If you think apples are just for pie, wait until you try this Apple Upside Down Cake! Imagine a luscious, buttery brown sugar glaze soaking through soft, fluffy cake and perfectly tender apple slices, all sharing the spotlight in every bite. This dessert brings all the cozy flavors of fall right into your kitchen, and it’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re impressing guests or just treating yourself, this Apple Upside Down Cake is a little adventure in every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Apple Upside Down Cake keeps things simple but spectacular, relying on kitchen staples to let the apples shine. Each ingredient plays an essential part, from the apples’ juicy sweetness to the cake’s tender crumb.
- Unsalted butter (for both topping and cake): Adds rich flavor and creates that dreamy caramelized top layer.
- Packed brown sugar: Lends caramel notes and creates a sticky, gorgeous glaze for the apples.
- Apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith): Bring fresh, tart-sweet flavor and hold their shape beautifully when baked.
- All-purpose flour: Provides stability, making the cake light yet sturdy enough to hold all those juicy apples.
- Baking powder: Gives the cake just the right lift so it turns out fluffy.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses every slice with warm, cozy spice that enhances the apples.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake itself while letting the apple-brown sugar topping star.
- Eggs: Bind everything together for a smooth, tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Adds delicate aroma and warmth in the background.
- Milk: Keeps the cake soft and moist with a lovely crumb.
How to Make Apple Upside Down Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to guarantee a stick-free, fuss-free flip later. That extra parchment step ensures every beautiful apple slice releases without a hitch.
Step 2: Create the Caramel-Apple Topping
In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Stir in your brown sugar and cook for about two minutes, just until everything is smooth and bubbly. This mixture gets poured directly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Arrange your thinly sliced apples in a spiral or overlap them in whatever pattern makes you smile—just make sure they get cozy!
Step 3: Make the Cake Batter
Whisk together your dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt—in a medium bowl. In a separate larger bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and pale. Add the eggs one at a time, then melt in that gorgeous vanilla extract. Now, alternate adding the flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with the flour, mixing until just combined. The batter will be thick and dreamy, ready to blanket the apples.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Gently spread the batter over your arranged apples, smoothing the top. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean from the middle. The aroma at this stage is practically irresistible. Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes after baking; this helps the topping set a bit before you flip it out.
Step 5: Flip and Reveal
Ready for the big reveal? Run a knife around the edge of the cake, place a serving plate over the pan, and confidently invert. Lift off the pan and peel away the parchment—hello, glistening caramel apples! Serve warm, and prepare yourself for applause.
How to Serve Apple Upside Down Cake
Garnishes
A warm slice of Apple Upside Down Cake shines all on its own, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream takes it right over the top. If you want to play up the cozy, try a light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Even a scattering of toasted pecans or walnuts adds a crunchy contrast to the tender cake and apples.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with simple accompaniments that can enhance its fruity sweetness. Try serving it with fresh berries, a fruit salad, or a tangy crème fraîche. For a comforting brunch, balance out the sweetness with a cup of strong coffee or a soothing chai tea.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Apple Upside Down Cake into a show-stopper by baking individual mini cakes in ramekins for personalized treats. Or serve slices with warm apple cider for a rustic, autumn-inspired dessert bar. Plating with a swirl of caramel or arranging apple chips on the side gives every piece some extra flair, perfect for impressing your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Apple Upside Down Cake keeps best covered at room temperature for up to one day. For longer storage, pop it in the fridge covered tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight container. This preserves its moisture and keeps the topping nicely sticky, though you may want to bring it back to room temperature for peak flavor and softness.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy Apple Upside Down Cake further down the line, let it cool completely after baking. Wrap individual slices (or the whole cake) in a layer of plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temp before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Craving that fresh-from-the-oven taste? Warm up slices of Apple Upside Down Cake in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds, or place larger portions in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. This revives the caramel apples and gives the cake its pillow-soft texture again.
FAQs
Can I make Apple Upside Down Cake with other fruit?
Absolutely! While apples provide a wonderful tartness and texture, you can swap them for pears, peaches, or even a mix of berries for a twist on the classic recipe.
What kind of apples are best for Apple Upside Down Cake?
Firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji work best since they hold their shape and don’t turn mushy during baking. Feel free to mix types for extra depth of flavor!
How do I keep apples from sticking to the pan?
Lining the pan with parchment paper and pouring your butter-brown sugar mixture before arranging the apples goes a long way. Letting the cake cool properly before flipping also helps everything release perfectly.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a reliable cup-for-cup gluten-free blend. The structure and taste will still be deliciously satisfying.
Why did my Apple Upside Down Cake sink in the middle?
This can happen if your batter is over-mixed or if the cake wasn’t baked quite long enough. Be sure to follow the timing, check for doneness, and avoid overbeating to keep your cake lofty and lovely.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for a dessert that truly captures the spirit of autumn, this Apple Upside Down Cake is calling your name. It’s unfussy, flavorful, and absolutely stunning to serve. Whether you share it with friends or savor it slice by slice, don’t miss out on the joy this cake brings to any table.
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Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this delicious Apple Upside Down Cake. A moist and tender cake topped with caramelized apples, this dessert is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
For the cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Prepare the topping: Melt 1/4 cup butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cook until dissolved and bubbly, about 2 minutes. Pour into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Arrange the apple slices over the brown sugar mixture.
- Make the cake batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then mix in the vanilla. Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk in three additions, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter over the apples and smooth the top. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate.
Notes
- Best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for extra warmth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
