Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Introduction

Apple Upside Down Cake is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, featuring tender apple slices caramelized with cinnamon and brown sugar. This moist cake is perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting treat any time of year.

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 over medium heat until smooth and bubbling.
3. Step 3: Pour the caramel mixture into a greased cake pan, spreading evenly.
4. Step 4: Arrange the apple slices in a single layer over the caramel in the pan.
5. Step 5: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6. Step 6: In a separate large bowl, cream the granulated sugar and eggs until light and fluffy, then stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Step 7: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
8. Step 8: Pour the cake batter evenly over the arranged apples in the pan.
9. Step 9: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Step 10: Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate so the apple side is on top.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith for a nice balance against the sweet caramel.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the cinnamon for a warming spice twist.
• For extra moisture, substitute half the milk with sour cream or yogurt.
• If you prefer a firmer topping, arrange the apples tightly and slice them a bit thicker.

Storage

Store any leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave to restore warmth and softness before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different fruits instead of apples?

Yes, pears or peaches can work well as alternatives, though baking times may vary slightly due to their different moisture content.

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

Yes, greasing the pan helps ensure the caramel and apples don’t stick, making it easier to invert the cake after baking.

Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 96 reviews

This delightful Apple Upside Down Cake features a caramelized layer of spiced apples atop a moist and tender cake base. Combining the tartness of Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples with warm cinnamon and buttery caramel, it’s the perfect dessert to impress family and friends with its beautiful presentation and delicious flavors.

• 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

Apples

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

Caramel Base

• 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 arrange nicely on the cake.
2. Make the Caramel Base: In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter together with the brown sugar and ground cinnamon over medium heat until smooth and combined. Pour this hot caramel mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased cake pan.
3. Arrange the Apples: Carefully layer the apple slices over the caramel mixture in the cake pan, creating an even and attractive layer that will caramelize during baking.
4. Prepare the Cake Batter: In one bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream the granulated sugar with the eggs until light and fluffy, then blend in the vanilla extract. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until a smooth batter forms.
5. Combine and Bake: Pour the prepared cake batter gently over the arranged apples in the pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set, then carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate to reveal the caramelized apple topping. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to maintain shape during baking.
• Ensure the cake pan is well-greased to prevent sticking when flipping the cake.
• Allow the cake to cool slightly before inverting to avoid breaking apart.
• For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon in the caramel base.
• Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delicious finishing touch.

Keywords: apple upside down cake, caramel apple cake, cinnamon apple dessert, fall desserts, easy apple cake recipe