Prepare to fall in love with every sun-kissed bite of this Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake—a luscious dessert that showcases juicy peaches, a buttery tender crumb, and a hint of that unmistakable bourbon warmth. Making this cake is pure kitchen magic: the aromas of caramelized fruit and melting butter swirl together as the batter bakes to golden perfection. If you adore impressive yet approachable desserts that celebrate the best of summer fruit, this one will quickly become your go-to treat for family nights, potlucks, or whenever peaches are in their prime.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for this cake is refreshingly simple, but each component packs a punch, coming together to deliver irresistibly rich flavors and a beautiful presentation. From ripe peaches bursting with juice to the cozy notes of bourbon and cinnamon, every ingredient’s purpose is to make this Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake unforgettable.

Peaches: Leave the skin on for added color and texture—they’ll practically melt into a glossy, caramelized topping.
Butter: Adds richness to both the batter and caramel layer, resulting in a soft crumb and beautiful finish.
Sugar: Divided between the caramel topping and the cake for the perfect balance of sweetness.
Eggs: These are key to a fluffy, well-risen cake: make sure they’re at room temperature.
All-purpose flour: Forms the foundation of the batter, giving it structure and tenderness.
Almond flour: A secret weapon for added moisture and a delicate nutty flavor that elevates the whole cake.
Bourbon: Adds a hint of oak, vanilla, and warmth—don’t skip it, even if you’re not a bourbon drinker.
Cinnamon: Wakes up the peaches and gives the cake a cozy, inviting aroma.
Vanilla: A splash rounds out the flavors—use pure vanilla extract for best results.
Baking powder: Ensures your cake rises beautifully every time.

How to Make Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Get out a 9-inch cake pan—not a springform, since the caramel could leak through the seams. Line the base with parchment paper and generously butter both the paper and the sides. This step will guarantee your Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake releases effortlessly when it’s time for the big reveal.

Step 2: Arrange the Peaches

Slice your peaches into thick, even wedges and artistically fan them out across the parchment-lined pan. Begin at the center, working outward in overlapping circles until the base is covered. Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon over the peaches—this tiny touch enhances their floral sweetness and adds visual allure.

Step 3: Make the Bourbon Caramel

In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup water with 1/2 cup sugar, stirring only at the beginning to dissolve. Place over medium-high heat and let it bubble and deepen in color; resist stirring as it cooks, just swirl the pan gently if needed. When the syrup turns a light amber (after about 10–15 minutes), pull it off the heat and quickly stir in 1 tablespoon of bourbon. Immediately pour this hot caramel evenly over your arranged peaches. It’ll sizzle and infuse the fruit with a toasty, bourbon-kissed sheen.

Step 4: Mix the Cake Batter

Beat together 1 stick of softened butter and 3/4 cup sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy—this step traps air, giving your cake lift. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then pour in the vanilla and 2 tablespoons bourbon, mixing until incorporated. The resulting batter should be light and even.

Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the wet batter, mixing just until combined. This careful blending ensures the Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake bakes up moist and tender, never tough.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour the cake batter gently over the arranged peaches and caramel, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is a light golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Unmold

Let your cake cool in the pan for at least 15–30 minutes. This patience pays off: it helps the caramel set slightly, ensuring your sticky, peachy top stays intact when you invert the cake onto a serving plate. Carefully run a knife around the edge before flipping, then gently peel away the parchment to reveal your Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake masterpiece.

How to Serve Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake

Garnishes

Dress it up with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth contrast to the warm, syrupy cake. A sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds or even a tiny drizzle of honey on top takes the presentation to the next level and adds inviting texture.

Side Dishes

Pair your Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake with fresh berries or a tart citrus salad on the side if you want something light to cut through the richness. For a brunch spread, it’s right at home alongside salty bacon, buttery croissants, or even a tangy yogurt parfait.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual slices on pretty dessert plates with a few extra peach wedges on the side. For a party, cut the cake into bite-size squares and place each piece in cupcake liners—perfect for mingling guests! Or, for an extra wow factor, dust the entire cake lightly with powdered sugar just before bringing it to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It stays lovely and moist at room temperature for a day, or you can refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just make sure the peach topping is covered to stay glossy and fresh.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your cake, let it cool completely, then wrap slices well in plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to a month—when you’re ready for a taste of sunshine, thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. The peaches retain their dreamy texture even after freezing, making this a great make-ahead dessert.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-from-the-oven ooze, warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds, or heat in a low oven (300 degrees) until just warmed through. This quick touch brings back the buttery richness and makes the peach topping extra luscious.

FAQs

Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If peaches aren’t in season, canned or thawed frozen peaches can step in. Just be sure to drain them well and pat dry so excess moisture doesn’t seep into the batter, ensuring your Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake stays perfectly tender.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for bourbon?

Yes! You can swap out the bourbon for pure apple juice or a splash of vanilla extract mixed with a touch of water. You’ll still get delicious flavor complexity without the alcohol—ideal for family gatherings.

What’s the best way to release the cake without breaking the topping?

Letting your cake cool for 15–30 minutes is the secret, as it allows the caramel and peaches to set slightly. Run a knife along the edge, place a plate over the pan, and use a confident, swift motion to invert. Peel away the parchment carefully to reveal a perfectly glossy, unbroken peach topping.

Can I make Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake a day ahead?

Definitely! In fact, the flavors meld and deepen as the cake rests. Just wait until the cake is completely cool before covering and storing at room temperature or in the fridge. Bring it to room temp or gently rewarm slices before serving for the best experience.

Why almond flour? Can I leave it out?

Almond flour gives the Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake a moist, tender crumb and a subtle nuttiness that really complements the peaches and bourbon. If you need to omit it, you can substitute with an equal amount of all-purpose flour—the cake will still be soft, though a touch less rich.

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistible about the moment you invert a pan and reveal a glistening, aromatic Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake—it feels like pure baking magic every time. I hope you’ll get as much joy from making and sharing this dazzling dessert as I do. Go on: gather those peaches and let the cozy, caramel-bourbon flavors of this cake steal the show at your next get-together!