Looking to impress a crowd? What better than this jaw dropping Gluten Free Upside Down Peach Coconut Almond Cake? Tender, moist, and just peachy with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Fresh Peaches Or Canned Peaches?
Both! Fresh peaches or canned peaches are both great options. For the fresh peach, not everyone has a long Summer season like we do in Houston so go for the canned if you are already ahead of Houston’s Fall season! For the fresh peaches, it requires a little labor. Slice the peaches in half, remove the pit and the skins. Slice into thin slices and then pat dry. For the canned peaches, drain and rinse those babies. You need a few more paper towels because you really want to make sure those juices are out. I am not looking for them to be super dry to the bone but enough to where you don’t have excess liquid in your bowl.
Dark Brown Sugar Is The Key!
We all know brown sugar is usually hinting to light brown sugar. The difference? The amount of molasses in the dark brown sugar. This is what gives your taste buds an extra layer of deep caramel flavor but the sugar plays another role in addition just the taste. The dark brown sugar in this Gluten Free Upside Down Peach Coconut Almond Cake serves up those crusty sides when it bakes. Lastly, dark brown sugar will help give you a sticky finish to keep all the peaches together. Dark brown sugar is recommended for the best results but light brown is just as nice!
Coconut Almond Cake Or Any Cake!
There are a ton of cake recipes you can use for this recipe. If you wanted, you could even buy gluten free cake mix from the store and whip it right up to dollop on top of the peaches. I mean, I am never above help in the kitchen, however, I love baking from scratch unless I am in a pickle then I may jazz up a box mix. It happens! I love the texture of almond flour so I tend to lean towards it a lot. Not gluten free? Use your favorite cake recipe and plant that batter right on the butter fruit mixture then bake according to box directions. May take a tad bit longer than usual so plan on leaving some wiggle room in case that happens.
Upside Down Cake Pan Size
I use an 8-inch cake pan. This size cake pan yields a taller cake but one that needs more time in the oven. An 8-inch cake pan can also leave you will an “over baked” top. If this happens, add a piece of foil over the top so the cake can continue to cook without the top becoming too brown. If it is too late and you are staring at your brown cake, I have great news for you! You can just use a bread knife and slice right across the top to take off that layer. This is what cake bakers do anyways to get those even layers. Shhh, it’s a *secret.* For a 9-inch pan, reduce your baking time. Start at 25 minutes and then go from there. Remember, this cake will continue to bake during its cooling time. Enjoy!
For another crowds pleasing upside cake, check out my popular Fall Upside Down Apple Maple Bundt Cake.
Gluten Free Upside Down Peach Coconut Almond Cake
Equipment
- 2 Bowls
- 1 Measuring cup
- 8'' Cake pan
- Hand Beater
Ingredients
For The Peaches
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar packed
- 1 1/2 cup peaches sliced or canned
For The Cake
- 1 1/2 cup almond flour
- 4 large eggs separated, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1/3 cup shredded sweetened coconut flakes
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, pat dry your peaches, fresh or canned.
- In an 8-inch baking pan, pour melted butter in the bottom. Arrange peaches at the bottom then sprinkle one even layer of the brown sugar.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine almond flour, egg yolks, sugar, almond extract, and shredded coconut.
- Beat egg whites in a separate bowl until thick and fluffy.
- Fold egg whites into your cake batter.
- Dollop over the peaches, it is okay if some of the butter oozes up the sides.
- Bake 30-40 minutes or until toothpick comes out with a few crumbs attached. For some, this may mean bake in increments beyond 40 minutes.
- Allow to rest for 25-30 minutes before flipping.
- Serve at room temperature for best results.