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A warm, tender peach upside-down cake baked in a cast iron skillet topped with a smooth salted caramel sauce, perfect for a quick and impressive dessert featuring caramelized fresh peaches.

  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (firm but ripe)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (plus 3 tablespoons for caramel)
  • 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder (fresh)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus 1/2 cup for caramel)
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (can substitute almond or oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm a cast-iron skillet over low heat.
  2. Peel peaches by scoring an ‘X’ at the bottom, blanch in boiling water 20–30 seconds, then plunge into ice water and slip off skins; slice peaches.
  3. Add 6 tablespoons unsalted butter and 3/4 cup dark brown sugar to the warmed skillet; stir over low heat for 3–4 minutes until smooth and bubbling; remove from heat.
  4. Arrange peeled peach slices in a single layer over the caramel in the skillet, allowing slight overlap without overcrowding.
  5. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  6. Beat 1/2 cup softened butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
  7. Alternately add the flour mixture and 1/2 cup milk to the butter mixture in three batches, starting and ending with flour; stir gently until just combined.
  8. Pour the batter evenly over the arranged peaches and spread gently with a spatula without disturbing the fruit.
  9. Bake for 35–40 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  10. While baking, prepare the salted caramel: melt 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat without stirring until amber.
  11. Whisk in 3 tablespoons butter, then slowly add 1/4 cup heavy cream while stirring constantly.
  12. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and let the caramel cool slightly to thicken.
  13. Remove cake from oven and let rest in the skillet for 10 minutes.
  14. Run a knife around the edges, place a plate over the skillet, and carefully flip to unmold the cake.
  15. Drizzle the warm cake with the prepared salted caramel sauce and serve warm.

Notes

Peel peaches by blanching for easier skin removal to avoid chewy texture., Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet for best caramelization and crispy edges; alternatively, any oven-safe heavy skillet or round baking dish can be used though caramelization may differ., Avoid overcrowding the peach layer to allow even caramelization., Do not overmix batter to keep cake tender., Tent cake loosely with foil if edges brown too quickly during baking., Let caramel cool to drizzle consistency before adding to cake to prevent it from running off., Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or Greek yogurt., Possible substitutions include almond flour for gluten-free, plant-based milks for dairy-free, and flax egg for vegan adaptations., Add spices like cinnamon, ginger, or cardamom for extra warmth., Top with toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture., Can add a splash of bourbon or rum to caramel for an adult twist., Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days; reheat gently and refresh with caramel drizzle before serving.

  • Author: Ashley
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: Approximately 320 calories per serving
  • Fat: 12 g per serving
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g per serving
  • Protein: 4 g per serving