This Apple Upside Down Cake is a delicious twist on the classic, featuring a caramelized apple topping with a light and fluffy cake underneath. It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion, combining the richness of brown sugar and cinnamon with the tartness of apples.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Apple Upside Down Cake is a sweet and comforting dessert that brings out the best of fall flavors. The apples are caramelized with cinnamon and brown sugar, creating a rich, golden topping that perfectly complements the light, tender cake. With just the right balance of sweetness and spice, this cake is sure to impress your guests. Plus, it’s simple to make and beautiful to serve—just invert the pan to reveal a stunning caramelized apple design!
Ingredients
For the Topping:
3 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cake:
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
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the Apples:
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Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. Set them aside.
Make the Caramel Base:
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In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together, stirring occasionally. Once the mixture is smooth and bubbling, remove it from the heat.
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Pour the caramel mixture into a greased cake pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
Arrange the Apples:
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Layer the apple slices over the caramel mixture in a circular pattern, ensuring that they cover the entire bottom of the pan. Set aside.
Prepare the Cake Batter:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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In a separate bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and eggs until light and fluffy.
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Add the vanilla extract and milk to the sugar and egg mixture, and stir to combine.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Combine and Bake:
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Pour the cake batter evenly over the arranged apples, smoothing the top.
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Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve:
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Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate to reveal the beautifully caramelized apples on top.
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Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 8-10 servings. Prep time is approximately 20 minutes, and bake time is 40 minutes. Total time is about 1 hour.
Variations
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Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the apples before adding the cake batter for extra crunch.
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Spices: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cake batter for additional warmth and complexity.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version of this cake.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, you can use other apple varieties like Fuji or Gala, but Granny Smith apples work well because they hold their shape and balance the sweetness.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake can be made ahead of time. Just allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. You can reheat it before serving.
Can I use a bundt pan instead of a cake pan?
Yes, you can use a bundt pan for a different presentation, but make sure the caramel is evenly spread at the bottom and carefully invert the cake once it has cooled.
Can I add a glaze to the cake?
Yes, a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or a spiced caramel glaze would make a lovely addition to this cake.
What should I serve this cake with?
This cake is delicious on its own, but for an extra indulgent treat, serve it with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
How do I prevent the caramel from sticking to the pan?
Be sure to grease the pan well before adding the caramel mixture, and allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before inverting it to ensure the caramel sets properly.
Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
Fresh apples are best for this cake, but if you’re using frozen apples, make sure they are thawed and drained well before using them in the recipe.
Conclusion
This Apple Upside Down Cake is a deliciously simple yet stunning dessert that captures the essence of fall. The caramelized apples and buttery cake make for a perfect combination of flavors, while the easy preparation and elegant presentation make it ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just treating yourself, this cake will certainly be a crowd-pleaser!
Print
Apple Upside Down Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 cake (8-10 slices)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Upside Down Cake is a decadent dessert that features a caramelized apple topping over a soft, moist cake. With the tanginess of Granny Smith or sweetness of Honeycrisp apples, this cake is a perfect fall treat. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for a truly delightful dessert experience!
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Apple Topping:
3 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the 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.
Make the Caramel Base:
In a saucepan, melt the butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
Pour the caramel mixture into a greased 9-inch cake pan, spreading it evenly.
Arrange the Apples:
Arrange the sliced apple wedges over the caramel mixture in a single layer. Make sure they cover the entire bottom of the pan.
Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and eggs until light and fluffy.
Add the vanilla extract and milk, and mix until fully combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
Combine and Bake:
Pour the cake batter over the arranged apples in the cake pan, spreading it out evenly.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Cool and Serve:
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Once slightly cooled, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate. The caramelized apples should now be on top.
Serve:
Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream for a delicious treat. Garnish with fresh mint for added color.
Notes
Make Ahead: You can prepare the caramel topping and cake batter separately in advance, and then assemble and bake the cake when ready.
Serving Suggestions: This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
Apple Variations: For a different flavor, try using other apple varieties like Fuji or Gala.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
