Mini Peach Upside Down Cakes

Craving a sweet, fruity treat? Indulge in the irresistible Mini Peach Upside Down Cakes! These delightful mini cakes feature caramelized peaches atop a soft, fluffy batter, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and flavor in every bite.

Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or as a weekend dessert, these mini cakes are sure to impress. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients List

To create the perfect Mini Peach Upside Down Cakes, you’ll need a combination of fresh ingredients to bring out the flavors of the peaches and the light, moist cake. Let’s break it down:

Topping Ingredients

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cold
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 3 medium peaches (about 3 cups)

Cake Ingredients

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup milk

Required Kitchen Tools

When making these Mini Peach Upside Down Cakes, using the right tools will ensure smooth preparation and better results. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Muffin Tin: A 12-cup muffin tin is essential for shaping the mini cakes. Be sure to grease it well with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Stand Mixer: Using a stand mixer (or hand mixer) for creaming the butter and sugar ensures the batter is light and airy.
3. Knife and Cutting Board: For slicing and dicing the peaches into perfect pieces for the topping and batter.
4. Wire Rack: A wire rack helps cool the cakes evenly and prevents them from becoming soggy after baking.

Topping Preparation

The topping for these Mini Peach Upside Down Cakes is key to their irresistible flavor. The caramelized peaches create a deliciously sweet and slightly sticky base that perfectly complements the soft cake. Follow these steps to create the perfect peach topping:

Preparing the Topping

1. Melt the Butter and Sugar:
   Start by dividing the cold butter into 12 small cubes and placing them in the muffin tin. Add the 1/4 cup of light brown sugar to each tin as well. This combination will form the sweet caramelized base for your peaches.
2. Slice the Peaches:
   Peel and slice the peaches, aiming for about 4 slices per muffin tin. Dice any remaining peach pieces and set them aside for the cake batter. The sliced peaches will sit in the butter and sugar mixture in the muffin tin, creating a beautiful, glossy topping as they bake.
3. Set Aside and Prepare the Batter:
   Once the peaches are in place, set the muffin tin aside while you prepare the cake batter. This will give the sugar and butter time to slightly melt, ensuring a smooth caramelization during baking.

Cake Preparation

Now that your peach topping is ready, it’s time to prepare the cake batter. The light and fluffy cake perfectly balances the rich, caramelized peach topping. Follow these steps to make the cake batter:

Creaming the Butter and Sugar

1. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
   In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the softened 1/3 cup of butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup light brown sugar. Beat on medium speed for about 3 minutes, or until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process helps incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a soft, moist cake.
2. Add Egg and Vanilla:
   Once the butter-sugar mixture is light and fluffy, add the egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. These dry ingredients will add structure and flavor to the cake. The cinnamon adds a subtle warmth that complements the peaches beautifully.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the 1/2 cup of milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients to help create a smooth batter. Mix until just combined – be careful not to overmix.
5. Fold in the Diced Peaches:
   Finally, fold the leftover diced peaches into the batter by hand. This adds an extra burst of peach flavor in every bite. Gently mix to avoid overworking the batter.

Assembling and Baking the Cakes

Now that your topping and cake batter are ready, it’s time to assemble the Mini Peach Upside Down Cakes and bake them to golden perfection.

Assembling the Cakes

1. Divide the Batter
   Carefully divide the cake batter evenly among the muffin cups in the prepared muffin tin, placing a generous portion into each tin on top of the caramelized peach slices. Be sure not to overfill; about 2/3 of the way full is ideal.
2. Bake the Cakes
   Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-24 minutes, or until the cakes are golden brown and set. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cakes; if it comes out clean, they’re ready.
3. Cool and Flip the Cakes
   Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully flip the tin onto a wire rack to release the cakes. The caramelized peach topping should now be on top, creating a beautiful upside-down effect.

Serving and Decoration

These Mini Peach Upside Down Cakes are perfect served warm, and adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes them even more irresistible! Here are some other serving suggestions:

• Serve with Fresh Whipped Cream: Top each cake with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for a creamy, light contrast to the sweet, sticky peaches.
• Sprinkle with Cinnamon Sugar: For an extra touch of sweetness, dust the cakes with cinnamon sugar just before serving.

Storage Instructions

How to Keep Mini Peach Upside Down Cakes Fresh

To keep your cakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This will preserve their soft texture and prevent them from drying out.

Freezing the Cakes

If you want to keep the cakes longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to 1 month. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat them in the oven for a few minutes.

Conclusion

These Mini Peach Upside Down Cakes are the perfect blend of sweet, juicy peaches and soft, fluffy cake, all topped with a luscious caramelized glaze. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a treat, these mini cakes are sure to impress.

With the added bonus of being easy to store and freeze, you can enjoy them for days to come. So, gather your ingredients, get baking, and treat yourself to this delightful dessert!