (non-alcohol version: extra vanilla extract)
- Mix peaches with berries for variation
- Use cast iron skillet for best caramelization
- Add nutmeg or cardamom for warm spice
- Use canned peaches for quick version
- Don’t overmix batter for soft texture
- Serve warm with ice cream
- Add lemon zest for brightness
- Let rest before flipping for clean release
Storage & Freezer Instructions
- Store at room temperature up to 1 day
- Refrigerate up to 4 days
- Reheat slices before serving
- Freeze up to 2 months
Serving & Pairing Ideas

- Warm dessert with vanilla ice cream
- Summer dinner dessert
- Holiday dessert table
- BBQ party sweet dish
- Brunch dessert option
- Cozy weekend bake
- Potluck dessert favorite
- Family gathering treat
- Café-style dessert plate
- Afternoon sweet snack
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned peaches?
Yes, just drain them well before using.
Why did my cake stick to the pan?
Make sure to butter the pan well and let it rest before flipping.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, bake it a day ahead and reheat before serving.
What pan works best?
A cast iron skillet or round cake pan works best.
Ready to Make It?
This peach upside down cake is buttery, soft, and beautifully caramelized, making it the perfect show-stopping dessert for any occasion.
You Might Also Like
- Peach French Toast Bake – Sweet Breakfast Casserole.
- Caramel Peach Dump Cake – Easy Peach Dessert.
- Sour Cream Peach Pie – Creamy Peach Dessert.
- No Bake Peach Dessert Cups – Light Summer Treat.
Peach Upside Down Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Peach upside down cake made with caramelized brown sugar peaches baked under a soft vanilla cake layer and flipped to serve.
Ingredients
4 to 5 peaches sliced
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup milk
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Melt butter in pan.
3. Add brown sugar and peaches.
4. Mix dry ingredients.
5. Beat butter and sugar.
6. Add eggs and vanilla.
7. Add dry ingredients and milk.
8. Pour over peaches.
9. Bake until golden.
10. Cool and flip.
Notes
Let rest before flipping.
Use fresh or canned peaches.
Do not overmix batter.
Serve warm for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg