Canned Peach Upside Down Cake is a delightful twist on a classic dessert that brings the sweetness of peaches right to your table. This cake is not only visually appealing but also incredibly simple to make, making it the perfect choice for gatherings, family dinners, or just a sweet treat at home. The combination of buttery cake, caramelized peaches, and a hint of cinnamon creates a comforting and indulgent dessert that everyone will love.
Why Canned Peach Upside Down Cake is Worth Your Time

Canned Peach Upside Down Cake is a nostalgic dessert that brings warmth and happiness to any occasion. The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity and the delightful contrast between the moist cake and the sweet, sticky peaches on top. Using canned peaches makes this recipe accessible year-round, ensuring you can enjoy this treat irrespective of the season. Plus, the recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal prep time while delivering maximum flavor. What’s not to love about a dessert that looks as good as it tastes?
Ingredient Checklist
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 15 oz. sliced peaches, drained and sliced lengthwise
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs, separated into yolks and whites
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
What You’ll Need (Gear)
- 9-inch round cake pan: For baking the upside-down cake.
- Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients.
- Hand mixer or whisk: To beat the egg whites and mix the batter.
- Spatula: For folding ingredients together.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Directions: Canned Peach Upside Down Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9-inch round cake pan, pour the melted butter and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over it. This will create a delicious caramel base for your peaches.
Step 2: Add the Peaches
Arrange the drained sliced peaches on top of the brown sugar mixture. Feel free to get creative with the arrangement; a circular pattern always looks beautiful. Sprinkle cinnamon over the peaches for added flavor.
Step 3: Make the Cake Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. In another large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate the Egg Yolks
Add the egg yolks to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until well combined. Then, stir in the milk and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Step 6: Whip the Egg Whites
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the cake batter. This step will give your cake a light and airy texture.
Step 7: Pour the Batter
Carefully pour the batter over the arranged peaches in the cake pan, spreading it evenly.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and the cake should spring back when lightly pressed.
Step 9: Cool & Invert
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate, allowing the peaches to rest on top.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!
Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
Dietary Swaps & Alternatives

- For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond or oat milk in place of regular milk.
- Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index option.
- Use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make the cake gluten-free.
- If you want to reduce the sugar, consider using a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
Flavor Logic
The combination of caramelized peaches with warm spices like cinnamon creates a comforting and aromatic experience. The brown sugar not only adds sweetness but also deepens the flavor profile, giving the cake a rich, almost toffee-like taste. The fluffy cake acts as a perfect canvas for the juicy peaches, ensuring that every bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
Storage Pro Tips
To keep your Canned Peach Upside Down Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. To serve, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds, so the cake retains its soft texture.
Popular Questions
Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh peaches! Just make sure to peel and slice them thinly. Fresh peaches will need to be poached slightly before adding them to the cake to ensure they soften while baking.
Can this cake be frozen?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cake after it has cooled completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Why is my cake sinking in the middle?
A sinking cake can occur if the batter is overmixed or if the oven temperature is too low. Ensure that your oven is properly calibrated and avoid overmixing after adding the flour to keep the cake light and fluffy.
What can I serve with this cake?
This cake pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent dessert. Fresh berries can add a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake.
Serve & Enjoy
Gather your loved ones, slice up this luscious Canned Peach Upside Down Cake, and watch as smiles spread across faces. Whether served at a family gathering, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, this cake is sure to become a beloved favorite. The delightful mix of flavors and textures makes it a standout dessert that you’ll be proud to share. Enjoy each bite, and don’t forget to savor the memories made around the table!

Canned Peach Upside Down Cake
Equipment
- 9-inch Round Cake Pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 15 oz. sliced peaches drained and sliced lengthwise
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter softened (1 stick)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs separated into yolks and whites
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9-inch round cake pan, pour the melted butter and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over it to create a caramel base.
- Arrange the drained sliced peaches on top of the brown sugar mixture in a circular pattern. Sprinkle cinnamon over the peaches.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the egg yolks to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until well combined. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine.
- In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the cake batter to create a light texture.
- Carefully pour the batter over the peaches in the cake pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Remove the cake from the oven and cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then invert the cake onto a serving plate so the peaches are on top.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and use almond or oat milk.
- Use fresh peaches by peeling, slicing, and poaching them before baking for seasonal variations.
