Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Introduction

Apple Upside Down Cake is a delightful dessert combining tender apples with a rich caramel topping. This simple yet elegant cake brings warm cinnamon flavors and a moist crumb, perfect for any occasion.

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 brown sugar and cinnamon over medium heat. Once melted and combined, pour this caramel mixture evenly into a greased cake pan.
3. Step 3: Arrange the apple slices neatly over the caramel base in the pan.
4. Step 4: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream the granulated sugar with eggs until light, then add vanilla extract and milk.
5. Step 5: Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture until smooth, being careful not to overmix.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter gently over the arranged apples in the pan.
7. Step 7: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Step 8: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a serving plate to reveal the caramelized apples on top.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance to the sweetness of the caramel.
• Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the caramel for extra crunch.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
• For a richer flavor, substitute half the milk with sour cream or yogurt.

Storage

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven before serving for the best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fruit instead of apples?

Yes, pears, peaches, or firm plums also work well as toppings in an upside down cake and provide a different but delicious flavor profile.

How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

Be sure to melt the butter and sugar gently over medium heat, stirring frequently, to prevent burning. Removing from heat as soon as it’s combined will give the best caramel without bitterness.

Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 97 reviews

This delicious Apple Upside Down Cake features caramelized apples atop a moist and tender cinnamon-spiced cake. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, it’s an inviting dessert combining warm flavors of apple and cinnamon with a buttery caramel base. Ideal for fall gatherings or a cozy treat any time of year.

• 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

Apple Layer

• 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, even wedges to ensure they cook uniformly and layer nicely on the cake.
2. Make the Caramel Base: In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, then stir in the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Cook until the mixture is smooth and slightly bubbling, then promptly pour this aromatic caramel into a greased cake pan, spreading evenly.
3. Arrange the Apples: Carefully layer the thin apple slices over the caramel mixture in the pan, covering the entire base to create a beautiful, fruity layer that will become the top of the cake once inverted.
4. 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, then mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Combine and Bake: Pour the prepared batter evenly over the arranged apples and caramel in the cake pan. Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake is golden brown.
6. Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes to let the caramel set. Run a knife gently around the edges, then invert the cake onto a serving plate to reveal the glossy caramelized apple topping. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
• Ensure the cake pan is well greased to prevent sticking when inverting the cake.
• Allow the cake to cool slightly before flipping to avoid burns and to help the caramel set properly.
• This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and adjust baking powder as needed.

Keywords: apple cake, upside down cake, caramel apple dessert, cinnamon apple cake, fall dessert