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    Home » Recipes » Dessert Recipes

    Published: Sep 17, 2023 · Modified: Mar 9, 2025 by AshleyFreeman ·

    The Best Summertime Plum Upside Down Cake Recipe

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Move over pineapple upside-down cake; my plum upside-down cake version is in town. This secretly easy dessert is sure to impress, and is a great sweet treat to celebrate ripe summertime plums.

    Plum upside down cake on a round metal pan.
    Photo by Mary Britton Senseney

    The secret to this upside down plum cake recipe is all about the layering of the fruit. Note that super-ripe plums actually work the best, and arranging them in a single layer is key.

    This recipe is from my cookbook, The Duke's Mayonnaise Cookbook. Another great summertime dessert recipe from the book is my Blackberry Peach Crisp. If you're looking for other plum recipes, you'll love this plum crumble recipe. And, if you'd like to try the OG, you'll love this easy pineapple upside down cake recipe.

    My Fresh Raspberry and Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is also a great recipe to make to jazz up cupcakes or cakes made from box mix. (It's one of my favorite mom hacks.) Or, if you're in the mood for cookies, my Pecan Praline Cookies are a hit too! Finally, if you'd like to serve a delicious cocktail with this dessert, a Creamy Espresso Martini is a great one.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Tasty tip
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Related
    • Even more
    • 🍽Get the recipe
    • Recipe guidelines and test kitchen tips
    • Food safety

    Ingredients

    Here's what you need to make this recipe:

    Ingredients for Plum Upside Down Cake.
    • Black or red plums
    • Large eggs
    • Salted butter
    • Granulated white sugar
    • Light brown sugar
    • All-purpose flour
    • Baking powder
    • Duke's mayonnaise
    • Ground cinnamon
    • Kosher salt
    • Vanilla extract
    • Almond extract

    (See recipe card for quantities.)

    Instructions

    Now that we've got all our ingredients, it's time to get baking!

    The brown sugar caramel is spread out in the bottom of a silver cake pan.

    First, combine the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small saucepan until the butter is melted. Pour the mixture in the bottom of the cake pan.

    Sliced plums are arranged in concentric circles in a silver cake pan.

    Next, arrange the plum slices in a circular pattern on top of the brown sugar mixture in the pan.

    Blending the wet ingredients and dry ingredients in a clear bowl with an aqua hand mixer.

    Then, combine the dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Beat the sugar and mayonnaise until creamy. Add the eggs, 1 at a time until creamy. Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture alternately with the milk in 3 additions, beginning and ending with flour. Beat in the extracts.

    Pouring the batter over the plums in the cake pan.

    Finally, pour the cake batter over the plums and bake until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 5 minutes before running a knife around the edges of the pan and turning out the cake onto a large plate.

    Hint: Don't be tempted to stack the plum slices on top of each other. Arranging them side-by-side helps the batter cook more evenly and the resulting design will be much prettier.

    Substitutions

    Looking for some alternative ingredient options for this plum upside down cake? Check out these below:

    • Fruit - Instead of plums, feel free to use peaches, nectarines, apples, or pineapple slices.
    • Frozen fruit - It doesn't have to be summertime to enjoy this dessert! Use frozen fruit instead of fresh. Just be sure to thaw it first.
    • Cast-iron skillet - This dessert is also great when made in a cast-iron skillet. Note that it is a little trickier to turn out because a cast-iron skillet is heavier than a cake pan.

    Variations

    Here are some additional options for changing up this cake recipe:

    • À la Mode - In my opinion, everything's better with ice cream. Serve warm with a little vanilla ice cream on top of the cake for the ultimate dessert.
    • Minis - These would be really cute as mini cakes baked in miniature cast-iron skillets or casserole dishes.

    Equipment

    Here's what you'll need to make this recipe:

    • 9-inch round cake pan
    • dry measuring cups
    • measuring spoons
    • liquid measuring cup
    • mixing bowl set
    • small saucepan
    • hand mixer

    Storage

    If you're eating this cake right away, leftovers will keep for 1 day at room temperature. Just be sure to store in an airtight container. You can also cover and store leftovers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

    I don't recommend freezing the leftovers. After thawing, the fruit can become mushy and give the cake an unpleasant texture.

    Tasty tip

    Be sure to turn the cake out (upside-down) while it's still hot, and let it cool on the serving plate. Otherwise, the plums will stick to the bottom of the pan.

    Frequently asked questions

    Why is my upside down cake soggy?

    Some fruit can make the cake soggy. If you use pineapple, peaches, or other super juicy fruit, just pat the slices dry with paper towels before layering in the pan.

    Which plums are used in plum upside down cake?

    I like to use black or red plums because they're vibrant color is so impressive. You can use any variety though.

    What pan is best for upside-down cake?

    I recommend a round cake pan or cast-iron skillet for an upside-down cake.

    How long do you leave the cake in the pan before flipping?

    You need to work quickly so the plums don't stick to the bottom. Only leave the cake in the pan for 5 minutes before flipping.

    How long will upside-down cake last?

    If stored in an air-tight container, this plum upside down cake will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

    Related

    Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

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      The Ultimate No Bake Turtle Pie with Chocolate Crust
    • Three plates with slices of homemade Publix key lime pie with a blue rimmed enamel pie pan of key lime pie to the side.
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    Check out some more of my favorite recipes:

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      Low Country Boil with Roger Wood Smoked Sausage
    • Metal Ovenex Starburst pan filled with Phillips Crab Cakes and a bowl of Cajun Tartar Sauce with lemon wedges and fresh herbs sprinkled on top.
      How to Make Crab Cakes with Cajun Tartar Sauce
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    • Wooden bowl filled with creamy chicken macaroni salad with ceramic serving spoons, an orange checked cloth, two yellow glasses filled with ice water, and one pottery plate topped with a serving to the side.
      The Best Creamy Macaroni Pasta Salad with Chicken

    🍽Get the recipe

    Plum upside down cake on a round metal pan.

    The Best Summertime Plum Upside Down Cake

    Move over pineapple upside-down cake; my plum upside down cake version is in town. This secretly easy dessert is sure to impress, and is a great sweet treat to celebrate ripe summertime plums.
    5 from 10 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Cooling Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8

    Equipment

    • 9-inch round cake pan
    • dry measuring cups
    • measuring spoons
    • liquid measuring cup
    • mixing bowl set
    • small saucepan
    • hand mixer

    Ingredients

    • ¼ cup salted butter
    • ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
    • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 3 black or red plums, pitted and thinly sliced
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 cup Duke's mayonnaise
    • 3 large eggs
    • ½ cup whole milk
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ½ teaspoon almond extract

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round baking pan with vegetable shortening.
    • Combine the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small saucepan. Place over medium heat and cook until the butter is melted, stirring until smooth. Pour the mixture into the prepared cake pan, spreading to coat evenly.
    • Arrange the plum slices in a single layer in concentric circles over the brown sugar mixture. (I make one circle in the center and one around the edges.)
    • Stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
    • Beat the granulated sugar and mayonnaise with an electric mixer until creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the flour mixture to the sugar mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Beat in the extracts.
    • Pour the batter evenly over the plums. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
    • Run a knife around the edge and immediately turn out the cake onto a rimmed cake plate or platter. Serve warm or at room temperature.

    Recipe guidelines and test kitchen tips

    When developing and testing recipes, here are some key things that I do for more success in the kitchen:

    • Be sure to use dry measuring cups for things like flour, sugar, and mayonnaise and a liquid measuring cup for things like water, milk, and broth.
    • When measuring dry ingredients like flour and powdered sugar that can pack down, spoon the ingredient into a dry measuring cup and level with a knife as opposed to scooping the measuring cup into the ingredient.
    • I test and develop recipes using a standard electric oven and standard gas stovetop. Be aware that if you use an electric stovetop or convection oven, your bake times will be different.
    • When recipes call for kosher salt, I use Diamond Crystal kosher salt.

    Food safety

    Keep these few food safety things in mind when making this recipe

    • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat or eggs
    • Wash hands after touching raw meat or eggs
    • Don't leave leftovers sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

    More Dessert Recipes

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      Carrot Cake Pound Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Glaze
    • Coconut cake on a white cake stand topped with purple mums, purple veronica, and chamomile flowers.
      How to Make the Best Ever Coconut Layer Cake
    • White ceramic platters topped with Maple Cupcakes with Candied Bacon and a red checked towel off to the side.
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sonja says

      June 26, 2024 at 2:31 am

      5 stars
      I admit I stumbled over the mayo and got really sceptical, wondering if this taste would come through and well...freak me out essentially. But the cake was so lovely and moist, with just perfect caramelised plums and so quick to throw together. I'll certainly make it again.

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        June 27, 2024 at 12:49 pm

        Haha! I get that a lot. But think of what mayo is--eggs and oil. Perfect for baked goods!

        Reply
    2. Krystle says

      June 26, 2024 at 2:27 am

      5 stars
      Wow the mayo makes it SO moist. I can't wait to try it with other fruits next.

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        June 27, 2024 at 12:48 pm

        That's my secret!

        Reply
    3. swathi says

      June 25, 2024 at 3:58 pm

      5 stars
      Plum upside-down cake is so delicious I have tried it, a perfect dessert without too much sugar.

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        June 27, 2024 at 12:48 pm

        For sure! The perfect summer cake.

        Reply
    4. Claudia says

      June 25, 2024 at 6:34 am

      5 stars
      Just baked a Plum Upside Down Cake, and it's delightful! Sweet, tangy, and perfect for any occasion. Give it a go!

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        June 25, 2024 at 2:05 pm

        Awesome to hear! Glad it was a hit!

        Reply
    5. Oscar says

      June 24, 2024 at 4:38 pm

      5 stars
      I was skeptical about replacing pineapple with plums, but this recipe won me over. The caramelized plums on top add a beautiful jewel-tone color that's as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        June 25, 2024 at 2:05 pm

        Right? It's a great alternative to pineapple.

        Reply
    6. Charah says

      May 28, 2024 at 12:15 pm

      5 stars
      Easy and healthy recipe, I love this. thanks for sharing

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        May 28, 2024 at 8:39 pm

        Thanks so much Charah! Glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    7. TAYLER ROSS says

      May 28, 2024 at 12:03 pm

      5 stars
      I made this cake over the weekend and it was incredible! It looked beautiful when it was finished too!

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        May 28, 2024 at 8:38 pm

        That's so great to hear!

        Reply
    8. Vicky says

      May 28, 2024 at 11:52 am

      5 stars
      This is a gorgeous dessert! It really impressed my guests, but I never told them how easy it was to make. I love the taste of the plums. I may have a new favorite upside-down cake!

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        May 28, 2024 at 8:38 pm

        Hooray! I love how easy it is too--no one has to know 😉

        Reply
    9. Tara says

      May 28, 2024 at 11:43 am

      5 stars
      Definitely the perfect way to celebrate plum season! This cake looks absolutely wonderful and I love how easily it comes together.

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        May 28, 2024 at 8:38 pm

        You're right! I never appreciated plums until I got older, and this is one of my favorite ways to cook with them!

        Reply
    10. Kathleen says

      May 28, 2024 at 10:41 am

      5 stars
      What magnificent flavors in this plum upside-down cake. It looks beautiful and sounds delicious. Yum!

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        May 28, 2024 at 10:48 am

        Thanks Kathleen! It's a super impressive dessert that always gets rave reviews!

        Reply
    5 from 10 votes

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    Photo of Ashley Strickland Freeman in a kitchen.

    Hi, I'm Ashley, "your best friend in the kitchen." I'm a food stylist, culinary producer, editor, travel junkie, and author of The Duke's Mayonnaise Cookbook from Charleston, SC. Thanks for stopping by Little Black Skillet!

    More about me →

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