Name: Kumquat Upside Down Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup unsalted butter; ½ cup cane sugar; 10-15 kumquats, sliced; 1½ cups Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free 1 to 1 baking flour; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ cup cane sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter (substitute half or all with oil for a fluffier, more moist cake); 1 large egg; ½ cup Greek yogurt (or ¼ cup Greek yogurt + ¼ cup milk for a moister cake); ¼ cup sliced almonds

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 47 reviews

If you’re looking to dazzle your taste buds and impress your friends with something a bit unexpected but utterly delightful, this Kumquat Upside Down Cake Recipe is the answer. It’s a beautiful marriage of tart kumquats caramelized in buttery sweetness, layered under a moist, tender cake that’s just bursting with flavor. This dessert brings the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, with a wonderful texture from the crunchy sliced almonds on top. Trust me, once you try this Kumquat Upside Down Cake Recipe, it’ll quickly become a favorite showstopper in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a round metal baking pan filled with a single layer of sliced orange fruit pieces arranged neatly side by side, covering the entire base of the pan. Each slice is circular with a bright orange color on the outside and a lighter, almost translucent, orange in the center with small seeds visible in some slices. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let this list intimidate you; every ingredient plays a crucial role, from the vibrant kumquats adding a burst of citrusy brightness to the creamy Greek yogurt keeping the cake tender and moist. The combination of gluten-free baking flour and a touch of baking soda creates the perfect crumb, while the cane sugar and butter set the stage for that irresistible caramel layer.

Unsalted butter (¼ cup and ½ cup): Adds richness and helps create a perfect caramel topping and moist cake base.
Cane sugar (½ cup + ½ cup): Used both for caramelizing the kumquats and sweetening the batter, it balances the tartness beautifully.
Kumquats (10-15 slices): These little citrus gems provide a bright, zesty flavor and stunning visual pop when caramelized.
Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free 1 to 1 baking flour (1½ cup): Keeps the cake light and fluffy while being gluten-free friendly.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors in the cake and caramel.
Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps the cake rise and get that perfect, tender texture.
Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients and adds structure.
Greek yogurt (½ cup): Adds moisture and a slight tang that complements the kumquats.
Sliced almonds (¼ cup): Provides a crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake and juicy kumquats.

How to Make Kumquat Upside Down Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Caramel Base

Start by preheating your oven to 356°F (180°C) and greasing an 8-inch round pan with butter—this ensures your cake won’t stick and will come out perfectly when inverted. Melt the ¼ cup of butter in a pan, then add ½ cup of cane sugar, cooking it until bubbly and caramel-colored. Pour this mixture evenly into the greased pan. Quickly arrange your thinly sliced kumquats over the caramel, making sure to fill every nook and cranny because these tiny fruits shrink as they bake, and you want as much citrusy goodness on top as possible.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, salt, and baking soda. This step ensures everything is well combined and that your cake will have an even texture. Setting this aside is a simple way to streamline the process as you move toward creating your batter.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a larger bowl, cream together the ½ cup of butter and ½ cup of cane sugar until soft and fluffy—this creates the perfect base for your cake batter. Then, add the Greek yogurt and egg, mixing until everything is well incorporated. The yogurt here is your secret weapon for that lovely moist crumb that complements the tangy kumquats beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently stir the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can make your cake dense, and we want the light, tender texture that makes this Kumquat Upside Down Cake Recipe so irresistible. Once combined, pour the batter right over the kumquats in the pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.

Step 5: Add the Final Touches and Bake

Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the top of the batter for a delightful crunch that will toast beautifully during baking. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a serving plate. This reveal moment is worth the wait every time!

How to Serve Kumquat Upside Down Cake Recipe

A single-layer round cake sits on a wooden cake stand with a smooth finish, placed on a white marbled surface. The cake has a golden brown outside with a shiny, caramelized layer of thin orange slices evenly spread on top, giving it a textured look. Around the cake on the stand's flat surface, there are a few whole orange fruits and scattered almond slices, adding color and detail to the presentation. The background is plain and softly lit, focusing attention on the cake. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a match made in heaven with this cake. For an extra citrus kick, a few thin kumquat slices sprinkled on top add brightness and elegance to the presentation.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad featuring bitter greens like arugula or radicchio, which cut through the sweetness perfectly. If you want something warm, a cup of chamomile tea or an Earl Grey complements the citrus flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the cake into small squares for a stunning dessert platter at parties. You can also serve individual portions in pretty ramekins topped with a few candied kumquats and a sprinkle of toasted almonds for that extra wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, wrap your Kumquat Upside Down Cake Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep well at room temperature for up to two days without losing its moist texture or flavor.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, slice the cake into portions and freeze them in airtight containers or zip-top bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and it tastes just as fresh as when baked!

Reheating

For that ‘just-baked’ warmth, pop a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm it in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5-8 minutes. This brings back that luscious, meltingly soft texture and aromatic caramelized kumquat goodness.

FAQs

Can I use fresh kumquats for this recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh kumquats are key to this cake’s vibrant flavor, giving it that unique tart-sweet zing that canned or preserved fruit just can’t match.

Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free spread or oil, and swap Greek yogurt for a plant-based alternative like coconut or almond yogurt to keep it moist and delicious.

Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?

Definitely, regular all-purpose flour works well here if you don’t need the gluten-free option. The texture will be just as delightful, though you might enjoy the lightness that gluten-free baking flour offers.

How long does the cake stay fresh?

Stored properly at room temperature or in the fridge, this cake stays fresh for up to three days, keeping that perfect balance of moistness and texture.

Can I add other citrus fruits instead of kumquats?

You can experiment with thinly sliced oranges or mandarins, but kumquats are special because you eat the peel along with the fruit, providing a unique flavor and texture that defines this upside down cake.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about flipping an upside down cake and unveiling those glossy, caramelized kumquats nestled into tender crumb. The Kumquat Upside Down Cake Recipe combines a burst of citrus with a buttery, tender cake that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to a delicious slice, this cake is bound to bring smiles and happy memories. So, grab those kumquats and get baking—you’ll be so glad you did!

Kumquat Upside Down Cake Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need