Description
Summer Fruit Upside Down Cake is a vibrant and moist dessert featuring caramelized fresh fruit like peaches, plums, or berries layered beneath a tender vanilla cake. Once flipped, the glossy fruit topping makes for a stunning and flavorful presentation that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2–3 cups fresh summer fruit (sliced peaches, plums, nectarines, cherries, or berries)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for topping)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter with brown sugar over low heat. Stir until smooth, then pour into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Arrange sliced fruit in a single layer over the brown sugar mixture.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream 1/2 cup softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and lemon zest if using.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined.
- Gently pour the batter over the fruit and spread evenly.
- Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool for 10–15 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and carefully invert onto a serving plate. Remove parchment and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Use firm but ripe fruit to avoid mushy texture.Drain very juicy fruits to prevent a soggy bottom.Try a mix of berries or stone fruits for variety in flavor and color.Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a decadent finish.Can be made dairy-free using plant-based butter and milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg