Irresistible Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake Recipe to Savor This Summer

Peach season doesn’t last forever, which makes this Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake even more irresistible. This decadent dessert brings together juicy, caramelized peaches, buttery vanilla cake, and a subtle bourbon twist for an indulgent treat that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or simply craving a comforting slice of summer, this recipe will guide you through making the perfect upside-down cake from scratch.

Discover great ideas like our Fresh Peach Cobbler Recipe to pair with this delight.

Let’s dig into why this peachy creation is a must-try before summer fades.

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Why Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake Is a Must-Bake This Season

A Perfect End-of-Summer Treat

If there’s ever a time to bake with fresh peaches, it’s now. The tail end of peach season means the fruit is at its sweetest, juiciest best. Pairing them with rich bourbon and warm cinnamon transforms them into a golden, caramelized topping that melts into the cake. It’s a celebration of summer in every bite.

This cake also doubles as a showstopper on any table. When flipped, the peach slices glisten in sticky brown sugar syrup, layered like stained glass atop the fluffy cake base. And it smells just as inviting—cinnamon spice, vanilla warmth, and a bourbon aroma that makes it unforgettable.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Brown Sugar Peach Cake for another peach-packed dessert.

The Magic of Bourbon and Peach Together

Bourbon brings complexity that balances the fruit’s sweetness. Its caramel and vanilla notes deepen the flavor, while a splash added to the whipped cream topping makes this more than just a casual dessert—it’s a gourmet-worthy experience. If you’re a fan of bourbon-based baking, don’t miss our Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe for savory-sweet flavor done right.

Upside Down Cakes vs. Traditional Cakes: What Makes Them Special?

Unlike typical frosted cakes, upside-down cakes bake with their topping at the bottom. Once flipped, that luscious fruit layer becomes the eye-catching top. There’s no need for icing—just buttery caramel and tender fruit.

These cakes also tend to be more forgiving. The moistness from the fruit helps prevent dryness, while the visual payoff is dramatic without being fussy. Check out our Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake for another rustic-style bake you’ll love.

Don’t miss our twist on easy summer sweets in this Peach Brioche Recipe, perfect with a drizzle of honey or whipped cream.

Ingredients and Substitutions for the Perfect Peach Cake

Core Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this bourbon peach upside down cake, you’ll need common pantry staples—but the star ingredients are where the magic happens. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each one matters:

Ingredient	Purpose
Unsalted butter	For both the topping and the cake base
Brown sugar	Adds caramel flavor to the peach topping
Bourbon	Enhances richness and balances sweetness
Fresh peaches	Juicy, tender fruit layer packed with summer flavor
All-purpose flour	Forms the structure of the cake
Baking powder & salt	Helps the cake rise and enhances flavor
Ground cinnamon	Adds warm spice that complements peaches
Granulated sugar	Sweetens the cake base
Large eggs	Binds and adds richness
Vanilla extract	Adds depth to the cake flavor

When choosing peaches, go for ripe but firm ones. Overripe peaches may release too much moisture, while underripe ones won’t caramelize well.

Don’t miss our Peach Bars Delicious Recipe—a must-try for any peach lover.

Can You Use Frozen or Canned Peaches?

Yes, you absolutely can use frozen or canned peaches, especially outside peach season. Here’s how to adjust:

• Frozen Peaches: Thaw and pat them dry before use to avoid excess moisture.
• Canned Peaches: Opt for peaches in juice, not syrup. Drain thoroughly and blot dry.

The cake’s texture may be slightly softer with canned fruit, but the flavor remains comforting and rich.

Discover how to turn store-bought fruit into magic with our Blueberry Peach Cheesecake.

Bourbon Alternatives for a Non-Alcoholic Version

Want to enjoy this cake without alcohol? No problem. Here are easy swaps:

• Vanilla extract – Adds warmth without booze
• Peach juice – Enhances fruit flavor
• Apple cider or white grape juice – Balances sweetness like bourbon does

You can still make the whipped cream topping alcohol-free by skipping the bourbon or substituting with a splash of vanilla extract.

If you’re avoiding alcohol in cooking altogether, check out our family-friendly No-Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert—easy, refreshing, and safe for everyone.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake

Preparing the Bourbon Caramel Peach Topping

The topping is what makes this cake visually stunning and irresistibly sticky. Here’s how to get it just right:

1. Melt butter directly in a 9-inch round cake pan over low heat.
2. Whisk in brown sugar and cinnamon until bubbling gently—this creates that signature caramel layer.
3. Stir in bourbon and let it sizzle for about 15 seconds, then remove from heat.
4. Arrange peach slices in tight circles or slight overlaps directly over the mixture in the pan.

Pro Tip: Don’t be shy with the peaches. Crowding them adds flavor and structure once flipped.

If you enjoy this type of fruit-forward dessert, check out our Strawberry Shortcake Cookies for a delightful variation.

Mixing and Spreading the Cake Batter Right

The batter for this cake should be soft and spreadable—but not runny.

1. In a mixer, beat room-temperature butter until creamy.
2. Add sugar and beat until fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
3. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients on low speed until just combined.

Now, gently spread the batter over the peaches in your pan. It’s a thick batter, so use a spatula to avoid disturbing the peach layout.

Some readers have suggested softening the batter with a tablespoon of milk if it feels too stiff—adjust if needed.

Looking for more inspiration on cakes with a twist? Don’t miss our Coffee Cheesecake Recipe, an unforgettable fusion of flavors.

Flipping the Cake Without Breaking It

Flipping is the most dramatic part—and it’s easier than you think.

1. Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
2. Let the cake rest for just 5 minutes after baking. This allows bubbling fruit to settle without hardening the syrup.
3. Run a knife around the edge of the pan, place a plate on top, and carefully flip it over in one motion.
4. Gently lift the pan away. If some fruit sticks, just reposition it—no one will know!

This rustic cake only looks complicated. It’s beginner-friendly with impressive results.

Enhancing the Flavor and Serving Experience

How to Make Bourbon Whipped Cream

This luscious topping adds elegance and a silky contrast to the warm cake. Here’s how to whip it right:

• In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups cold heavy cream, 2 tbsp bourbon, and 2 tbsp powdered sugar.
• Beat on high speed until soft peaks form.
• Taste and adjust sweetness or bourbon intensity if desired.

It’s perfect dolloped over each slice or piped for presentation. Want something fruity instead? Serve it with a side of Summer Peach Fruit Salad.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

Serve the cake warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with:

• Iced coffee or sweet tea
• Vanilla ice cream
• Mint or basil syrup drizzle for a herbal twist

Storage: Cover leftovers tightly and keep at room temp for 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.

Can You Make It Ahead or Freeze It?

Absolutely. You can:

• Bake the cake the day before and store it covered at room temp.
• Freeze it (wrapped well) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm slightly before serving.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Why Your Cake May Turn Out Dry

Dryness usually comes from overbaking or too little fruit. Always:

• Test with a toothpick around 35 minutes
• Use plenty of peaches—at least 6 medium ones
• Avoid skimping on butter, which keeps the cake tender

Getting the Peach Layer to Stay in Place

If your peaches slide when flipping:

• Let the cake rest for 5 minutes only
• Gently press peaches into the sugar before adding batter
• After flipping, reposition any stray fruit while still warm

Adjustments for Different Oven Types

If your oven runs hot, check the cake early. A glass pan may also retain more heat—reduce temp by 25°F if needed. Always trust your nose—when it smells done, it’s close!

FAQ: Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake

Conclusion: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Cake

This Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake is the kind of recipe that turns a seasonal fruit into a timeless dessert. It’s rustic, elegant, and packed with flavor layers you’ll crave year-round. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this cake promises satisfaction with every bite.

Don’t miss our Thanksgiving Piecaken Recipe for another crowd-pleasing showstopper.

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