This upside down quince cake recipe is a sponsored post by Land O’Lakes. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands I love that make this website possible.
Embrace Autumn’s Sweetness: The Irresistible Upside Down Quince Cake
As the leaves begin to turn vibrant hues of crimson and gold, and a crisp, inviting chill fills the air, there’s no denying that fall has truly arrived. This season brings with it a bounty of unique flavors and comforting aromas, and among them, one fruit stands out as a true harbinger of autumn: the quince. Also known by its enchanting Spanish name, membrillo, this golden fruit is a culinary treasure, especially when transformed into a warm, inviting Upside Down Quince Cake. Imagine settling down with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, a good book, and a generous slice of this beautifully caramelized, sweet, and fragrant dessert – pure autumnal bliss.
My journey with quince began in the sprawling backyard of my childhood home in Texas, where a magnificent quince tree stood tall, laden with fruit each season. For my brother, sister, and me, it was more than just a tree; it was a seasonal playground and a source of endless delight. We’d eagerly climb its branches at the peak of the season, our baskets overflowing with the apple-like, firm, and tart membrillos, ready to be enjoyed by all.
Initially, our neighbors were often puzzled by this peculiar fruit. Its formidable tartness and firm texture, seemingly resistant to ripening, led many to believe it was merely fit for birds and insects. Oh, how mistaken they were! Fresh off the tree, our membrillos were a revelation. I distinctly remember the ritual: a sprinkle of fresh lime juice and a dash of salt between bites, which magically transformed the tough first bite into a surprisingly juicy and refreshing experience. It was certainly an acquired taste, but one that quickly became a cherished part of our family’s fall traditions, teaching us the value of patience and the joy of uncovering hidden flavors.
With such an abundant harvest each year, my mom, ever the resourceful chef, would meticulously prepare batches of dulce de membrillo. This sweet, jelly-like spread, reminiscent of quince paste or cheese, would fill our kitchen with an extraordinary aroma as the quince simmered gently in sugar water. It was an olfactory announcement that autumn had officially settled into our home. Dulce de membrillo was incredibly versatile – perfect on toast, paired with crackers and cheese, or as a luscious filling for delicate empanadas. Its rich, floral sweetness, a testament to the quince’s remarkable transformation when cooked, made it a staple in our pantry and a symbol of seasonal abundance.
Beyond its culinary versatility, quince boasts an impressive nutritional profile. Rich in fiber, vitamin C, and various antioxidants, it’s not just a delicious fruit but a healthy one too. Its pectin content makes it ideal for jellies and preserves, providing natural thickening and a beautiful, translucent quality. This ancient fruit, a relative of apples and pears, has been cultivated for thousands of years, revered in various cultures for its medicinal properties and symbolic significance, often representing love, fertility, and happiness. Its unique botanical properties allow it to thrive in diverse climates, making it a sustainable and fascinating choice for home gardeners and commercial growers alike.
Choosing the perfect quince is simpler than it seems. Look for fruits that are firm, heavy for their size, and have a vibrant yellow color, often with a slightly fuzzy skin. Avoid any with soft spots or blemishes. Once home, they can be stored at room temperature for several days or in the refrigerator for a few weeks. The key to unlocking their hidden deliciousness lies in cooking them, as raw quince can be astringent and unpleasantly tart. But with a little heat and sweetness, their true magic shines through, releasing a complex aroma that is both floral and fruity, with delightful hints of vanilla, rose, and citrus. This transformation is what makes quince such a rewarding ingredient for baking, adding depth and sophistication to any dessert.
This year, inspired by those cherished fall memories and the delightful transformation of quince, I decided to craft a spectacular Upside Down Quince Cake – an ideal treat to complement our afternoon coffee rituals. For this recipe, I turned to a trusted staple in my kitchen: Land O Lakes® Butter with Canola Oil. This exceptional butter is crafted with only sweet cream, canola oil, and a touch of salt, making it incredibly easy to spread directly out of the refrigerator. More importantly, it imparts that fresh, rich butter taste I adore, ensuring every bite of this cake is imbued with superior flavor and a wonderfully tender crumb. Its smooth texture is particularly advantageous for baking, helping to create a perfectly emulsified batter that results in a consistently moist and delicious cake. This blend also simplifies the baking process, allowing for less time waiting for butter to soften and more time enjoying the creative process of baking.
The beauty of an upside-down cake lies in its stunning presentation and the way the fruit caramelizes on top, infusing the cake with its rich flavor and creating a luscious, slightly sticky topping. For this quince cake, the process begins with gently simmering the quince slices in a sugary syrup, allowing them to soften slightly and absorb that initial sweetness before they even hit the baking dish. This pre-treatment ensures the quince becomes wonderfully tender and deeply flavorful during baking, creating a beautiful, jewel-toned layer on top of the cake once inverted. The caramelized sugars mingle with the natural tartness of the quince, creating a symphony of sweet and tangy notes that are perfectly balanced within the moist, spiced cake base. It’s a dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes, making it perfect for special occasions or simply elevating an everyday treat.
Quince season typically extends well into December, offering plenty of opportunities to experiment with this versatile fruit. If you spot these golden gems at your local grocery store or farmer’s market, I wholeheartedly encourage you to grab a few. This luscious Upside Down Quince Cake recipe is an exquisite way to celebrate the arrival of fall and share its unique flavors with friends and family. It’s a delightful centerpiece for any autumnal gathering, promising both visual appeal and an unforgettable taste experience. Serve it warm with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence, making your fall moments even sweeter and more memorable.
More Fall Inspiration:
Looking for more comforting recipes? Be sure to try this Banana Pancakes with Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Sauce. It’s another perfect way to bring warmth and sweetness to your home, ideal for a cozy weekend breakfast or brunch.
For even more inspiring recipe ideas and culinary insights, visit landolakes.com. You can also stay connected and discover new creations by following Land O’Lakes on their social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Join their community and explore a world of delicious possibilities!
Upside Down Quince Cake
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- Author: Ericka Sanchez
Yield: serves 10 1x
Ingredients
1 cup brown sugar, divided
3 tablespoons water
2 large quinces, peeled, cored and sliced 1/4-1/8-inch thick
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup Land O Lakes® Butter with Canola Oil
2 eggs
½ cup 2% low fat milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease and line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.
Combine ½ cup brown sugar and water in a large pan over low heat. When sugar dissolves and mixture starts to bubble, add quince slices. Stir frequently, coating slices evenly in syrup. Cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
Arrange quince slices evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour any remaining syrup over the slices to ensure a rich caramelization. Set aside.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Ensure they are well combined. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together Land O Lakes® Butter with Canola Oil and the remaining ½ cup brown sugar until the mixture is light and creamy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the milk and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until thoroughly combined. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the batter is smooth and just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Carefully pour the cake batter over the arranged quince slices in the baking dish. Gently spread the batter evenly with a spatula, ensuring the quince layer is fully covered.
Bake for 30-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. This indicates it’s perfectly baked. Let the cake cool completely in the dish on a wire rack before attempting to invert it. Once cool, carefully invert the cake onto a serving tray and gently remove the parchment paper to reveal the beautiful caramelized quince topping. Slice and serve this delightful upside-down quince cake, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an enhanced experience.