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Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/apple-upside-down-cake-recipe/