As summer comes to a close, one of the most readily available fruits is peaches. Trying to utilize this delectable fruit, I made a peach upside-down cake. I incorporated bourbon for a fun twist and a taste of fall. This cake is sweet and warm, with juicy peaches soaked in bourbon and arranged in a beautiful pattern. It is the perfect end to a warm fall day all while using seasonal fruit. This cake goes nicely with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. If you’re looking for a way to use up your leftover peaches from the summer, I’d recommend trying out this recipe.

Ingredients

  • 4–5 peaches, skin on, cut into wedges
  • 8 tablespoons butter
  • 1 1/4 cup sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup almond flour
  • 3 tablespoons bourbon
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper and butter the paper.
  3. Arrange sliced peaches on the parchment paper in a swirl pattern, starting at the center and working out.
  4. Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon on the peaches.
  5. Make caramel by mixing 1/4 cup water with 1/2 cup sugar. Stir to mix and heat on medium-high until light brown (about 10 to 15 minutes). Do not stir while it is heating.
  6. Remove from heat and add 1 tablespoon of bourbon.
  7. Pour the mixture evenly over the peaches.
  8. Make the cake batter by combining butter and 3/4 cup sugar, then beat until light and airy. Beat the eggs in and then add vanilla and 2 tablespoons bourbon.
  9. Mix together both flours, baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. Combine slowly into the wet mixture.
  10. Pour the batter over the peaches and smooth it out.
  11. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  12. Let cool for 15 to 30 minutes before removing from the pan and flipping.

Photograph by Aila Elder