This Southern style skillet peach upside down cake brings soft vanilla cake, caramelized peaches, and cozy old-fashioned comfort together in one pan. It is the kind of dessert that feels right at home on a Sunday table, especially when peaches are sweet and juicy.
Skillet Peach Upside Down Cake
Equipment
- 1 10 inch cast iron skillet
- 1 Mixing Bowls
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp butter for the skillet
- 0.5 cup brown sugar packed
- 4 fresh peaches peeled if desired, sliced
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp cinnamon optional
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp alcohol-free vanilla
- 0.75 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 10 inch cast iron skillet well with butter. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the bottom, then arrange the peach slices in a pretty layer.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon if you are using it.
- In a separate bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the alcohol-free vanilla. Stir in the dry ingredients and milk in alternating additions until the batter is smooth.
- Spoon the batter gently over the peaches and spread it evenly to the edges of the skillet.
- Bake until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Let the cake rest for 10 minutes so the topping settles.
- Run a knife around the edge of the skillet if needed, then carefully turn the cake onto a serving plate. Spoon any peach juices from the pan over the top for extra flavor.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Skillet Peach Upside Down Cake
This cake is simple to make, but it looks like something special when you turn it out of the skillet. The peaches bake into a glossy topping, while the cake underneath stays tender, buttery, and lightly spiced.
It is also a lovely recipe for sharing. You can serve it warm, let it cool for a picnic, or enjoy a slice later with coffee.
Skillet Peach Upside Down Cake Ingredients & Substitutions
- Fresh peaches, peeled if desired, or use frozen peaches that have been thawed and drained well.
- Butter, for the skillet and the batter, or use a neutral oil for part of the fat if needed.
- Brown sugar, for the caramel-like peach layer.
- All-purpose flour, the base of the cake.
- Baking powder, to help the cake rise.
- Salt, to balance the sweetness.
- Granulated sugar, for the cake batter.
- Eggs, for structure and richness.
- Milk, or use plain yogurt thinned with a little water.
- Alcohol-free vanilla, for warm flavor.
- Cinnamon, optional but lovely with peaches.
If your peaches are very sweet, you can slightly reduce the sugar in the topping. If they are a little firm, give them a few extra minutes in the skillet before baking so they soften beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Skillet Peach Upside Down Cake
Step 1, Prepare the skillet
Preheat the oven and grease a cast iron skillet well with butter. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the bottom, then arrange the peach slices in a pretty layer.
Step 2, Mix the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon if you are using it. This helps the cake bake evenly.
Step 3, Make the batter
In a separate bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the alcohol-free vanilla. Stir in the dry ingredients and milk in alternating additions until the batter is smooth.
Step 4, Assemble the cake
Spoon the batter gently over the peaches and spread it evenly to the edges of the skillet. Take your time here so the peach layer stays in place.
Step 5, Bake until golden
Bake until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake rest for a short time so the topping settles.
Step 6, Invert and serve
Run a knife around the edge of the skillet if needed, then carefully turn the cake onto a serving plate. Spoon any peach juices from the pan over the top for extra flavor.
Tips for Success
Use a skillet that is well seasoned or generously greased so the fruit releases cleanly. If your peaches are very juicy, pat them dry a bit before layering them in the pan.
Do not overmix the batter, since that can make the cake dense. A light hand keeps the crumb soft and tender.
Let the cake cool for a few minutes before inverting it, but do not wait too long, or the peach topping may stick.
Variations of Skillet Peach Upside Down Cake
You can add a handful of blueberries between the peach slices for a colorful twist. A little ground cardamom or nutmeg can also give the cake a warmer flavor.
If you want a richer finish, fold chopped toasted pecans into the batter. For a simpler version, skip the cinnamon and keep the peach flavor front and center.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Skillet Peach Upside Down Cake
This cake is wonderful on its own, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it feel extra special. Whipped cream or a spoonful of thick yogurt also pairs nicely with the warm peaches.
For a cozy dessert plate, serve it after a summer meal with iced tea or coffee. It also works well as a sweet ending to a casual family dinner.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Because of the fruit topping, chilling it helps keep everything fresh.
To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for a short time or place the cake in a low oven until heated through. You can also enjoy it cold if you like a firmer texture.
Memories Made Around the Table
There is something about peach desserts that always feels nostalgic to me. They remind me of long afternoons, crowded tables, and the simple joy of passing around one more slice because nobody wanted the pan to go empty too soon.
FAQs
Can I use canned peaches?
Yes, canned peaches can work well. Drain them thoroughly first so the cake does not become too wet.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can bake it a few hours ahead and serve it at room temperature. If you want it warm, reheat slices just before serving.
What size skillet should I use?
A 10 inch cast iron skillet is a great choice for this recipe. If your skillet is smaller or larger, the bake time may change a little.
How do I keep the cake from sticking?
Grease the skillet well and do not wait too long to invert the cake after baking. A short resting time helps the topping release cleanly.
Final Thoughts
This Southern style skillet peach upside down cake is the kind of dessert that feels both comforting and memorable. It is simple enough for a weekday bake, yet special enough to share when you want something warm, fruity, and homemade.