Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Introduction

Apple Upside Down Cake is a delightful dessert that combines tender cake with caramelized apples on top. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for showcasing crisp apples in a warm, cozy cake that’s sure to please any crowd.

Ingredients

• 3 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan, melt the butter with the brown sugar and ground cinnamon, stirring until smooth and combined. Pour this caramel mixture evenly into a greased cake pan.
3. Step 3: Arrange the apple slices over the caramel base in the pan in a single, overlapping layer.
4. Step 4: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Step 5: In a separate large bowl, beat the granulated sugar and eggs until creamy. Add the vanilla extract and milk, mixing well.
6. Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to combine into a smooth batter.
7. Step 7: Pour the batter evenly over the arranged apples in the pan.
8. Step 8: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Step 9: Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate so the caramelized apples are on top.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
• Adding chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts on top can add a pleasant crunch.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
• If you prefer a softer apple texture, peel the apples slightly thicker or pre-cook them lightly before layering.

Storage

Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or a warm oven to enjoy the caramelized top at its best.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fruit instead of apples?

Yes, pears or peaches can work well in this recipe, offering different but delicious caramelized flavors.

Do I need to grease the cake pan before adding the caramel?

Yes, greasing the pan helps prevent the caramel and apples from sticking when you invert the cake, ensuring a clean release.

Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 109 reviews

A delightful Apple Upside Down Cake featuring tender apple slices caramelized with butter and brown sugar, layered under a moist cinnamon-spiced cake. This dessert combines the warmth of cinnamon and the tart sweetness of Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, baked to golden perfection and served inverted with a luscious caramel topping.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Caramel & Apples

• 3 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 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

1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges to ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation once caramelized.
2. Make the Caramel Base: In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. Immediately pour this caramel mixture into a greased cake pan, spreading evenly to cover the bottom.
3. Arrange the Apples: Layer the apple wedges over the caramel mixture in the pan in an even, overlapping pattern to create an attractive design that will show on the finished cake.
4. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, sift 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, then alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the sugar-egg mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Combine and Bake: Pour the prepared cake batter evenly over the arranged apples and caramel in the pan. Place the cake pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges turn golden brown.
6. Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen it, then invert the cake onto a serving plate carefully so the caramelized apples are on top. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balance of tartness and sweetness.
• Ensure the cake has cooled slightly before inverting to prevent the caramel from running off.
• This cake can be served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Grease the cake pan thoroughly to avoid sticking.
• Adjust cinnamon amount according to taste for a more or less spiced flavor.

Keywords: Apple Upside Down Cake, caramel apple cake, cinnamon apple dessert, baked apple cake, fall dessert