Delicious Plum Upside Down Cake Recipe

Plum Upside Down Cake is the perfect marriage of jewel-toned caramelized plums and a moist, spiced cake. With the fragrant warmth of cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger, each bite is bursting with flavor—tangy, sweet, and gently spiced. A rich butterscotch caramel anchors the fruit, while the tender cake soaks up all the juices.

This show-stopping dessert is surprisingly simple and endlessly adaptable—use peaches, nectarines, or berries for your own twist. Follow the clear instructions below for a bakery-worthy cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients Checklist

Here’s everything you need for a 9-inch round cake (serves 8–10). Carefully measured ingredients ensure reliable results every time.

For the Plum Topping:

• ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter

• ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar

• 6–8 ripe plums (about 450–500g), pitted and sliced into eighths (or use nectarines, peaches, or apricots)

For the Spiced Cake:

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour (substitute gluten-free blend as needed)

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

• ¼ teaspoon fine salt

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• ⅔ cup (160ml) buttermilk (or ⅔ cup milk + 2 tsp lemon juice, stirred and rested for 5 min)

• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

• Zest of 1 lemon or orange (optional, for brightness)

Optional Garnishes:

• Whipped cream or crème fraîche

• Vanilla ice cream

• Toasted sliced almonds

• Fresh mint

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Dairy-free? Use plant butter and non-dairy milk + lemon.

• Vegan? Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use vegan butter and milk.

• Gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

• Nut allergy? Skip nut garnishes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

With a few easy steps, you’ll create a stunning upside-down cake—no special skills required.

• Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan (not springform) and line the base with parchment for easy removal.

• Make the caramel: In a small saucepan, melt ¼ cup butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cook, whisking, until bubbling and smooth (about 1–2 minutes). Pour immediately into the cake pan, tilting to coat the bottom evenly.

• Arrange plums: Fan sliced plums over the caramel in concentric circles, covering the base completely. For a jewel-toned effect, use a mix of red and yellow plums.

• Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.

• Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter with sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add buttermilk, vanilla, and citrus zest.

• Combine: Add dry ingredients to wet and fold gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix—batter should be thick and smooth.

• Assemble and bake: Gently spoon batter over plums and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until cake is golden, a skewer comes out clean, and the edges pull slightly from the pan.

• Cool and invert: Let cake cool in pan on a rack for 10–15 minutes (not longer, or caramel may stick). Run a thin knife around the edge, then invert onto a serving plate. Peel off parchment. If some fruit sticks, gently lift and patch onto cake.

Tips for Perfect Results

Get the most from your ingredients and technique with these pro tips:

• Use ripe but firm plums—they hold their shape and caramelize beautifully.

• Don’t overcook the caramel or it will harden; just melt and bubble until smooth.

• Arrange plums tightly—fruit shrinks during baking.

• Room temperature eggs and buttermilk create a fluffier cake.

• For even baking, rotate the pan halfway through.

• Let cake rest 10–15 minutes before inverting; unmold while still warm.

Serving Suggestions

Plum Upside Down Cake is irresistible warm, at room temperature, or even chilled. Try these serving ideas:

• Serve slices with softly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

• Add toasted sliced almonds for crunch.

• Garnish with fresh mint or extra fruit slices.

• For brunch, serve with yogurt and a drizzle of honey.

Final Thoughts

Plum Upside Down Cake is the ultimate cozy dessert—rich with caramel, fragrant with spice, and bursting with fresh fruit. Its versatility lets you swap in any ripe, juicy stone fruit or berries. With simple pantry staples, clear steps, and pro tips, you’ll turn out a gorgeous, crowd-pleasing cake every time. Try different fruit, play with spices, and enjoy this stunning classic at any gathering!