Upside Down Peach Cupcakes
Have you ever thought about taking the nostalgic charm of an upside-down cake and turning it into a cupcake?
Well, that’s exactly what these upside-down peach cupcakes do—little bites of juicy, caramelized peach goodness sitting on a soft, buttery base.
They’re sweet, a little tangy, and perfect for summer afternoons or anytime you want a fruity treat with a twist.
The best part? They’re surprisingly simple to make, and the caramelized peaches on top give each cupcake a delightful, glossy finish that looks as good as it tastes.
If you’ve been craving a fresh spin on classic desserts, these cupcakes are calling your name.
Prep Time
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Course | Cuisine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mins | 22 mins | 42 mins | 12 | Dessert | American |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity (12 cupcakes) | Quantity (6 cupcakes) | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh peaches (peeled & sliced) | 2 cups | 1 cup | Canned peaches (drained) |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup | ¼ cup | White sugar with a pinch of molasses |
| Unsalted butter (melted) | ¼ cup | 2 tbsp | Vegan butter or coconut oil |
| All-purpose flour | 1 ½ cups | ¾ cup | Whole wheat flour (denser) |
| Baking powder | 1 ½ tsp | ¾ tsp | Baking soda + ½ tsp cream of tartar |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | ⅛ tsp | — |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup | ⅜ cup | Coconut sugar |
| Eggs | 2 large | 1 large | Flax eggs (vegan) |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | ½ tsp | Almond extract |
| Milk (whole or plant-based) | ¾ cup | ⅜ cup | Yogurt (thinned) |
Cooking Instruments Needed
| Tool | Alternatives |
|---|---|
| Muffin tin | Silicone cupcake molds |
| Mixer or whisk | Hand whisk or fork |
| Mixing bowls | Any clean container |
| Measuring cups/spoons | Digital scale |
| Spoon or spatula | Butter knife |
How to Make Upside Down Peach Cupcakes
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your muffin tin or line it with cupcake liners.
Step 2: Make the Peach Topping
Mix brown sugar and melted butter in a small bowl. Spoon about 1 tbsp of this mixture into each muffin cup, then top with 2-3 peach slices arranged nicely.
Step 3: Prepare the Batter
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, cream sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Add vanilla.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Spoon the batter evenly over the peaches in each muffin cup, filling about ⅔ full.
Bake for 20-22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool and Flip
Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5-7 minutes. Run a knife around the edges, then carefully invert cupcakes onto a plate so the peaches are on top.
Serving and Decoration Tips
Serve warm or at room temperature. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce adds a lovely touch.
Variations to Try
- Spiced Peach: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
- Peach & Ginger: Mix fresh grated ginger into the batter for a zing.
- Peach & Almond: Sprinkle sliced almonds on the peach topping before baking.
Storing Tips
Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Extra Tips
- Use ripe but firm peaches to avoid soggy cupcakes.
- Don’t skip the flipping step—that caramelized peach top is the star here.
- Adjust sugar if your peaches are very sweet.
Common Mistakes & Fixes
| Mistake | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Peaches stick to pan | Not greasing tin well | Use plenty of butter or non-stick spray |
| Wet bottoms | Using overly ripe or watery peaches | Use firmer peaches or drain canned ones well |
| Cupcakes collapse | Overmixing batter or underbaking | Mix gently and bake fully |
FAQs
Can I use canned peaches for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to drain them well so cupcakes don’t get soggy.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Can I add frosting?
You can, but these cupcakes are best enjoyed as-is to highlight the peach topping.
Upside down peach cupcakes are a fun twist on two classic favorites—peaches and upside-down cake—all in one cute package.
Give this recipe a try, and don’t be shy to share your peachy creations or any cool variations you come up with!
