Description
This Delicious Upside Down Orange Cake is a vibrant and flavorful dessert featuring caramelized orange slices atop a moist, buttery cake. The combination of fresh orange zest and juice enhances the fragrant, sweet layers of this classic treat, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Top Layer
- 2 medium oranges, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
Cake Batter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- Zest from 1 orange
Instructions
- Prepare Your Cake Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a cake pan thoroughly and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Caramelize the Oranges: In a saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter with the brown sugar over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Immediately pour this caramel mixture into the prepared cake pan and evenly arrange the thin orange slices on top, creating an attractive layer.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream the remaining 1/4 cup butter with the granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and freshly grated orange zest, mixing well after each addition.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture alternately with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture, blending gently to form a smooth batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the cake batter over the caramelized oranges in the pan, spreading evenly. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Flip and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set. Then carefully invert it onto a serving plate so the caramelized oranges are on top. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Use thin orange slices to ensure they soften and caramelize properly during baking.
- Line the pan with parchment paper to make flipping the cake easier and prevent sticking.
- Let the cake cool slightly before flipping to avoid breaking.
- The cake is delicious served with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- For a more intense orange flavor, add a tablespoon of fresh orange juice to the batter.
