Bright & Beautiful Orange Upside-Down Cake

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Bright & Beautiful Orange Upside-Down Cake

Bursting with citrus flavor and featuring a gorgeous caramelized orange topping, this Orange Upside-Down Cake is as stunning as it is delicious. With its glossy fruit top and soft, buttery crumb, it’s the kind of dessert that makes any occasion feel extra special. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a sunny afternoon, or just treating yourself, this easy recipe is sure to wow both the eyes and taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Sweet & Tangy: The fresh oranges caramelize beautifully with brown sugar and butter.
  • Moist & Fluffy: The cake itself is tender, thanks to a balance of citrus juice, zest, and whole milk.
  • Easy Yet Elegant: A few simple steps turn everyday ingredients into a show-stopping dessert.

Ingredients

For the Caramelized Orange Topping:

  • 3 medium oranges, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ½ cup brown sugar

For the Cake Batter:

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons orange zest (freshly grated)
  • ¼ cup fresh orange juice
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan and Topping:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt ½ cup unsalted butter. Add ½ cup brown sugar, stirring until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture becomes a smooth caramel.

Pour the caramel into the prepared cake pan, tilting the pan to spread it evenly. Arrange the orange slices in a circular pattern over the caramel, overlapping them slightly for a beautiful presentation.

2. Make the Cake Batter:

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture gradually, alternating with the milk—starting and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

3. Assemble and Bake:

Carefully spoon the batter over the arranged orange slices in the pan. Smooth the top gently with a spatula.

Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

4. Cool and Invert:

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen it.

Place a serving plate over the cake pan, then invert the cake carefully onto the plate. Gently lift off the pan to reveal the caramelized orange topping.

Let the cake cool completely before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this cake as-is, or add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. It’s a perfect pairing with afternoon tea or a light citrusy dessert to end a hearty meal.

Tips for Success

  • Use thin orange slices for even caramelization and an elegant look.
  • Don’t skip the zest! It enhances the orange flavor beautifully.
  • Make sure the cake cools slightly before flipping to help the topping stay intact.

This Orange Upside-Down Cake is sunshine in dessert form—vibrant, flavorful, and effortlessly elegant. Add it to your baking list and prepare to fall in love with citrus all over again!

 

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