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Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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