Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Introduction

Apple Upside Down Cake is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, showcasing tender apple slices caramelized under a moist, cinnamon-spiced cake. Easy to make and perfect for fall or any cozy occasion, this cake impresses with both its flavor and presentation.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 3 Honeycrisp apples
• 1 ¼ cups all purpose flour (properly measured)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Place 1/4 cup butter in a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan. Put the pan in the oven for a few minutes until the butter melts.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the melted butter in the bottom of the pan.
4. Step 4: Cut the apples into half circles about 1/4-inch thick, leaving the skin on. Arrange them in concentric circles over the brown sugar, overlapping slightly to cover the bottom completely. Set aside.
5. Step 5: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
6. Step 6: Add the milk, remaining 1/4 cup melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg to the dry ingredients. Whisk until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
7. Step 7: Pour the batter evenly over the arranged apple slices, smoothing the top as needed.
8. Step 8: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Step 9: Run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cake. Let it cool to room temperature before carefully flipping it onto a serving plate.

Tips & Variations

• Use firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor.
• For extra depth, sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg with the cinnamon in the dry ingredients.
• If you don’t have a springform pan, use a regular cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.

Storage

Store leftover cake covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or until just heated through. This cake also freezes well wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Do I need to peel the apples?

No, you don’t need to peel the apples. Leaving the skin on adds color and texture to the cake, and it softens nicely during baking.

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, any firm apple variety works well. Granny Smith, Fuji, or Braeburn are excellent alternatives to Honeycrisp, offering a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.

Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 75 reviews

This Apple Upside Down Cake is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, featuring tender Honeycrisp apples caramelized with brown sugar and butter at the base of the pan, topped with a moist, cinnamon-spiced cake batter. Perfect for showcasing fall flavors, this easy-to-make cake is baked to golden perfection and inverted to reveal a beautiful, glossy apple topping.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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For the Apple Topping

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 3 Honeycrisp apples, sliced into 1/4-inch thick half circles (no need to peel)

For the Cake Batter

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (properly measured)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cake evenly.
2. Melt butter in pan: Place 1/4 cup unsalted butter into a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan and put it in the oven for a few minutes until the butter melts completely.
3. Add brown sugar: Sprinkle 1/2 cup light brown sugar evenly over the melted butter in the bottom of the pan, allowing it to start melting and form a caramelized base.
4. Arrange apple slices: Cut 3 Honeycrisp apples into 1/4-inch thick half circles without peeling and arrange them in concentric circles overlapping slightly on top of the brown sugar layer until the pan bottom is fully covered.
5. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to create the dry cake base.
6. Combine wet ingredients: Add 3/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 large egg to the dry ingredients. Whisk gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
7. Pour batter over apples: Carefully pour the cake batter over the arranged apple slices in the pan, smoothing it evenly from edge to edge.
8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake center comes out clean, signaling doneness.
9. Cool and invert: After baking, run a knife around the pan’s edges to loosen the cake. Let it cool to room temperature, then invert the cake onto a serving plate so that the caramelized apples are on top, ready to serve.

Notes

• Use Honeycrisp apples or any firm, sweet-tart apple variety for the best flavor and texture.
• There is no need to peel the apples; the skins add texture and color.
• Make sure to measure the flour properly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off for accurate results.
• Let the cake cool before flipping to prevent breaking or sticking.
• Serve the cake warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• Storage: Keep leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.

Keywords: Apple Upside Down Cake, fall dessert, caramelized apples, homemade cake, cinnamon cake, easy desserts