Orange Upside-Down Cake recipe

Ingredients

For the topping:

  • 2–3 medium oranges, thinly sliced (seeds removed)
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

For the cake:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1 tbsp orange juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easier release.
  2. Make the topping: In a small saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat until bubbly and smooth. Pour into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Arrange the orange slices in a single layer over the sugar mixture.
  3. Prepare the cake batter:
    In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
    In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla, orange zest, and orange juice.
  4. Combine wet and dry:
    Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
  5. Assemble and bake:
    Gently pour the batter over the orange slices in the pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool and invert:
    Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Run a knife around the edges, then carefully invert onto a serving plate. Remove the parchment paper.
  7. Serve:
    Enjoy warm or at room temp—delicious with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream!

Want to dress it up with spices like cinnamon or cardamom? Or maybe a boozy orange glaze? Let me know and we can elevate it even more!

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