Orange Upside Down Cake
Each slice is full of bright citrus flavor! Orange upside down cake is like sunshine on your plate (and as easy as muffins!).
If you’re looking to take your baking to the next level, then give this recipe a try. It looks super fancy and impressive, but it’s as easy to make as boxed cake mix.
I’ll take you step-by-step through every single stage, showing you how to mix, prep, bake, and plate this stunning cake.
And it doesn’t just look amazing – it tastes incredible, too! It’s spiced with cinnamon and vanilla and has the perfect amount of moisture and crumb. You’ll savor every sweet and zesty bite!
Upside Down Cake
I’ve been making a bunch of cookies and muffins lately. For good reason, too! They’re easy, and there are a ton of ways to customize them.
And the last time I made a cake, it as my double-layer strawberry shortcake. So, it’s about time for another show-stopping cake (that won’t make you break a sweat).
This simple cake has a simple vanilla base. Then, I added some cinnamon to balance out the bold orange flavors. It almost reminds me of fall – but the colors are perfect for summertime parties.
The Perfect Cake To Show Off
After you plate the orange upside down cake, you’ll make up excuses to show it off! Move it next to a window and take some pics, posting them everywhere! (If you do, please tag me on IG so I can see!).
If you have a special serving platter, use it. The bright caramelized orange slices on top look like bursts of sunshine. I used a cutting board and love how well the colors work together.
I also love how quickly you can serve the cake after taking it out of the oven. With the orange slices on top, you don’t have to make or pipe any icing on top!
How To Make Sure Upside Down Cake Doesn’t Stick
One of the trickiest parts of an upside down cake is that nerve-wracking moment when you try to turn the baking pan upside down and place it on the serving tray. If the fruit on top sticks, the entire cake is ruined.
So, how do you make sure it won’t stick?
Loving our recipes? Sign up to our newsletter to receive exclusive dessert content straight to your inbox! Plus, we’ll send you a FREE copy of The Sweet Six, my recipe e-book with six essential baking recipes for every kitchen!
First, coat the round cake pan with cooking spray. Then, add round piece of parchment paper into the bottom of the pan. Finally, pour melted butter into the pan (on top of the parchment paper) and add some sugar.
After doing all this, you can finally start placing the orange slices into the pan and then pour the cake batter on top.
Please don’t skip a single step. Every single part is important to help it not stick.
What Ingredients Do I Need To Make Orange Upside Down Cake?
If you have ever made homemade cake before, you probably already have most of these ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need before you begin.
- Cooking Spray
- Oranges
- Butter
- Flour
- Baking Powder
- Baking Soda
- Salt
- Granulated Sugar
- Eggs
- Ground Cinnamon
- Vegetable Oil
- Vanilla Extract
- Sour Cream
To get the specific measurements, scroll down to the recipe card and you can either copy and paste it, screenshot, or print out the card itself!
Shop our cutest printables, dessert-themed tags, and celebration-worthy details — and save 20% on your favorites – start browsing!
Cut The Oranges Carefully
The orange slices are the star of the show! It’s what everyone will notice first about your cake.
So, I suggest slicing them into very thin pieces. After you make round slices, remove the peels and all of the seeds.
If you want to add even deeper color, use blood oranges or a mixture of both types of oranges.
How Long Will Upside Down Cake Last?
Since they’re baked with orange slices, I suggest keeping them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week. Remember to keep them in an airtight container so they don’t go stale.
You can freeze the cake, too. It will stay fresh in the freezer for about six months.
How To Make Orange Upside Down Cake
Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees and coating an 8 or 9 inch round pan with cooking spray. Then, line the pan with a circular piece of parchment paper (you can trace your pan on the parchment paper with a pencil then cut). Spray on top of the parchment with another layer of cooking spray.
Pour melted butter into the lined pan, making sure it’s evenly coated. Next, add a layer of sugar (1/4 cup).
Cut one of your oranges in thin slices and remove the seeds and the peel. Place carefully on top of the butter and sugar layer on your pan. You may have to cut some of the slices into smaller pieces to allow it to fit as one layer on your pan. Set aside.
In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Mix in remaining granulated sugar (1 cup).
Next, add cinnamon and combine.
Next, add eggs, vegetable oil, sour cream and vanilla extract. Mix until a thick batter forms.
Pour the batter into the pan, ensuring it’s even by using a spatula. Tap on your countertop to fill in any airholes.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Allow to cool for about 10-15 minutes and pass a serrated knife along the edge of the pan.
Turn the cake upside down onto a large serving platter. Enjoy!
If You Liked this Orange Upside Down Cake, You May Also Like…
Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
Orange Upside Down Cake
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 2 oranges divided
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 ¼ cup granulated sugar divided
- 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Coat an 8 or 9 inch round pan with cooking spray. Line with a circular piece of parchment paper (you can trace your pan on the parchment paper with a pencil then cut). Spray on top of the parchment with another layer of cooking spray.
- Pour melted butter into the lined pan, making sure it’s evenly coated. Next, add a layer of sugar (1/4 cup).
- Cut one of your oranges in thin slices and remove the seeds and the peel. Place carefully on top of the butter and sugar layer on your pan. You may have to cut some of the slices into smaller pieces to allow it to fit as one layer on your pan. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Mix in remaining granulated sugar (1 cup).
- Next, add cinnamon and combine.
- Next, add eggs, vegetable oil, sour cream and vanilla extract. Mix until a thick batter forms.
- Pour the batter into the pan, ensuring it’s even by using a spatula. Tap on your countertop to fill in any airholes.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Allow to cool for about 10-15 minutes and pass a serrated knife along the edge of the pan.
- Turn the cake upside down onto a large serving platter. Enjoy!
