Peach Bourbon Upside-Down Cake: The Perfect Summer-to-Fall Dessert
Sweet peaches, bourbon caramel and a soft, buttery cake come together in this Peach Bourbon Upside-Down Cake — a delicious bourbon dessert that's perfect for the transition from summer to fall.
At Waylon's Bourbon Shelf, we spend a lot of time talking about bourbon.
We review bottles.
We compare bourbons.
We talk about cocktails.
And, of course, we spend plenty of time actually drinking the stuff.
But as bourbon lovers, we've also discovered that bourbon is pretty awesome outside of the glass.
There's something about taking a spirit you already love and finding completely different ways to incorporate it into your life.
And one of our favourite places to experiment?
Dessert.
Bourbon and baking are a surprisingly great combination. The vanilla, caramel, oak and spice notes found in bourbon can add another layer of flavour to everything from cakes and brownies to pies and cookies.
So when we came across a Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake from The G&M Kitchen, we knew we had to give it a try.
And with peaches still hanging around at the end of summer, the timing couldn't have been better.
The result?
A soft, buttery cake topped with caramelized peaches and bourbon caramel that's basically summer and fall in one dessert.
And honestly, we think bourbon drinkers are going to love this one.
👉 If you're interested in exploring Canadian alternatives to traditional Kentucky bourbon, start with our guide to the Best Canadian Bourbon-Style Whiskies.
Why Bourbon Lovers Should Try Baking With Bourbon
If you're a bourbon drinker, chances are you've already experienced how different bottles can have completely different flavour profiles.
Some are sweet and vanilla-forward.
Others are full of caramel and oak.
Some bring plenty of baking spice.
Others lean fruity or nutty.
Those same characteristics that make bourbon interesting in a glass can make it incredibly useful in the kitchen.
Bourbon can add flavour, not just alcohol.
Vanilla and caramel notes can complement desserts.
Oak can add depth.
Spice can provide warmth.
And bourbon's natural sweetness can work beautifully alongside fruit.
That's why we love the idea of bourbon baking.
You're taking something you already enjoy and discovering an entirely different side of it.
👉 Want to explore some bourbons that deliver more than you'd expect? Check out our guide to 5 Bourbons That Overdeliver.
Our Inspiration: The G&M Kitchen's Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake
Before we get into our experience, we want to give credit where it's due.
This recipe was inspired by Pate Giltner's Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake from The G&M Kitchen.
The original recipe combines fresh peaches, bourbon caramel and a bourbon-infused cake, and it was the recipe that inspired us to try bourbon baking for ourselves.
A big thank you to Pate for the inspiration!
You can find the original recipe here: Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake — The G&M Kitchen
We aren't claiming the original recipe as our own. Instead, we wanted to share our experience making it from the perspective of bourbon lovers, and explain why we think bourbon desserts deserve a place alongside your favourite bourbon cocktails and pours.
👉 If cocktails are more your thing, check out our Okanagan Spirits Cocktails Review for another fun way we stepped outside our normal bourbon routine.
Why Peach and Bourbon Are Such a Good Combination
Peaches and bourbon might not be the first pairing you think of, but they work incredibly well together.
Peaches bring:
Sweetness
Bright fruit flavour
Juiciness
A little acidity
Bourbon brings:
Vanilla
Caramel
Oak
Brown sugar
Warm baking spice
Put them together with butter and sugar, and you get something pretty special.
The bourbon doesn't overpower the peaches.
Instead, it adds warmth and depth to the fruit.
And when those peaches caramelize while the cake bakes?
That's where things get really good.
What Is a Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake?
If you've never made an upside-down cake before, the concept is pretty simple.
Instead of putting the cake batter into the pan first, you start with the fruit and caramelized topping.
The peaches are arranged in the bottom of the pan, followed by the bourbon caramel mixture.
The cake batter goes over the top.
Then everything gets baked together.
Once the cake is finished, you carefully flip it onto a serving plate.
The result is a beautiful layer of caramelized peaches sitting on top of the cake.
It's a little bit dramatic.
And it looks much harder to make than it actually is.
👉 Still learning the basics of bourbon? Our Beginner's Guide to Bourbon is a great place to start.
The Ingredients
For this bourbon peach cake, you'll need ingredients for both the peach topping and the cake.
Peach Bourbon Topping
Fresh peaches
Unsalted butter
Sugar
Bourbon
Cinnamon
Bourbon Cake
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Cinnamon
Bourbon
Depending on the recipe you're following, you can also incorporate brown sugar.
What Bourbon Should You Use for Peach Cake?
Here's the good news:
You don't need an expensive bourbon for this recipe.
In fact, we wouldn't recommend using one of your hard-to-find bottles for baking.
Save your special bottles for drinking.
👉 Wondering what actually makes some bourbon bottles so expensive? We break it down in What Makes a Bourbon Expensive?.
For bourbon baking, we'd reach for an everyday bourbon that has flavours such as:
Vanilla
Caramel
Brown sugar
Oak
Baking spice
A bourbon around 80–100 proof works perfectly well.
And this is actually another fun part of bourbon baking.
You can experiment with different bottles and see how their flavour profiles affect the finished dessert.
A sweeter bourbon might make the cake feel richer.
A higher-rye bourbon could bring more spice.
A more oak-forward bourbon could add additional depth.
How to Make Peach Bourbon Upside-Down Cake
Making this Peach Bourbon Upside-Down Cake is easier than it looks. The process starts with arranging fresh peaches in the bottom of the cake pan, followed by a homemade bourbon caramel. The cake batter goes over top, and everything bakes together until the cake is golden and the peaches are beautifully caramelized.
Ingredients
4–5 peaches, cored and cut into wedges, with the skin left on
1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter
1¼ cups granulated sugar
3 eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons bourbon
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ cup water
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F.
Line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper and lightly butter the parchment. A regular cake pan works best for this recipe — skip the springform pan because the caramel can leak out while the cake bakes.
Step 2: Arrange the Peaches
Cut your peaches into wedges, leaving the skin on.
Arrange the peach slices across the bottom of the prepared pan, starting in the centre and working your way outward. Try to overlap the slices slightly so that they create a beautiful peach layer that will be revealed when the cake is flipped.
Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon over the peaches.
Step 3: Make the Bourbon Caramel
Add ½ cup of the sugar and ¼ cup water to a saucepan and stir them together.
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and allow the mixture to cook until it turns a light brown, caramel colour. This should take approximately 10–15 minutes.
Once the caramel reaches the right colour, remove it from the heat and quickly stir in 1 tablespoon of bourbon.
Immediately pour the bourbon caramel evenly over the peaches.
Keep a close eye on the caramel while it cooks. It can change very quickly, so you don't want to walk away from the saucepan.
Step 4: Make the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, beat the butter and remaining ¾ cup of sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Next, mix in the vanilla extract and remaining 2 tablespoons of bourbon.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and remaining ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until everything is incorporated and you have a smooth cake batter.
Step 5: Add the Batter
Pour the cake batter directly over the peaches and bourbon caramel.
Use a spatula to gently spread the batter across the pan and smooth out the top.
Step 6: Bake
Place the cake in the 350°F oven and bake for approximately 30–35 minutes.
Check the centre of the cake with a toothpick or knife. Because the cake is baking over the caramel and peaches, it can sometimes need a little extra time. The cake is ready when the toothpick or knife comes out clean.
Step 7: Let It Cool and Flip
Once the cake is finished baking, allow it to cool for 15–30 minutes.
When you're ready to serve it, carefully turn the cake upside down onto a serving plate.
The peaches and bourbon caramel should now be sitting beautifully on top of the cake.
Our Take
The combination of juicy peaches, caramel and bourbon makes this such a fun way to enjoy bourbon outside of the glass. The bourbon doesn't just add alcohol — it brings another layer of flavour to the caramel and cake.
And honestly, watching those caramelized peaches appear when you flip the cake is one of the best parts.
Recipe credit: We made this recipe based on Pate Giltner's Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake from The G&M Kitchen. We have rewritten the instructions in our own words while following the original recipe's ingredients and method. You can find the original recipe at The G&M Kitchen.
What Does Peach Bourbon Upside-Down Cake Taste Like?
This is where the recipe really shines.
The first thing you'll notice is the sweet, caramelized peach topping.
The peaches become softer and more concentrated during baking, while the brown sugar creates a rich caramel flavour.
Then comes the bourbon.
It's not simply a strong hit of alcohol.
Instead, it adds warmth and depth, complementing the vanilla, caramel and fruit.
The cake itself is soft and buttery, giving you a nice contrast to the sticky peach topping.
It's sweet, fruity, warm and rich all at once.
And that's exactly why we think this makes such a great summer-to-fall dessert.
👉 If you're curious about the bourbon flavours that make certain bottles especially enjoyable, take a look at our Bourbon Reviews.
The Perfect Summer-to-Fall Dessert
There's something about the end of summer and the beginning of September that makes this cake feel especially appropriate.
It's also when fresh peaches are at their best and still in season, making late summer the perfect time to take advantage of them before the season starts to wind down.
You're not quite ready to give up summer.
But you're also starting to crave those warmer, cozier flavours that come with fall.
Peaches say: Summer.
Bourbon, caramel and baking spices say: Fall
Put them together and you get a dessert that sits perfectly between the two seasons.
It's perfect for:
Late-summer dinners
Peach season
Labour Day weekend
Backyard gatherings
Early fall entertaining
Thanksgiving
Weekend baking
Bourbon tastings
Dinner parties
It's basically the dessert version of transitioning from summer cocktails to fall bourbon pours — while making the most of those fresh end-of-summer peaches while they're still around.
Our Favourite Way to Serve It
We're bourbon lovers, so naturally we have a recommendation.
Warm cake + vanilla ice cream.
That's it.
The warm caramelized peaches and soft cake pair incredibly well with cold vanilla ice cream.
You could also serve it with:
Whipped cream
Bourbon whipped cream
Toasted pecans
Caramel sauce
Fresh peach slices
And if you're feeling particularly bourbon-forward, pour yourself a small glass of the bourbon you used in the cake.
It's a dessert pairing that makes a lot of sense.
Can You Use Any Bourbon for Baking?
Pretty much.
But some bourbons will work better than others depending on the flavour profile you're after.
Sweet Bourbon
Great for emphasizing the caramel and vanilla flavours in the cake.
High-Rye Bourbon
A good option if you want a little more spice.
Wheated Bourbon
Ideal if you prefer softer, sweeter bourbon flavours.
Oak-Forward Bourbon
Great for adding additional depth to a rich dessert.
The important thing is that you don't need to spend a fortune.
Use a bourbon you'd happily drink, but don't feel like you need to bake with your most expensive bottle.
👉 Want to compare different bourbon flavour profiles side-by-side? Check out our Maker's Mark vs Buffalo Trace vs Woodford Reserve comparison.
Fresh Peaches vs Canned Peaches
Fresh peaches are our preference for this recipe.
They're especially good during late summer when they're ripe and readily available.
But if you're craving this cake outside peach season, canned peaches can work too.
If using canned peaches:
Drain them extremely well.
Extra liquid can affect the texture of the caramel and cake.
Frozen peaches are another option, but thaw and drain them thoroughly before using.
Can You Make This Cake Without Bourbon?
Yes.
If you don't want to use alcohol, you can replace the bourbon with something such as peach nectar or apple juice, depending on the recipe.
However, if you're specifically making a bourbon peach upside-down cake, we'd recommend keeping the bourbon.
That's what makes this dessert different from a traditional peach upside-down cake.
And if you're a bourbon lover, it's kind of the whole point.
👉 And if you're still wondering what technically makes bourbon different from other types of whisky, check out our beginner-friendly guide to Bourbon vs Whiskey vs Scotch.
Does Bourbon Cake Still Contain Alcohol?
Yes, potentially.
Although baking can reduce the amount of alcohol in a recipe, you shouldn't assume that all of the alcohol completely cooks out.
The amount remaining depends on factors including the recipe, cooking time, temperature and preparation method.
If you're making this for someone who needs to avoid alcohol completely, use a non-alcoholic substitute instead.
Why We Want to Try More Bourbon Baking
This cake got us thinking.
We already know how much fun it is to explore different bourbon bottles.
We know how interesting bourbon cocktails can be.
So why shouldn't we explore bourbon desserts in the same way?
There are so many possibilities.
Bourbon Chocolate Cake
Chocolate and bourbon are an obvious pairing.
Bourbon Pecan Pie
A classic combination that's practically made for bourbon lovers.
Bourbon Apple Crisp
Perfect once fall apples arrive.
Bourbon Banana Bread
A fun twist on a classic baking recipe.
Bourbon Brownies
Rich chocolate and bourbon make a pretty unbeatable combination.
Bourbon Caramel Sauce
An easy way to add bourbon flavour to ice cream, cakes and other desserts.
And that's just the beginning.
Should Waylon's Bourbon Shelf Start a Bourbon Baking Series?
You tell us.
This peach bourbon upside-down cake was a fun change of pace for us.
We're still going to spend plenty of time reviewing bourbon bottles and talking about whisky, but we love finding new ways to incorporate bourbon into other parts of our lives.
And baking is one of them.
So if you're a fellow bourbon lover and you'd like to see more content like this, let us know.
If there's enough interest, we'd love to turn this into a Bourbon Baking Series here on Waylon's Bourbon Shelf.
Imagine a collection of bourbon-inspired:
Cakes
Cookies
Pies
Brownies
Bread
Sauces
Other desserts
We think that could be pretty fun.
Why Bourbon Belongs in the Kitchen
One of the reasons we love bourbon so much is its versatility.
It's not just a drink.
It's an ingredient.
And when you start thinking about bourbon that way, you begin to notice how many foods naturally complement its flavour profile.
Caramel.
Vanilla.
Chocolate.
Peaches.
Apples.
Pecans.
Maple.
Cinnamon.
Brown sugar.
Those are all flavours that can work beautifully with bourbon.
So whether you're making a cocktail, cooking dinner or baking dessert, there's a good chance bourbon can find a place somewhere in the recipe.
👉 If you're looking for more inspiration beyond bourbon baking, check out our Ultimate Bourbon Collection Starter Pack.
Final Thoughts: Bourbon Doesn't Have to Stay in the Glass
We're bourbon lovers.
We love opening a new bottle, pouring it into a glass and spending time figuring out what's actually inside.
But that's not the only way to enjoy bourbon.
Sometimes it's fun to take that same bottle and use it somewhere completely unexpected.
This Peach Bourbon Upside-Down Cake was a perfect example.
The combination of juicy peaches, caramelized brown sugar, vanilla and bourbon makes for a dessert that's rich, comforting and incredibly easy to love.
And because peaches bring that late-summer freshness while bourbon brings those warm fall flavours, it's the perfect summer-to-fall baking recipe.
Most importantly, it reminded us why experimenting with bourbon is so much fun.
You never really know where the next great bourbon experience is going to come from.
Sometimes it's a new bottle.
Sometimes it's a cocktail.
And sometimes...
it's a cake.
If you try this recipe, let us know what you think.
And if you'd like to see more bourbon baking recipes from Waylon's Bourbon Shelf, tell us — because we may just have to turn this into a series.
👉 If you're ready to find your next bottle, start with our Best Bourbon in Canada 2026 Guide.
Peach Bourbon Upside-Down Cake Recipe
Prep Time: Approximately 20 minutes
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Cooling Time: 15–30 minutes
Servings: 8–10
Ingredients
Peaches & Bourbon Caramel
4–5 peaches, cored and cut into wedges, skin left on
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup water
1 tablespoon bourbon
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Cake
8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter
¾ cup granulated sugar
3 eggs
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons bourbon
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper and butter the parchment.
Arrange the peaches: Cut the peaches into wedges, leaving the skin on. Arrange them across the bottom of the prepared pan, starting in the centre and working outward. Sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon cinnamon.
Make the bourbon caramel: Combine ½ cup sugar and ¼ cup water in a saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat until the mixture develops a light brown caramel colour, approximately 10–15 minutes.
Add the bourbon: Remove the caramel from the heat and quickly stir in 1 tablespoon bourbon. Carefully pour the bourbon caramel over the peaches.
Make the cake batter: Beat the butter and ¾ cup sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Add the vanilla and remaining 2 tablespoons of bourbon.
Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon.
Finish the batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until everything is just combined.
Add the batter: Pour the cake batter evenly over the peaches and bourbon caramel. Gently smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake: Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for approximately 15–30 minutes.
Flip the cake: Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate, allowing the caramelized peaches to become the topping.
Serve: Serve warm on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate bourbon dessert.
Recipe Credit
This recipe was made based on Pate Giltner's Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake from The G&M Kitchen. View the original Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake recipe from The G&M Kitchen
🚨 New to Bourbon or Looking for Your Next Bottle?
Explore our complete Best Bourbon in Canada (2026 Guide) — a dedicated resource featuring the top bourbons Canadians can actually find, buy, and enjoy.
🥃 Recommended Bottles to Try
Based on this guide, here are some great Bourbon options currently available in Canada:
Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon - Less harsh than other Maker’s Mark bottles, softer profile & beginner-friendly
Buffalo Trace Bourbon Review - Classic bourbon profile, approachable & beginner-friendly
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon – Excellent value, Smooth & refined
🔗 Keep Exploring Bourbon
If you enjoyed this guide, check out more of our top posts:
Best Bourbon in Canada (2026 Guide): Top Bottles You Can Actually Find – Discover top bottles like Blanton’s, Weller, and Buffalo Trace—plus where to buy bourbon online in Ontario right now
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Bourbon Accessories in Canada (Amazon Finds) - Discover top whiskey glasses, smoker kits, ice molds, and more—plus Amazon Canada buying links.
Where to Buy Bourbon in Canada (2026 Guide for Ontario Bourbon Lovers) - If you're trying to figure out where to buy bourbon in Canada right now, this guide will help.
❓ Bourbon & Whiskey FAQs
What is Peach Bourbon Upside-Down Cake?
Peach Bourbon Upside-Down Cake is a buttery cake topped with fresh peaches and a bourbon caramel mixture. As the cake bakes, the peaches become soft and caramelized, creating a rich topping when the cake is flipped.
What does Peach Bourbon Upside-Down Cake taste like?
This cake combines sweet, juicy peaches with warm bourbon, caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, and buttery cake. The bourbon adds depth and warmth without overpowering the peach flavour.
What bourbon is best for Peach Bourbon Upside-Down Cake?
A smooth, approachable bourbon works well for baking. You don't need to use an expensive or rare bottle because the bourbon is combined with peaches, caramel, cinnamon, and cake.
Can you make Peach Bourbon Upside-Down Cake without bourbon?
Yes. You can leave out the bourbon if needed, although the bourbon adds warmth and complexity to the caramel and peach flavours.
Does bourbon cake still contain alcohol after baking?
Some alcohol may remain after baking, so it should not automatically be considered alcohol-free. The amount remaining can vary depending on the recipe, cooking time, and baking method.
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