Upside-down cake with cherries and peaches

The upside-down cherry and peach cake is a delightful dessert, perfect for celebrating summer or adding a splash of color and flavor to cooler days. This recipe is not only simple but also brings together delicious, aromatic fruits and a soft cake base that melts in your mouth. Over time, upside-down cakes have been appreciated for their versatility, as they can be made with a variety of fruits, but the combination of cherries and peaches offers a perfect balance between sweet and tart.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:

- 125 g butter (plus extra for greasing)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 9 medium peaches (pitted, halved)
- 250 g cherries (pitted, halved)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 and 1/4 cups flour
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla powder
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons orange zest (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt

Preparing the Cake:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 160 degrees Celsius. This is the ideal temperature for achieving a well-baked and soft cake base.

2. Prepare the pan: Take a round baking pan with a diameter of 26 cm and grease it evenly with 25 g of butter. Make sure to grease the edges well to prevent the cake from sticking. Sprinkle the brown sugar on the bottom of the pan, creating a delicious base for the fruits.

3. Prepare the fruits: Wash the cherries and peaches well. Cut the cherries in half and remove the pits, then arrange them in an even layer on the bottom of the pan over the brown sugar. Continue with the peaches, placing them on top of the cherries, cut side up.

4. Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, beat 100 g of butter (reserving the rest for greasing the pan) together with the granulated sugar until you obtain a fluffy and light-colored mixture. Add the egg and mix well until fully incorporated.

5. Incorporate the dry ingredients: Sifting the flour with the baking powder and salt is essential for achieving an airy cake. Add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the orange juice. Finally, add the vanilla and orange zest for extra flavor.

6. Pour the batter: Carefully pour the batter over the layer of fruits in the pan, ensuring that you cover the cherries and peaches evenly.

7. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and let it bake for 50 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cool and invert: Once the cake is baked, let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Then, using a plate, carefully invert the cake so that the fruits are on top.

Serving the Cake:

This upside-down cherry and peach cake is delicious served warm, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It offers a perfect contrast of textures and flavors. It can also be enjoyed cold, making it an excellent choice for a picnic or a gathering with friends.

Practical Tips and Variations:

- Choosing fruits: If cherries are not available, you can opt for other seasonal fruits like plums, apples, or pineapple.
- Sugar: Brown sugar adds a caramelized flavor, but you can also use white sugar if you prefer a more neutral taste.
- Enhancing flavor: Add a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter to boost the flavors.
- Gluten-free flour: If you want a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour, making sure to add a binding agent like xanthan or psyllium.

Nutritional Benefits:

This cake brings significant benefits due to its fruit content. Cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, while peaches provide vitamins A and C, being excellent for skin health. The butter adds healthy fats, and brown sugar contains essential minerals.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use frozen fruits? Yes, you can use frozen fruits, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the pan.
2. How do I store the cake? Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.
3. Can it be frozen? Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is recommended to do so without inverting it. Thawing should be done at room temperature.

The upside-down cherry and peach cake is not just a dessert but an experience full of flavor and aroma that brings joy both in moments of relaxation and during gatherings with loved ones. I invite you to make it and share the joy of this recipe with your dear ones! Enjoy!