Apricot Upside-Down Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A luscious upside-down cake featuring sweet apricots, toasted coconut, and caramelized brown sugar, perfect for dessert lovers seeking a fruity, nostalgic treat.

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Ingredients

  • 8 3/4 oz. unpeeled apricot halves
  • milk
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3 Tbsp. margarine, melted
  • 1 Tbsp. water
  • 1/2 cup flaked coconut
  • 1/3 c. shortening
  • 3/4 c. sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 1/2 c. flour
  • 2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp. salt

Instructions

  1. Drain apricots and reserve the syrup.
  2. Add enough milk to the syrup to make 2/3 cup and set aside.
  3. Combine brown sugar, margarine, and water; spread evenly in a 9 x 9-inch pan.
  4. Sprinkle flaked coconut over the sugar mixture.
  5. Arrange apricot halves, cut side up, over the coconut layer.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter cake, you can substitute half of the shortening with applesauce, which will add moisture and reduce fat. If you prefer a different fruit, peaches or pears could be used in place of apricots. Ensure the coconut is unsweetened for a less sugary version, and consider adding a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Apricot Upside-Down Cake is delightful served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs beautifully with Nana'S Banana Pudding for a sweet dessert spread. Consider serving it alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the cake in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm it in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This will help retain its moist texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Apricot Upside-Down Cake contains roughly 468 calories, with 6g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (31% of the Daily Value) and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 542mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).

468 kcal 23% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.8g 12% DV
Total Fat 10.1g 13% DV
Carbs 80.9g 29% DV
Fiber 0.5g 2% DV
Sugar 37.2g 74% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 542.4mg 24% DV
Potassium 337.8mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 82.7mg 28% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 104.1mcg 12% DV
Vitamin C 7.3mg 8% DV
Vitamin D 0.8mcg 4% DV
Calcium 405.1mg 31% DV
Iron 4mg 22% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned apricots for this recipe?

Yes, canned apricots work well for this cake. Just be sure to drain them thoroughly and reserve the syrup for moisture. Fresh apricots can also be used when in season for a more vibrant flavor.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cake a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to allow it to come to room temperature before serving to enhance the flavors and texture.

What can I serve with this cake?

This cake is delicious on its own or served with toppings like whipped cream or ice cream. It also pairs nicely with a fruit salad or a light yogurt for a refreshing contrast. For a more festive touch, consider serving it with a glass of sparkling wine.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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