This Apple Upside Down Cake is a sweet treat that combines soft cake with delicious caramelized apples on top. It’s a lovely dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!
Honestly, watching the cake flip over is like magic! I can never resist having a slice right after it’s baked—who can say no to warm, buttery cake?
I love how simple this cake is to make. Just mix, layer the apples, and bake. It’s a real crowd-pleaser, and it smells amazing while it bakes!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are my favorites for this cake. They hold their shape well and add a nice tartness. You can substitute with Fuji or Braeburn apples if needed – they’re sweet and flavorful too!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the saltiness of the cake. If you have salted butter on hand, just skip adding extra salt in the recipe.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds depth and moisture. If you need a substitute, use granulated sugar mixed with a little molasses for a similar flavor. Just 1 tablespoon of molasses per cup of granulated sugar works well!
Milk: Whole milk gives the cake a rich texture, but feel free to use 2% or almond milk as alternatives. The moisture content will remain good with these swaps.
How Do I Get My Apples to Caramelize Perfectly?
Caramelizing the apples is what makes this cake special. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use medium heat when melting butter and mixing in brown sugar to avoid burning.
- Cook the mixture until you see it bubbling gently, stirring it to combine well.
- Once poured into the pan, arrange the apples tightly to maximize surface area. They will shrink slightly as they cook!
Taking the time to layer them beautifully gives a stunning presentation when flipping the cake. Enjoy the process – you’ll love the aroma wafting through your kitchen!
Apple Upside Down Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Topping:
- 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced into thin wedges
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, divided
For the Cake Batter:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. After baking, let it cool for just 10 minutes before serving. So, you’ll need about an hour in total before you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating, grease a 9-inch round cake pan to make sure the cake comes out easily later.
2. Making the Caramel Topping:
In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, stir in 1/2 cup of brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and caramel-like, taking about 2-3 minutes. Pour this delicious mixture evenly into the bottom of the greased cake pan.
3. Arranging the Apples:
Now it’s apple time! Arrange your sliced apples in a circular pattern right on top of the brown sugar mixture. Overlap them a bit for a beautiful presentation.
4. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This will make sure all your dry ingredients are evenly distributed and ready to add to the batter!
5. Beating the Eggs and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until it becomes light and fluffy. This adds air to the batter for a nice rise.
6. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients from the first bowl into the egg mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined so the batter stays light.
7. Adding the Remaining Butter:
Melt the remaining 1/4 cup of butter and gently fold it into the batter. This adds richness to your cake!
8. Completing the Cake:
Pour the batter evenly over the arranged apples in the cake pan, using a spatula to spread it out smoothly.
9. Baking the Cake:
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cooling and Inverting:
Once the cake is done, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, run a knife around the edges to loosen it. Flip the cake onto a serving plate to reveal the beautiful caramelized apples on top. If any apples stick, just gently lift them back onto the cake!
11. Serving the Cake:
Let the cake cool slightly before slicing. You can dust it with powdered sugar for an extra touch. It’s great warm or at room temperature—enjoy it as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat!
This Apple Upside Down Cake is a lovely dessert with tender spiced apples that are caramelized beautifully on top — perfect for cozy moments!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples in This Cake?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are great choices for their sweetness and firmness, you can use any apples you prefer. Fuji, Braeburn, or even Gala apples work well. Just make sure they are firm enough to hold their shape while baking!
How Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your baking powder is also gluten-free, and you should be all set!
What Should I Do If My Cake Sticks to the Pan?
If your cake sticks, don’t worry! Run a knife gently around the edges to loosen it. You can also try placing the cake back in the pan for a moment and gently shaking it to help it release. If any apples stick, just lift them out and place them back on the cake once flipped.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure to cover it to keep it from drying out!
