Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Introduction

Apple Upside Down Cake is a delightful dessert that combines tender cake with caramelized apples on top. The sweet brown sugar topping and warm cinnamon spices make it perfect for any season. This easy-to-make cake is sure to impress family and friends.

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). Add 1/4 cup butter to a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan and place it in the oven for a few minutes until the butter melts.
2. Step 2: Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the melted butter.
3. Step 3: Cut the apples into 1/4-inch thick half circles, leaving the skins on. Arrange the slices in concentric circles on top of the brown sugar, overlapping slightly to cover the entire bottom of the pan. Set aside.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until combined.
5. Step 5: Add the milk, remaining 1/4 cup melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg to the dry ingredients. Whisk gently until just combined to form the batter.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter evenly over the arranged apple slices, smoothing it from edge to edge as needed.
7. Step 7: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Step 8: 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 tart apples like Granny Smith for a tangier flavor or mix apple varieties for complexity.
• Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the batter for extra warmth.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a special treat.

Storage

Store any leftover 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 flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Do I need to peel the apples?

No, peeling is not necessary. The apple skins add texture and hold the slices together during baking.

Can I use a different type of pan?

Yes, a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan works best to create the classic upside down effect, but a similar size baking dish can be used if needed.

Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 89 reviews

Delight in this classic Apple Upside Down Cake featuring tender Honeycrisp apples caramelized with brown sugar and butter, layered under a moist, cinnamon-spiced cake. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this cake brings a comforting twist to traditional apple desserts, ideal for gatherings or a cozy treat.

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

Ingredients

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Topping

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 3 Honeycrisp apples

Cake

• 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 Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the cake evenly.
2. Prepare Topping Base: Place 1/4 cup of unsalted butter in 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 of light brown sugar evenly over the melted butter at the bottom of the pan, creating a caramel base for the apples.
4. Slice and Arrange Apples: Cut 3 Honeycrisp apples into approximately 1/4-inch-thick half circles without peeling. Arrange the apple slices in concentric circles on top of the brown sugar, slightly overlapping to fill the pan fully.
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 until evenly combined.
6. Add Wet Ingredients: To the dry mixture, pour 3/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 large egg. Whisk gently until the batter is just combined to avoid overmixing.
7. Pour Batter Over Apples: Carefully pour the batter over the arranged apple slices in the pan, smoothing it out from edge to edge with a spatula as needed for an even layer.
8. Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
9. Cool and Flip: After baking, run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake, let it cool to room temperature, then invert it onto a serving plate to reveal the glossy apple topping.

Notes

• Use Honeycrisp apples for their balance of sweet and tart flavors and firm texture; however, Granny Smith or Fuji apples can be used as alternatives.
• Do not peel the apples—leaving the skin on adds texture and flavor.
• Ensure the flour is properly measured by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling off for best results.
• Let the cake cool completely before flipping to prevent the topping from sticking and breaking.
• This cake serves well warm or at room temperature and pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Keywords: Apple Upside Down Cake, Honeycrisp apples, caramel apple cake, autumn desserts, easy apple cake recipe