Cast-Iron Nectarine Brown-Butter Upside-Down Cake

Upside-down cakes reverse the usual order, letting fruit caramelize beneath the batter before a dramatic flip. Here, nutty brown butter and ripe nectarines meet in a cast-iron skillet for a golden summer dessert with warm cardamom notes.

Serves 8 · 20 min prep · 40 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 365 cal
• 5g protein
• 48g carbs
• 18g fat
• 3g fiber

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Ingredients

• 4 medium ripe nectarines
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom

Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat and melt half the butter until it browns and smells toasty, about 4 minutes; swirl to coat the bottom and sides.
2. 2Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the browned butter in the skillet. Pit and slice the nectarines into wedges and arrange them in a snug single layer, cut-side down, over the sugar.
3. 3In a mixing bowl whisk the remaining softened butter with the granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla.
4. 4In a separate bowl stir together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cardamom. Add the dry mixture to the butter mixture in two additions, alternating with the milk, and mix just until a smooth batter forms.
5. 5Gently spoon the batter over the nectarines and smooth the top with a spatula so the fruit is completely covered without disturbing the arrangement.
6. 6Bake until the cake is golden, springs back when lightly pressed, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes.
7. 7Let the skillet cool on a rack for exactly 10 minutes. Run a thin knife the edge, then invert onto a serving plate so the caramelized nectarines sit glossy on top.
8. 8Cool another 10 minutes before slicing; serve slightly warm so the brown-butter caramel stays soft and fragrant.