Description
Tropical sunshine meets classic baking in this irresistible orange upside-down cake, where caramelized citrus slices crown a moist, golden crumb. Served warm with a dollop of vanilla cream, you’ll savor a slice of pure culinary delight that whisks senses straight to Mediterranean orchards.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients (Cake Topping):
- 2 oranges, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9-inch round cake pan with grease.
- Create a caramel sauce by melting butter and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until bubbly and smooth.
- Pour the caramel into the cake pan and artfully arrange orange slices in an overlapping pattern.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate mixing bowl.
- Cream butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and airy.
- Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition.
- Fold in vanilla extract and fresh orange zest to enhance the flavor profile.
- Gradually integrate the dry ingredients with milk and orange juice, alternating between wet and dry components.
- Gently spread the batter over the caramelized orange base, creating an even layer.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center.
- Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes to stabilize its structure.
- Carefully loosen the edges with a knife and invert onto a serving plate.
- Serve warm with optional whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even mixing and prevent lumpy batter.
- Choose ripe, sweet oranges for the best caramelized flavor and vibrant color.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender and prevent a tough texture.
- Ensure orange slices are evenly arranged for a stunning presentation when inverted.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pistachios for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
- Replace dairy milk with almond or oat milk for a lactose-free alternative.
- Reduce sugar content by using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- Enhance citrus notes by adding a splash of Grand Marnier or orange liqueur to the batter.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 128 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 0.4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg