When I first starting bringing our ranch raised beef and produce to the farmers market, I was blown away by all the different varieties of vegetables that farmers would grow all over the state. So many different kinds of beets, lettuces, potatoes and oranges. Now every time I go to a market I am sure to pick up at least three variety of oranges and Cara Caras are one of them. They are so much sweeter then traditional Navel orange, they have a beautiful red color and are easy to add to my yogurts, salads and on this Up-Side Down Cake. 

Upside-Down Cakes are pretty "retro" in my personal opinion. They are a cake that my grandmother made with canned pineapple and I remember eating with a big dollop of whipped cream. You will love this beautiful bright cake!

Specialty Equipment: 9 inch cake pan

Recipe makes 6-10 servings

Active time:15 minutes

Total Time: 1.5 hours (including cooling time)

Ingredients:

For orange topping:

• 3 oranges (Cara Cara and Navel)

• ½ cup sugar

• ½ cup water

For cake batter:

• 2 cups all purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 8 ounces unsalted butter, room temperature

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 3 large eggs

• ¼ cup whole milk

Directions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°.

2. Prepare a 9 inch cake pan with parchment paper and greased.

3. In a saucepan on medium heat, mix 1/2 cup of water and 1/2 cup sugar until the sugar is dissolved and simmer for 5 minutes. Set aside and let cool to room temperature. 

4. Cut the three oranges into ¼ inch rings with skin on. With a sharp knife cut the skin off the rings making sure not to cut the meat of the orange. 

5. Pour the sugar water into the cake pan. Place the orange rings into the sugar water making a full layer to cover the bottom of the pan. Set aside. 

6. In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder and salt. 

7. In a mixing bowl, mix butter and sugar until well combined. Add vanilla, eggs and milk. Mix well. Add in the flour mixture a little at a time while stiring. The batter will be thick. 

8. With an ice cream scoop or spoon, put the batter on top of the sliced oranges. Smooth cake batter and place in the oven. This is a thick batter so take care when smoothing out over the citrus. 

9. Bake for 40 minutes or until golden brown. 

10. Let the cake cool fully (about 30 minutes) before flipping the cake over and taking off the parchment paper. 

11. Serve with ice cream or freshly whipped cream.

Watch on instagram here!

Enjoy!

Elizabeth