Name: Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced into thin wedges; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup milk

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If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors with a delightful caramelized finish, then this Apple Upside Down Cake is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender apple slices nestled in a rich, buttery caramel base, crowned by a moist, cinnamon-infused cake that bakes to golden perfection. Every bite delivers warmth and comfort, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser whether for a cozy family gathering or a special treat just because. This Apple Upside Down Cake is not only beautiful to serve but also wonderfully simple to make, promising smiles all around.

Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the short list fool you; each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma that make this cake truly memorable. From the tartness of the apples to the warmth of cinnamon, everything works together harmoniously.

3 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): These varieties provide the ideal balance of tartness and sweetness and hold their shape beautifully when baked.
1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness to the caramel base and ensures the cake is moist and tender.
1 cup brown sugar: Creates a deep, caramel flavor that perfectly complements the apples.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and a hint of spice to the caramel mixture.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, providing structure while keeping it soft.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise evenly for a light texture.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Balances the acidity from the apples for a perfect crumb.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake batter and balances the tart apples.
2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the cake with a subtle, sweet aroma.
1/2 cup milk: Moistens the batter and helps achieve that tender crumb.

How to Make Apple Upside Down Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples into thin wedges. Thin slices will cook beautifully in the caramel and become tender but still hold their shape. This step is vital because the apples form the star of this Apple Upside Down Cake.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Base

In a saucepan, gently melt the butter together with the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until smooth and bubbling. This luscious caramel forms the bottom layer of the cake pan and will coat the apple slices, giving them that irresistibly glossy and flavorful finish.

Step 3: Arrange the Apples

Pour the warm caramel mixture into a greased cake pan and arrange the apple slices in a single, overlapping layer on top. Take your time here—placing the apples thoughtfully not only creates a stunning pattern but ensures even cooking and caramelization.

Step 4: Prepare the Cake Batter

In one bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the granulated sugar and eggs until light and fluffy, then stir in vanilla extract. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients alternately with the milk to form a smooth batter. This batter will rise gently over the apple layer, soaking up those sweet and spicy flavors.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

Pour the prepared cake batter evenly over the arranged apple slices and caramel base. Slide the cake pan into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma at this point is pure happiness—a true sign your Apple Upside Down Cake is nearly ready.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to let the caramel set slightly. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate. The apple layer will now be gloriously on top, glistening with caramel and smelling like autumn in every bite.

How to Serve Apple Upside Down Cake

Garnishes

Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to bring a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, sticky apples. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar can also add texture and enhance the visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for an afternoon pick-me-up. For a brunch option, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or lightly spiced yogurt for a balanced spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping dessert, try serving individual slices with drizzled caramel sauce or a splash of spiced rum sauce. You can also layer the cooled, inverted cake with mascarpone cream and sliced apples to create an elegant trifle with a twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap the Apple Upside Down Cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to keep this cake longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying again.

Reheating

Gently warm leftover slices in a microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or reheat in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for 10-15 minutes to revive the gooey caramel and soften the cake without overbaking.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this cake?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great because they hold their shape and offer a pleasant tartness, you can experiment with Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady apples. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may produce a less tangy flavor.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure it includes xanthan gum or a binding agent to maintain the cake’s structure.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking when flipping it out?

Grease the cake pan generously with butter or non-stick spray before adding the caramel and apples. Also, letting the cake cool slightly before flipping helps the caramel to set and release more easily.

Can I add nuts to the Apple Upside Down Cake?

Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the caramel and beneath the apple slices adds a delightful crunch and nutty depth to the cake.

What’s the best way to slice and serve this cake?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry to cleanly cut through the caramel and apples without sticking. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Upside Down Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a heartwarming experience wrapped in caramel and cinnamon. Whether you’re baking it for an everyday treat or a special occasion, the combination of tender apples and buttery cake is sure to bring smiles and maybe even a few requests for seconds. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen too.

Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 27 reviews

Author: Charlotte
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This delightful Apple Upside Down Cake features tender apple slices caramelized in a cinnamon-spiced buttery base, topped with a moist, fluffy cake batter that bakes to golden perfection. Perfect as a comforting dessert or an elegant treat, its warm flavors of apple and cinnamon create an irresistible combination sure to please the whole family.

Instructions

Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges to ensure they cook evenly and release their natural sweetness when baked.
Make the Caramel Base: In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until fully combined and smooth. Pour this rich caramel mixture into a greased 9-inch cake pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
Arrange the Apples: Layer the apple slices neatly over the caramel base in the pan, arranging them slightly overlapping for an attractive presentation once the cake is inverted.
Prepare the Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients alternately with the milk, mixing gently until just combined to form a smooth batter.
Combine and Bake: Carefully pour the prepared batter over the arranged apples in the pan, spreading evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen, then invert the cake onto a serving plate so the caramelized apples are on top. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
Ensure the caramel base is spread evenly to avoid hot spots.
Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
Allow the cake to cool slightly before flipping to prevent caramel from sticking.
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American