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Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake – A Boozy, Caramelized Summer Masterpiece

If you're looking for a dessert that turns heads and wows taste buds, this Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake is it. This gorgeous cake delivers everything you love about traditional upside-down cakes—juicy caramelized fruit, a moist and tender crumb—with a sophisticated twist: the deep, smoky warmth of bourbon. With golden peach slices swimming in a buttery bourbon caramel layer and a vanilla cake that’s soft and subtly spiced, this recipe is both decadent and surprisingly easy. Perfect for dinner parties, BBQs, or anytime you want to impress without stress. The bourbon adds depth without overpowering, giving this cake a complexity that makes it stand out from the usual peach desserts. Serve it warm with whipped cream or ice cream for an unforgettable sweet finale.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🍑 For the Peach Topping
  • 3 –4 medium ripe peaches sliced thin
  • ½ cup light brown sugar packed
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp bourbon
  • ½ tsp cinnamon optional
🍰 For the Cake Batter
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 2 tbsp bourbon

Equipment

  • 9-inch round cake pan (or cast iron skillet)
  • Stand or hand mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk and rubber spatula
  • Paring knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wire rack for cooling

Method
 

Step 1. Prepare the Bourbon Caramel & Peaches
  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup butter with ½ cup brown sugar and 2 tbsp bourbon. Stir until smooth and bubbling—about 2–3 minutes.
  2. Remove from heat and pour the mixture into a greased 9-inch round cake pan or cast-iron skillet.
  3. Arrange the peach slices on top in a circular or spiral pattern. Set aside while you make the batter.
Step 2. Preheat the Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Ensure the rack is in the middle position.
Step 3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together:
  2. 1½ cups flour
  3. 1½ tsp baking powder
  4. ¼ tsp baking soda
  5. ½ tsp salt
  6. ½ tsp cinnamon
Step 4. Cream the Butter and Sugar
  1. In a large bowl, beat:
  2. ½ cup softened butter
  3. ¾ cup sugar
  4. Cream until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
  5. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and bourbon.
Step 5. Combine Batter
  1. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and ½ cup buttermilk, starting and ending with dry.
  2. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 6. Assemble the Cake
  1. Carefully spoon the cake batter over the peaches and caramel.
  2. Gently smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even coverage.
Step 7. Bake
  1. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  2. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
  3. Carefully invert onto a serving plate while still warm so the topping releases easily.
Step 8. Serve
  1. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
  2. Top with vanilla ice cream, bourbon whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temp: Store loosely covered for 1 day.
Refrigerator: Keeps up to 4 days; wrap tightly.
Freezer: Freeze slices wrapped individually in plastic wrap for up to 1 month.
Reheat: Microwave slices for 10–15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven until heated through.
🥄 Variations
No Bourbon: Sub with apple juice or peach nectar for an alcohol-free version.
Peach-Mango Twist: Add a few thin slices of mango with the peaches for tropical flavor.
Nutty Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans into the caramel layer before baking.
Spiced Cake: Increase cinnamon or add nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom.
Mini Upside Down Cakes: Use muffin tins for individual servings.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Does the alcohol cook out?
Yes, most of the alcohol in the bourbon cooks off during baking, leaving a warm, aromatic flavor.
2. Can I use canned or frozen peaches?
Fresh is best, but canned (in juice, drained) or thawed frozen peaches work in a pinch.
3. What if the topping sticks when I invert it?
Run a knife around the edges and tap the pan gently. Warming the pan slightly can help loosen it.
4. Can I skip the bourbon?
Absolutely. Sub with vanilla extract or fruit juice for a booze-free version.
5. Can I use a different pan size?
A 9-inch round or square works best. An 8-inch pan may need a few extra minutes of baking time.
6. Is this cake overly sweet?
Not at all! The bourbon balances the sweetness, and the cake has just the right amount of sugar.
7. What’s the best way to cut this cake?
Use a serrated knife and cut with care to preserve the peach slices.
8. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the night before and store covered. Reheat briefly before serving.
9. Will other fruit work?
Yes—try plums, nectarines, apples, or pears for a seasonal twist.
10. How do I prevent sogginess on the bottom?
Make sure to cook the caramel mixture until slightly thickened before adding peaches and bake until the top is fully set.
🏁 Conclusion
This Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake is the ultimate summer showstopper. It captures the juicy goodness of ripe peaches and enhances it with rich brown sugar, warm spices, and a whisper of bourbon. Moist, golden, and totally unforgettable, it’s a cake that tastes just as stunning as it looks.
Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just indulging in summer’s bounty, this dessert will make everyone at the table swoon. So pour yourself a glass of sweet tea—or bourbon—and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite cake.