Another fun Downtown Abbey bake and honestly felt way fancier than the effort required. I made these mini upside-down orange cakes, and they looked (and smelled) like something you’d serve at a tea party, but the recipe was super straightforward.

You start by prepping your ramekins and lining the bottoms with brown sugar, melted butter, and a thin slice of orange. That little combo turns into this caramelized, citrusy layer that’s so good once it bakes.

The cake batter is just a classic mix: creamed butter, sugar, orange zest (which adds a ton of flavor), eggs, then the dry ingredients, plus a bit of cream and vanilla to bring it all together. You spoon the batter right over the oranges and bake until golden and set—it took about 35 minutes for mine.

Once they’ve cooled a bit, you flip them out onto plates (I somehow managed to drop one of the ramekins on a plate and it shattered so be careful). I wasn’t sure the orange at the bottom were worth it but when you flip it over and see the dessert on a plate it looks so nice.

I tried one warm and it was super soft and full of orange flavor—sweet, a little tangy, and perfect with tea. Definitely a recipe I’d make again, especially for something like a brunch or afternoon treat. I also took these to a friend and we heated it up the next time and they were just as good.

Baking Ease	10
Time Spent	10
Taste	10
Visual	10

Recipe Used: Downton Abbey cookbook p. 61