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Upside Down Orange Cake

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Bright, zesty, and irresistibly moist—this Upside Down Orange Cake features vibrant citrus slices caramelized to perfection atop a fluffy, lightly sweetened vanilla cake base, making it a stunning dessert for any season or gathering.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4–6 small to medium oranges, thinly sliced
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 18 tbsp cane sugar (for batter)
  • 1 1/2 tbsp butter
  • 1 1/2 tbsp cane sugar (for caramelizing pan)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan and line the base with parchment paper.
  2. In a small saucepan, melt butter and stir in 1 ½ tbsp cane sugar. Pour this into the base of the cake pan and swirl to coat evenly.
  3. Arrange the thinly sliced oranges over the sugar mixture in a decorative circular pattern. Set aside.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and orange zest.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine the milk and vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly.
  6. To the milk mixture, add olive oil, vanilla extract, and 18 tbsp cane sugar. Whisk until well combined.
  7. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until smooth. Do not overmix.
  8. Gently pour the batter over the arranged orange slices and spread evenly.
  9. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate.
  11. Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or yogurt, if desired.

Notes

  • Use seedless oranges or remove seeds for easier slicing and cleaner presentation.
  • Substitute part of the milk with orange juice for extra citrus flavor.
  • Best served the same day for peak freshness and visual appeal.
  • Pairs well with vanilla ice cream or crème fraîche for a decadent finish.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/upside-down-orange-cake/