Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
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
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
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, even wedges to ensure they cook uniformly and layer nicely on the cake.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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