Introduction

This Upside Down Orange Cake is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, featuring juicy orange slices caramelized to perfection on top. Its moist, citrus-infused crumb makes it a perfect treat to brighten up any occasion.

Upside Down Orange Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 large oranges, thinly sliced (for topping)
1/3 cup sugar (for topping)
2 tbsp butter (for topping)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 cup orange juice
Zest of 1 orange
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a round cake pan thoroughly.
Step 2: In a small pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1/3 cup sugar over medium heat until combined and caramelized. Pour this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared cake pan.
Step 3: Arrange the thinly sliced orange pieces evenly over the caramel layer in the pan.
Step 4: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 5: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened 1/2 cup butter with 1/2 cup sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 6: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract, stirring to combine.
Step 7: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
Step 8: Carefully pour the batter over the orange slices in the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Step 10: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate so the caramelized oranges are on top. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

Use blood oranges or cara cara oranges for a colorful twist and deeper citrus flavor.
If you prefer a less sweet topping, reduce the sugar used in the caramel layer by a tablespoon.
For added texture, sprinkle some chopped toasted almonds or pecans over the caramel before arranging the orange slices.
Make sure the oranges are sliced thinly to ensure they caramelize and soften correctly during baking.

Storage

Store any leftover cake covered tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore moisture and soften the caramel topping.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh orange juice or bottled orange juice?

Freshly squeezed orange juice is best for the brightest flavor, but bottled 100% orange juice works well too if fresh is not available.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to grease the pan well and consider lining the bottom with parchment paper in addition to greasing for an easier release when inverting the cake.

Upside Down Orange Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 60 reviews

This Upside Down Orange Cake combines a moist, flavorful citrus-infused cake topped with caramelized orange slices that create a stunning presentation and delightful taste. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a bright, fruity dessert any time of year.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

For the topping:

2 large oranges, thinly sliced
1/3 cup sugar
2 tbsp butter

For the cake:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 cup orange juice
Zest of 1 orange
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a round cake pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Create Caramel Base: Melt the 2 tablespoons of butter with 1/3 cup sugar together in a saucepan until melted and combined, then pour this caramel mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared cake pan.
Arrange Orange Slices: Lay the thinly sliced oranges evenly over the caramel layer in the cake pan, ensuring full coverage to create the signature upside-down topping.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to distribute the leavening agents evenly.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another large bowl, cream 1/2 cup softened butter with 1/2 cup sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender cake.
Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter mixture. Then mix in the orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract to infuse the batter with fresh citrus flavor.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
Pour Batter: Carefully pour the batter over the arranged orange slices in the pan, smoothing the top to ensure even baking.
Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating doneness.
Cool and Invert: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate so the caramelized orange topping is displayed beautifully. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Use thinly sliced oranges for an attractive caramelized topping that softens during baking.
Be careful when inverting the cake as the caramel topping will be hot and sticky.
You can substitute orange juice with freshly squeezed tangerine or mandarin juice for a different citrus twist.
Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an added indulgence.

Keywords: upside down orange cake, caramelized orange cake, citrus cake, easy orange dessert, baked orange cake