A terrific twist on a summertime staple, this light and fluffy Nectarine Upside-Down Cake uses versatile, delicious Lifeway Kefir instead of buttermilk for an extra punch of protein and a tender cake that makes this dessert an unforgettable favorite.
The Benefits of Cultured Dairy for Better Health:
Research continues to show the importance of eating healthy foods, including cultured dairy such as kefir, for optimal digestion and gut health, a strong immune system, and to support the microbiome. Fermented foods like kefir hold important value in this line of research due to the link between the gut-brain axis and overall health. Specifically, kefir has been shown to help diversify the microbiome, improve digestion, reduce inflammation, support healthier blood sugar levels, and improve satiety since the bioavailable protein it contains triggers the release of GLP-1.
Lifeway Kefir is packed with a variety of vital nutrients important for overall health, including bone and muscle health; these include vitamin D3, K, calcium, and vitamin B12. Along with our probiotic-rich kefir, Lifeway also offers artisan-made Farmer Cheese,a creamy, high-protein cheese made with live and active cultures to support healthy muscles and a healthy microbiome. Lifeway Farmer Cheese is easy to spread, free of gums and thickeners, and contains no added salt or sugar for optimal health benefits.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Lifeway Lowfat Plain Kefir
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely ground almond flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¾ cups unsweetened apple sauce
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 4-8 nectarines, sliced into thin wedges
- 10-12 Medjool dates, pitted
- 1 cup filtered water + more for soaking
- Chopped or slivered nuts, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- To make the date syrup: About one hour before you’re ready to start cooking, place the dates in a small bowl and cover with warm water. Let soak for 30 minutes to soften.
- After 30 minutes, drain the water and add dates and ¾ cup filtered water to a blender. Blend until smooth, adding more water if necessary to reach a smooth, syrup-like consistency. Set aside.
- To make the cake: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 10-inch spring form pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl and whisk well. In a separate bowl, combine Lifeway Low Fat Plain Kefir, applesauce, butter and eggs. Gently mix together the wet and dry ingredients, stir until just combined. Set aside.
- Pour ½ cup of the date syrup into the bottom of the spring form pan and arrange nectarine slices on top. Pour the batter on top of the sliced nectarines and place in the oven to bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the cake and turn upside down onto a serving plate. Garnish with remaining date syrup and optional nuts. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- We made our own date syrup, but you should be able to find some at your local grocer.
- You can try substituting 2 cups of white flour instead of almond flour, however you may need to bake for a bit longer and we have not tested this.
- For a sweeter cake, use sugar in place of the unsweetened applesauce.
- If you cannot find nectarines, use your favorite seasonal fruit, such as peaches, blueberries, apples, pineapple, or bananas.
