Papaw Upside-down Cake

Papaw Upside-down Cake Recipe from Belize - Fresh and Delicious

Region / culture: Belize | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Papaw Upside-down Cake is a delicious and unique dessert that features ripe papaw slices on the bottom of the cake, topped with a moist and fluffy cake layer. This recipe is perfect for those looking to try something different and impress their guests with a tropical twist on a classic dessert.

History

The origins of Papaw Upside-down Cake are not well-documented, but it is believed to have originated in tropical regions where papaw, also known as papaya, is a common fruit. This cake is a creative twist on the traditional pineapple upside-down cake, using papaw slices instead for a unique and flavorful dessert.

Ingredients

2 tbsp margarine or butter (30 g)
0.33 cup brown sugar (75 g)
6 slices papaw cut small (2 inches)
2.5 cups sifted cake flour
3 tsp baking powder (15 ml)
0.5 cup margarine (112 g)
1.5 cups sugar (375 g)
2 eggs (well beaten)
1 cup milk (250 ml)
1 tsp vanilla (5 ml)
pinch of salt (0.5 ml)

How to prepare

Melt margarine or butter in an 8x2" cake pan and sprinkle with brown sugar.
Place papaw slices in the bottom of a small cake pan.
In a mixing bowl, cream together sugar and margarine until fluffy and light.
Beat eggs until frothy.
Add beaten eggs to the margarine and sugar mixture.
Add essence and mix well.
Fold in sifted flour, baking powder, and salt, alternating with milk.
Pour the mixture on top of the melted margarine and papaw.
Bake in an oven preheated to 350°F / 180°C until a knife comes out clean.

Variations

Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter for a warm and spicy flavor.
Substitute the papaw slices with other tropical fruits like mango or pineapple for a different twist on this recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use ripe papaw for the best flavor and texture in this cake.

- Be careful when flipping the cake over after baking to ensure that the papaw slices stay intact.

- Serve the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Papaw Upside-down Cake warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a successful Papaw Upside-down Cake is to carefully arrange the papaw slices on the bottom of the cake pan and ensure that the cake batter is evenly spread on top.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of margarine in this recipe for a richer flavor.

- If you don't have papaw, you can use other tropical fruits like mango or pineapple as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cake batter ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before baking for best results.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Papaw Upside-down Cake on a decorative cake stand for a beautiful presentation, or garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Papaw Upside-down Cake with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat, or enjoy it with a glass of cold milk for a simple and satisfying dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Papaw Upside-down Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual slices for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Papaw Upside-down Cake contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Papaw Upside-down Cake contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Papaw Upside-down Cake contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Papaw Upside-down Cake contains approximately 4 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Papaw is a rich source of vitamins A and C, as well as folate and potassium, which are all beneficial for overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs, milk, and wheat, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Papaw Upside-down Cake is a delicious dessert that is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of carbohydrates and healthy fats.

Summary

Papaw Upside-down Cake is a delicious and unique dessert that is perfect for those looking to try something different. With its tropical flavors and moist cake layer, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It all started when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my own mother. One summer day, as we were flipping through an old recipe book that had been passed down through generations, we stumbled upon a recipe for Papaw Upside-down Cake. I had never heard of such a dessert before, but the sound of it intrigued me. My mother explained that papaws were a type of tropical fruit that grew in our backyard, and that this cake was a favorite among our family during the summer months.

Excited to try something new, we gathered the ingredients and got to work in the kitchen. The smell of the ripe papaws filled the air as we peeled, sliced, and arranged them in the bottom of a baking dish. I watched in awe as my mother mixed together the batter, pouring it carefully over the fruit before placing the dish in the oven to bake. As the cake slowly rose and turned golden brown, I could hardly contain my excitement.

When the timer finally dinged, we pulled the cake out of the oven and flipped it over onto a serving platter. The sweet aroma of caramelized papaws filled the room, and my mouth watered at the sight of the golden fruit peeking out from beneath the fluffy cake. My mother cut us each a slice, and as I took my first bite, I knew that this recipe would become a favorite in my own kitchen someday.

Over the years, I have made Papaw Upside-down Cake countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to make it my own. I have shared it with friends, neighbors, and even strangers who have become fast friends after just one bite. But the memory of that first time making it with my mother will always hold a special place in my heart.

As I grew older and started a family of my own, I passed down the recipe for Papaw Upside-down Cake to my own children. They would sit on the kitchen counter, watching with wide eyes as I peeled and sliced the papaws, just as I had done with my mother all those years ago. It became a tradition in our household, a way to celebrate the bounty of summer and the love that went into each and every slice of cake.

One summer, my eldest daughter surprised me by making the cake all on her own. She had grown into a confident young woman, capable of creating culinary masterpieces that rivaled even my own. As I watched her carefully arrange the papaws in the dish and pour the batter over the top, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. She had learned well from her grandmother and her mother, and I knew that the tradition of making Papaw Upside-down Cake would continue for generations to come.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the laughter and chatter of my grandchildren, I can't help but smile as I prepare to make another batch of Papaw Upside-down Cake. The recipe may have come from a dusty old book, but its legacy lives on in the memories we create each time we gather around the table to enjoy a slice together. And as I take a bite of the sweet, fruity cake, I am reminded once again of the bond that ties us all together – a love of family, good food, and the joy of sharing both with those we hold dear.