Imagine a dessert that's not just a treat for your taste buds, but a visual masterpiece that will make your guests gasp in delight! This Upside Down Orange Almond Cake is a French culinary wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a stunning, caramelized work of art. With its golden-brown caramel, vibrant orange slices, and rich almond-infused sponge, this cake is about to become your new obsession. Get ready to impress everyone from family gatherings to sophisticated dinner parties with this show-stopping dessert that's easier to make than you might think!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 oranges, sliced
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing it thoroughly and lining the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir until it creates a smooth caramel-like mixture. Pour this mixture evenly into the prepared cake pan.
- Arrange the orange slices in a decorative pattern on top of the caramel mixture, covering the entire bottom of the pan. Ensure the slices are placed closely together for maximum visual appeal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well integrated and free of lumps.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until they become light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and continue mixing until well combined.
- Gently fold the egg mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring carefully to create a smooth, consistent batter. Be careful not to overmix.
- Carefully pour the batter over the orange slices in the cake pan, ensuring an even distribution and gentle coverage of the fruit.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This allows the caramel to set slightly and makes inverting easier.
- Place a large serving plate over the cake pan and carefully flip the entire pan upside down. Let it sit for a minute to allow the cake to release completely.
- Slowly lift the pan, revealing the beautiful caramelized orange design. Allow the cake to cool completely before serving.
- Serve at room temperature, optionally garnished with additional orange zest or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm oranges for the most vibrant and beautiful design. Navel or Valencia oranges work best.
- When arranging orange slices, take your time to create a visually appealing pattern - this will be the top of your cake when inverted.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense, tough cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Use a non-stick cake pan or generously grease and line with parchment paper to ensure easy cake release.
- Let the cake cool for exactly 10 minutes before inverting - this helps the caramel set and prevents the cake from breaking.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a touch of orange zest to the batter or a splash of Grand Marnier to the caramel.
- Serve at room temperature to enjoy the full depth of flavors and the perfect cake texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 110mg
