Caramel Peach Upside-Down Cake

Ingredients

Caramel peaches

• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
• 6 allspice berries (optional)
• 1 tablespoon water
• 3 large ripe peaches (about 1 pound)

Cake

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned grits
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (1 stick)
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature

Directions

1. 1

   Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-inch cake pan, line bottom with parchment paper and brush the paper with butter.

2. 2

   Caramel peaches: Combine the sugar, corn syrup, allspice and water in a medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat to high, and continue to cook, without stirring, until the mixture becomes an amber caramel, about 5 minutes. Pour the caramel into the prepared pan and set aside to cool.

3. 3

   Halve and pit the peaches, but leave their skins on. Cut each half into 3 wedges. Arrange the wedges in concentric circles in the pan. Set aside while you make the cake batter.

4. 4

   Cake: Whisk the flour, grits, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.

5. 5

   Slowly mix the butter and sugar in a large bowl with a hand-held electric mixer. Increase the speed to high, and continue beating until the butter is light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add the eggs 1 at time, waiting for each to be fully incorporated before adding the next.

6. 6

   While mixing at a low speed, add the dry ingredients in 3 additions, alternating with the sour cream in 2 additions, beginning and ending with the flour. Increase the speed to medium and mix briefly to make a smooth batter. Pour the batter over the peaches and smooth over.

7. 7

   Bake the cake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 40 to 45 minutes. Cool the cake in the pan on a rack, about 20 minutes.

8. 8

   Run a knife around the edge of the pan to release the cake. Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate and remove the parchment paper. Serve warm or at room temperature with ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.