Upside down cakes? More like right-side up deliciousness! 🍰✨
I’m about to flip your world (and your cakes) with these 10 mouthwatering vegan upside down cake recipes. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
As a vegan chef who’s been around the block (or should I say, around the cake pan?), I’ve teamed up with some of the best plant-based bakers out there to bring you a collection that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
From classic pineapple to exotic jackfruit, we’ve got flavors that’ll tickle every fancy. And the best part? These recipes are so easy, you could probably make them while standing on your head (though I don’t recommend it – flour everywhere, not cute).
So, grab your apron, preheat that oven, and let’s get ready to turn dessert on its head!
Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Ah, the OG of upside down cakes. This classic never goes out of style, kinda like your grandma’s vintage apron (but way more delicious).
For this beauty, you’ll start by caramelizing brown sugar and vegan butter in the bottom of your pan.
Then, artfully arrange pineapple rings and maraschino cherries (you know, for that retro vibe).
Pour your vanilla cake batter over the top and bake until golden.
When you flip it over, you’ll have a glistening, caramelized top that’ll make you weak in the knees.
Pro tip: Use fresh pineapple if you can. It’s a game-changer, trust me.
I once made this for a potluck, and let’s just say, I came home with an empty pan and about 15 new best friends.
Apple Cinnamon Upside Down Cake
Picture this: It’s fall, there’s a chill in the air, and your kitchen smells like a warm hug. That’s what this apple cinnamon upside down cake brings to the table.
You’ll start by arranging thinly sliced apples in a spiral pattern at the bottom of your pan.
Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, then pour over your spiced cake batter.
When it comes out of the oven, flip it over to reveal a gorgeous apple rosette top.
I like to serve this one warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream. It’s like apple pie and cake had a baby, and it’s BEAUTIFUL.
Fun fact: I once ate half of one of these in one sitting while binge-watching “The Great British Bake Off”. No regrets.
Banana Foster Upside Down Cake
Hold onto your banana peels, folks, ’cause this one’s a doozy!
Start by making a caramel sauce with brown sugar and rum (yes, RUM) in the bottom of your pan.
Slice ripe bananas lengthwise and arrange them in the caramel.
Pour over a cinnamon-spiced cake batter and bake until your kitchen smells like heaven.
When you flip it, you’ll have a caramelized banana top that’s to die for.
Word to the wise: This cake is dangerously addictive. I may or may not have eaten it for breakfast once. Or twice. Okay, fine, every day for a week.
Berry Burst Upside Down Cake
Berries: nature’s candy. And when you put them in an upside down cake? Chef’s kiss
For this fruity fiesta, you’ll create a mosaic of mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, oh my!) at the bottom of your pan.
Sprinkle with a bit of sugar, then pour over a lemony cake batter.
When you flip it, you’ll have a stunning stained-glass effect of berries on top.
Pro tip: This cake is a showstopper at summer picnics. Just be prepared for everyone to ask you for the recipe.
I once brought this to a Fourth of July party and it disappeared faster than you can say “fireworks”. True story.
Peach Melba Upside Down Cake
Peach Melba: the dessert that proves peaches and raspberries are a match made in heaven.
Start by arranging sliced peaches in a spiral at the bottom of your pan, then scatter raspberries in the spaces.
Pour over a vanilla almond cake batter and bake until golden.
When you flip it, you’ll have a gorgeous peachy-pink top that’s almost too pretty to eat. Almost.
I like to serve this one with a dollop of coconut whipped cream. It’s like summer on a plate.
Fun fact: I once made this cake for a first date. Reader, I married him. (Okay, not really, but it definitely scored me a second date!)
Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake
Chocolate and cherries, name a more iconic duo. I’ll wait.
For this decadent delight, start by arranging pitted cherries at the bottom of your pan.
Pour over a rich, fudgy chocolate cake batter and bake until your willpower crumbles and you can’t wait to dig in.
When you flip it, you’ll have a cherry-studded chocolate dream that’ll make you want to do a happy dance.
Pro tip: Add a splash of kirsch (cherry liqueur) to the batter for an extra punch of cherry flavor.
I once made this for a breakup party (yes, that’s a thing). Let’s just say, chocolate and cherries heal all wounds.
Tropical Mango Coconut Upside Down Cake
Close your eyes and imagine you’re on a tropical beach. Now open them and make this cake. It’s basically the same thing, right?
Start by arranging thinly sliced mango in a sunburst pattern at the bottom of your pan.
Sprinkle with shredded coconut, then pour over a coconut-lime cake batter.
When you flip it, you’ll have a sunny mango top that’ll transport you straight to paradise.
I like to serve this one with a rum-spiked coconut whipped cream. Because why not go all out?
True story: I once made this cake while wearing a Hawaiian shirt and playing ukulele. The cake turned out great, my ukulele skills… not so much.
Caramel Pear Upside Down Cake
Pears: the unsung heroes of the fruit world. Let’s give them their moment to shine, shall we?
Start by making a caramel sauce in the bottom of your pan, then arrange thinly sliced pears in a fan pattern.
Pour over a spiced cake batter (think cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg) and bake until your kitchen smells like fall.
When you flip it, you’ll have a gorgeous caramelized pear top that’s seriously swoon-worthy.
Pro tip: Use ripe but firm pears. Too soft and they’ll turn to mush (still delicious, but not as pretty).
I once made this cake for a fancy dinner party. Let’s just say, my friends now think I’m a culinary genius. Little do they know, it’s easier than pie!
Plum Almond Upside Down Cake
Plums and almonds: the power couple of the dessert world.
Start by arranging halved plums, cut-side down, at the bottom of your pan.
Sprinkle with sliced almonds, then pour over an almond-flavored cake batter.
When you flip it, you’ll have a jewel-toned plum top that’s almost too pretty to eat. (But you will, because YUM.)
I like to serve this one with a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s like edible art.
Fun fact: I once made this cake for a book club meeting. We were supposed to discuss the book, but ended up talking about the cake all night. Oops?
Jackfruit Upside Down Cake
Last but not least, let’s get tropical with jackfruit! If you’ve never tried it, prepare for your mind to be blown.
Start by arranging jackfruit pieces (canned works great) at the bottom of your pan.
Sprinkle with brown sugar and a pinch of cardamom, then pour over a vanilla-coconut cake batter.
When you flip it, you’ll have a unique, exotic-looking cake that’ll make you feel like a culinary adventurer.
Pro tip: Jackfruit can be a bit tricky to work with, so don’t be afraid to ask for help at your local Asian grocery store.
I once made this cake for a potluck and everyone thought I was some kind of cake wizard. Little did they know, it’s easier than pronouncing “jackfruit” correctly on the first try.
And there you have it, folks! Ten upside down cakes that’ll turn your dessert game right-side up.
Remember, baking is all about having fun and not taking yourself too seriously. So what if your cake doesn’t look Instagram-perfect? As long as it tastes good, you’re winning at life.
Now, go forth and flip some cakes! And if you end up with more cake than you can eat (is there such a thing?), just remember: sharing is caring. Or you know, midnight snacks are always an option. I won’t judge.
Happy baking, you upside down cake connoisseurs!