Upside Down Bourbon Peach & Pecan Cake

This peach upside down cake is quite the South Georgia Dream! With a hint of bourbon and topped with a pecan cinnamon swirl & extra peaches, its simply peach-tacular!

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South Georgia dreams

We made our way to southern Georgia after our extended stay at Tallulah Gorge State Park. The next stop on my list was Skidaway Island. Not too far from Savanah Georgia, this place was one of the most dreamiest campground’s I have ever experienced. Approaching the grounds was almost like entering a beautiful elegant world. The whimsical draping of the Spanish Moss had gracefully intertwined itself among the towering Live Oak Trees. The tunnel of trees with its woven moss had instantly wooed me over with its most charming first impression.

I was so grateful we were able to snag the very last open site! However, that meant we weren’t able to extend our stay due to the limited availability. Besides the disappointment of only having a couple nights stay at Skidaway Island, it was a delightful time to say the least. The winding trails found inside this maritime forest offered a beautiful and relaxing hiking experience.

Peaches, pecans and bourbon…oh my!

What comes to mind when you think of Georgia? Peaches and pecans of course! The south also reminds me of some good old fashioned bourbon. I decided to challenge myself to create a southern dream of a dessert baked on the grill. To cut down on steps and dishes I opted for a jar of peaches. Inspired by homemade caramel, I created a bourbon glaze to toss with the peaches. To make this upside down bourbon peach & pecan cake even better I topped it off with a cinnamon pecan swirl. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla or pecan ice cream it made it even more delightful.

Grill baking tips

While prepping the cake preheat the grill on low. When I bake cakes on the grill I always cover the skillet and maintain the heat on a low temperature. This allows time for the baking and to prevent burning the bottom before its finished. These cake recipes typically take around 25 to 35 minutes or until the center is set. From my experience every grill seems to be quite different. If you have a grill that runs on the hot side I’d recommend using indirect heat or baking on the top rack if your grill is equipped with one. If you choose to bake with indirect heat keep the temp on low, turn off one burner and bake on the side with the burner off.

Upside Down Bourbon Peach & Pecan Cake
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Upside Down Bourbon Peach & Pecan Cake

Recipe by Christina @thyme.and.timberCourse: DessertDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes

Ingredients

  • Bourbon Glazed peached

  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar

  • 1/4 cup bourbon

  • 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 24 oz. jar of sliced peaches, drained & chopped
    Reserve 6 whole slices for topping

  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans

  • Cake

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar

  • 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar

  • 3/4 cup flour

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1 egg, lightly beaten

  • 1/2 cup milk

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • Cinnamon Pecan Swirl

  • 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar

  • 1/2 Tablespoon cinnamon

  • 1 Tablespoon finely chopped pecans

Directions

  • Bourbon Glazed Peaches
  • In a small saucepan over medium-low heat combine brown sugar and butter. Once melted add the bourbon and vanilla, bring to a simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
  • Toss the chopped peaches with the bourbon glaze & chopped pecans. In an 8 inch cast iron skillet spread the peaches in an even layer.
  • Cake
  • Preheat the grill on low.
  • In a medium bowl combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, and baking powder using a whisk to mix well. Create a well into the center.
  • In another bowl combine the milk, lightly beaten egg and vanilla. Once combined pour the milk mixture into the well of the dry ingredients, followed with the melted butter, Stir to thoroughly combine.
  • Spoon the cake batter evenly over the prepared peaches.
  • In a small bowl combine the ingredients for the cinnamon swirl, mix well. Sprinkle over the top of the batter. Using a skewer or knife gently swirl the cinnamon topping into the cake batter layer only. Make sure not to over mix with the batter or mix into the bottom peach layer.
  • Cover and bake on the grill for 25-35 minutes. Baking times will vary depending on the grill. If your grill runs hot try using indirect heat or baking on the top rack if your grill is equipped with one. If you choose to bake with indirect heat keep the temp on low, turn off one burner and bake on the side with the burner off. I begin checking the cake around 15 minutes and adjust as needed. Once the batter is baked through remove from the grill and cool slightly.
  • Top with additional peach slices and extra pecans if desired. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla or pecan ice cream.