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Perfect Peach Bourbon Upside-Down Skillet Cake

peach bourbon upside-down skillet cake - featured image

A cozy, tender, and buttery upside-down cake featuring caramelized peaches and a subtle warmth from bourbon, perfect for gatherings and quiet evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 medium fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced thickly
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon
  • 1/4 cup whole milk, room temperature

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Peel the peaches by blanching them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transferring to an ice bath. Slice into 1/2-inch thick wedges and set aside.
  3. In a 10-inch cast iron skillet, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 3/4 cup brown sugar and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture bubbles and thickens slightly, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  4. Remove skillet from heat and carefully layer peach slices in an overlapping circular pattern over the caramel.
  5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  6. In another bowl, cream 2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  7. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, then stir in bourbon and milk until smooth.
  8. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined; do not overmix.
  9. Pour the batter evenly over the arranged peaches in the skillet and smooth the top gently with a spatula.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  11. Let the cake cool in the skillet for 10-15 minutes to allow the caramel to set.
  12. Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate, gently repositioning any peaches that stick.
  13. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

Use ripe but firm peaches for best caramelization. Stir caramel mixture constantly to avoid burning. Let cake rest before flipping to prevent caramel from running. Substitute bourbon with dark rum, brandy, or vanilla extract with water for non-alcoholic version. For gluten-free, use almond flour and xanthan gum. Store leftovers covered in fridge for 3-4 days and reheat gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: peach cake, bourbon cake, upside-down cake, skillet cake, caramelized peaches, cozy dessert, easy dessert, fall dessert