Upside-down peach cake

Caramelized Peach Cake: a sweet treat for fruit dessert lovers

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8-10

If you're looking for a simple and delicious recipe that brings a touch of sunshine to your table, you've come to the right place! The caramelized peach cake is a dessert that combines the soft texture of a fluffy cake with the natural sweetness of peaches. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you have guests or simply want to indulge yourself.

A Brief History
Fruit desserts have a long-standing tradition in our cuisine, being a wonderful way to take advantage of the natural flavors of seasonal fruits. Peaches, with their sweet and juicy flavor, are an ideal ingredient in cakes, providing not only a fantastic taste but also an attractive appearance. This cake is inspired by traditional upside-down cake recipes, where the fruits are placed at the bottom of the pan, adding a pleasant contrast between the soft texture of the batter and the firmer peaches.

Necessary Ingredients
- 1 jar of 800 g sliced peaches in syrup (make sure they are well-drained)
- 50 g dark chocolate (optional, but recommended for added flavor)
- 5 eggs
- 6 tablespoons sparkling water (for a fluffier batter)
- 4 tablespoons oil (you can use sunflower or canola oil)
- 1/2 cup sugar (if you like your dessert sweeter, you can add 1-2 extra tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (make sure it is fresh for the best results)
- Zest of one lemon (for a fresh aroma)
- 10-12 tablespoons flour (you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
- A pinch of salt (helps balance the flavor)

Step by Step for a Perfect Result

1. Separating the eggs
Start by carefully separating the egg whites from the yolks. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy cake. Ensure the bowl for the egg whites is completely clean and dry; otherwise, they won't whip properly.

2. The yolk cream
In a large bowl, mix the yolks with the sugar, adding the sugar gradually. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes light in color and doubles in volume. This process will aerate the mixture, contributing to a fluffier cake texture.

3. Adding the liquid ingredients
Add the oil and sparkling water to the yolk mixture and mix well. The sparkling water will add extra aeration, making the cake lighter.

4. Incorporating the dry ingredients
Sift together the flour, baking powder, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this mixture to the yolk mixture, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the batter.

5. Whipping the egg whites
In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. This is the key to achieving a light and fluffy cake.

6. Incorporating the egg whites
Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture using a spatula. Doing this delicately will help retain the air in the egg whites.

7. Preparing the baking pan
Choose a round cake pan and line it with parchment paper. This step is crucial to prevent the cake from sticking.

8. Arranging the peaches
Place half of the peach slices at the bottom of the pan, then pour half of the prepared batter. Continue with the remaining peaches and finish with the rest of the batter.

9. Adding the chocolate
Grate the chocolate over the cake. If you want to incorporate it better, use a fork to push it into the batter. This step is optional, but dark chocolate will add a rich and intense flavor.

10. Baking the cake
Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate temperature). Place the pan in the oven and bake the cake for 40-45 minutes. Check if it’s done using a tester (a toothpick); if it comes out clean, the cake is ready!

11. Cooling and serving
After the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then gently invert it onto a plate. It’s recommended to serve it when completely cooled to maintain its texture and avoid mess.

Serving Suggestions
This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Additionally, a drizzle of caramel sauce can turn the dessert into a true delicacy.

Possible Variations
- Instead of peaches, you can experiment with other fruits like apricots, plums, or apples. Each fruit will add its unique note and slightly change the flavor profile of the cake.
- For a healthier version, you can use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

Nutritional Benefits
This cake contains protein from the eggs, vitamins and minerals from the peaches, as well as antioxidants from the dark chocolate. It is a healthier choice compared to many other desserts, having a moderate calorie content.

Estimated calories per serving: 230-250 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can the cake be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the cake, but it’s recommended to cut it into portions before freezing for easier thawing.

2. Can I use fresh peaches?
Absolutely! If you have fresh peaches, you can use them, but make sure they are well-ripened for the best flavor.

3. What drinks pair well with this cake?
A fruit tea or fresh lemonade are excellent choices. Also, a sweet white wine could complement the flavor of the peaches.

Certainly, this caramelized peach cake will quickly become one of your favorites. Enjoy, and don't forget to share the recipe with your friends! Cooking is an art, and every dessert you create is an opportunity to bring joy into the lives of your loved ones.