Peach Upside-Down Cupcakes with Whipped Mascarpone Cream

Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Course: Dessert | Serves: 12

Caramelized peach upside-down cupcakes with more peaches diced in the batter and a whipped mascarpone cream topping. I’ve added a sweetened peach white balsamic vinegar into the cream for added peach flavor, this is optional, but if you have some, it’s amazing. Inspired by Shinee at Sweet and Savory by Shinee. https://www.sweetandsavorybyshinee.com/peach-upside-down-mini-cakes/  

⅔ cup sugar

⅓ cup butter

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

1 ½ cups flour

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

½ cup buttermilk

1 peach, diced

Caramelized Peaches:

1 Tbsp butter

6 tsp brown sugar

2 peaches, sliced thin

Preheat the oven to 350*. Spray a muffin tin with oil and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Cream the sugar and butter together in a stand mixing bowl until fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla mixing until incorporated. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Pour over the batter and top with the buttermilk and diced peaches. Mix until the batter just comes together, taking care not to over-mix. 

Dice the 1 tablespoon of butter into 12 equal bits. Place one bit in each of the cupcake wells and top with ½ teaspoon of brown sugar. Slice peaches thin (no need to peel, but you can if you wish) and divide evenly over the butter and brown sugar. Top with approximately ¼ cup of the peach cake batter and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick tester comes out batter free. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before loosening and turning over onto a serving board or platter. Top with mascarpone whipped cream just before serving.

Whipped Mascarpone Cream:

 4 Tbsp mascarpone cheese

1 cup heavy cream

¼ cup brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla

2 Tbsp white balsamic peach vinegar, optional

In a stand mixer, whip mascarpone cheese, whipping cream, brown sugar and vanilla together until thickened and the whisk attachment is leaving streaks. Add in the peach white balsamic if using and whisk to medium peaks.