Orange Almond Upside-Down Cake
Moist almond cake topped with caramelized orange slices, baked upside-down for a stunning citrus finish. This mediterranean-inspired desserts ready in about 65 minutes layers divided unsalted butter, divided granulated sugar, all-purpose flour into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 6 tbsp, divided unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup, divided granulated sugar
- 2 medium, peeled and thinly sliced oranges
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup, toasted sliced almonds
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a 9-inch round cake pan over low heat; swirl to coat the bottom.
- Step 2: Sprinkle 1/3 cup granulated sugar evenly over the melted butter, then arrange 2 peeled and thinly sliced medium oranges in overlapping circles over the sugar; set aside.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup almond flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Step 4: In a separate large bowl, beat 3 large eggs with the remaining 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 2 tbsp softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Step 5: Add 1 tsp almond extract and 1/2 cup whole milk to the egg mixture, mixing until combined.
- Step 6: Gradually fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients until smooth.
- Step 7: Pour the batter gently over the arranged orange slices in the pan and sprinkle 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds evenly on top.
- Step 8: Bake for 40-45 minutes until the cake is golden, springs back when touched, and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Step 9: Allow cake to cool for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate so the caramelized oranges are on top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Orange Almond Upside-Down Cake take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Orange Almond Upside-Down Cake?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Orange Almond Upside-Down Cake?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Orange Almond Upside-Down Cake for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Orange Almond Upside-Down Cake?
Mediterranean desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
