Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake

Thank you so much for being here — because this one? Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake is pure summer magic. Juicy peaches caramelized in a buttery bourbon glaze, baked under a soft, tender cake that flips into golden, glossy perfection… I mean, it’s a showstopper. It’s nostalgic, a little indulgent, and honestly — it might be my favorite way to use peaches when they’re in season.

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What Is Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake?

This cake is a sweet, Southern-inspired twist on the classic pineapple upside-down cake. Instead of pineapple, we use fresh, ripe peaches, which get cooked into a bourbon-spiked brown sugar and butter glaze. When the cake is flipped, those peaches become the golden, glossy topping — sticky-sweet with deep caramel notes and a splash of warmth from the bourbon.

It’s rustic yet elegant, with layers of soft, moist cake and jammy fruit. Serve it warm with whipped cream or ice cream, and you’ve got dessert gold.

Why You’ll Fall In Love With This Cake

• No frosting needed — the glaze becomes the topping!

• Boozy, buttery, peachy perfection

• Beautiful and impressive, but easy to make

• Delicious warm, cold, or room temp

• Perfect for summer gatherings, brunch, or dessert-for-breakfast moments

What It Tastes Like

Think buttery vanilla cake with tender crumb, juicy caramelized peaches that melt in your mouth, and a bourbon glaze that adds just the right kick. The bourbon isn’t overpowering — it enhances the caramel and peach flavors with warm depth and complexity. The edges of the cake get slightly crisp from the syrup… perfection.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Seasonal and stunning – a true peach lover’s dream

• Versatile – swap fruit, skip bourbon, or make it gluten-free

• Make-ahead friendly – tastes even better the next day

• Crowd-pleaser – simple ingredients, beautiful results

Ingredients for Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake

🍑 For the Topping:

• 3–4 ripe peaches, peeled and sliced

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons bourbon

• Pinch of salt

🍰 For the Cake Batter:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1½ teaspoons baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but so good with peaches!)

• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

• ¼ cup milk

Tools You’ll Need

• 9-inch cake pan or deep pie dish

• Mixing bowls

• Hand or stand mixer

• Saucepan (for glaze)

• Spatula and whisk

• Knife and cutting board

Ingredient Substitutions & Add-Ons

• No bourbon? Use dark rum, brandy, or skip it entirely and add a splash of vanilla instead.

• Dairy-free? Use vegan butter and a plant-based yogurt alternative.

• Gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend — works great!

• Add spices: Try a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the cake batter or glaze.

• Other fruits: Nectarines, plums, or apples also work beautifully.

How to Make Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake

Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment for easy release.

Step 2: Make the Bourbon Peach Topping

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar together until bubbly. Add bourbon and a pinch of salt. Simmer 2–3 minutes, stirring often, then pour into the prepared pan. Arrange peach slices on top in a circular pattern (it’s okay to overlap slightly).

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, beating well, then mix in vanilla and almond extracts. Stir in sour cream.

Add dry ingredients in two batches, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined — don’t overmix.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spoon the batter gently over the peaches and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Invert

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then run a knife around the edges. Invert onto a plate or cake stand and gently lift the pan — the peach topping should release beautifully!

Let cool a bit more before slicing — or serve warm with vanilla ice cream!

What to Serve With Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake

• Vanilla bean ice cream (a classic combo!)

• Whipped cream or crème fraîche

• Toasted pecans for a nutty crunch

• Strong coffee or bourbon-spiked cream for an after-dinner treat

• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Tips for the Best Cake

• 🍑 Choose Ripe, Firm Peaches

  • Use just-ripe peaches that are sweet but still slightly firm. Overripe peaches may fall apart during baking, while underripe ones won’t caramelize properly.

  • Peeling is optional, but it gives a smoother texture and a prettier presentation when flipped.

  🍰 Use a Light-Colored Metal Pan

  • A light-colored cake pan or cast iron skillet helps prevent the sugar from burning during baking. Darker pans absorb more heat and can over-caramelize the topping.

  🔥 Simmer the Glaze Just Until Bubbly

  • When making the bourbon-butter-brown sugar glaze, simmer just until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy — don’t overcook, or it may harden and become candy-like as it cools.

  🧈 Grease and Line the Pan

  • Grease the sides generously and place a parchment circle on the bottom of your pan to prevent sticking. This is especially important with sticky caramel and fruit!

  🔄 Cool Before Flipping — But Not Too Long

  • Let the cake rest for 10–15 minutes before inverting. This gives the glaze a moment to settle, but still allows it to release easily.

  • Too hot? The fruit may slide. Too cool? The topping could stick.

  🍽️ Invert with Confidence

  • Place a serving plate or cake stand on top of the cake pan, then quickly flip in one smooth motion. If any peach slices stick, just reposition them on top — it’ll still look beautiful!

  🌬️ Don’t Overmix the Batter

  • Mix until just combined to keep the cake light and tender. Overmixing can make it dense or tough.

  🥃 Use Quality Bourbon (or Skip It)

  • You don’t need anything expensive — but choose a bourbon you’d sip. The alcohol bakes off, leaving behind warm, caramel-like depth.

  • Prefer no booze? Substitute peach juice, apple cider, or extra vanilla for delicious results.

Storage Instructions

• 🧊 Room Temperature (Short-Term)

  • Store the cake covered tightly with foil or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

  • If your kitchen is warm or humid, it’s better to refrigerate to prevent the fruit topping from becoming overly soft or sticky.

  ❄️ Refrigerator (Best for Longer Freshness)

  • For optimal freshness, especially once sliced, store the cake in the fridge.

  • Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container.

  • Keeps well for up to 5 days.

  • Let slices come to room temperature or gently warm before serving for the best flavor and texture.

  🧁 Freezer (Yes, You Can!)

  • This cake freezes surprisingly well!

  • Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil, or store in a freezer-safe container.

  • Freeze for up to 2 months.

  • To serve: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm slightly in the oven or microwave to bring back that just-baked flavor.

  🔁 Reheating Tips

  • For a warm, gooey slice, reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.

  • Or pop it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes to revive the caramel and peach topping.

General Info About Upside Down Cakes

Upside down cakes are a beautiful marriage of simplicity and visual drama. These nostalgic bakes date back to the early 1900s, when cast iron skillets were commonly used to caramelize fruit and sugar on the stovetop before topping with cake batter and baking it all together. Once flipped, the fruit layer — now glistening and caramelized — becomes the star of the show.

The most iconic version in the U.S. is the pineapple upside down cake, made popular in the 1920s when canned pineapple became widely available. But today, bakers all over the world have put their own spins on the classic, using everything from apples and berries to bananas, figs, and yes — peaches.

What makes upside down cakes so beloved?

• They eliminate the need for frosting, yet still offer a striking finish.

• They highlight seasonal fruit, making them perfect for celebrating what’s fresh and ripe.

• The caramelized topping bakes into the cake, adding moisture and flavor with zero extra steps after baking.

• They’re rustic yet refined — easy enough for a weeknight, but impressive enough for a dinner party.

This Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake builds on that tradition with a Southern twist: buttery brown sugar, ripe peaches, and a touch of bourbon for warmth and depth. It’s proof that upside down cakes are endlessly adaptable — and always a hit.

So whether you’re baking with summer stone fruit, autumn apples, or even tropical mango, the upside-down method is a foolproof way to wow with minimal effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned peaches?

Yes — just be sure to drain them well and pat them dry. Fresh peaches have better texture, but canned works in a pinch.

Can I make this without bourbon?

Absolutely. Just skip it and add a little extra vanilla or a splash of peach juice.

Can I make this in a cast-iron skillet?

Yes! Just prepare the glaze and bake everything in the same skillet (10-inch works well). It even intensifies the caramelization.

Why did my topping stick?

It helps to butter the pan well and use parchment. Also, don’t wait too long to invert the cake — 10–15 minutes is the sweet spot.

Conclusion

This Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake is the perfect way to celebrate summer’s sweetest fruit — it’s rustic, rich, and ridiculously good. The juicy peach topping, buttery cake, and warm bourbon undertone come together in a slice that feels both nostalgic and elevated. Whether you’re making it for a cookout, a birthday, or just a lazy summer evening, it’s the kind of dessert that gets remembered.

Looking for more peach recipes? Try my Peach Cobbler Muffins or Grilled Peach & Burrata Salad next — you won’t regret it!

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Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Based on 10 Servings)

• Calories: 360

• Fat: 17g

• Carbs: 48g

• Sugar: 30g

• Protein: 4g

• Fiber: 1g

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