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.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Layer
- 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
Cake Batter
- 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
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: apple upside down cake, caramel apple cake, cinnamon apple dessert, baked apple cake, fall dessert
