Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe

Introduction

Apple upside-down cake is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, featuring tender apple slices caramelized to perfection on top of a moist, flavorful cake. Its warm cinnamon aroma and rich caramel flavor make it a perfect treat for any season.

Ingredients

• 3 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 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. Step 1: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges for even cooking and an attractive presentation.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Stir in 1 cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon until smooth and bubbly. Pour the caramel mixture into the bottom of a greased 9-inch round cake pan.
3. Step 3: Arrange the apple slices in a circular pattern over the caramel in the pan.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream 1 cup granulated sugar with 2 eggs until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and milk, mixing well. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter evenly over the apples in the pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully invert onto a serving plate so the caramel and apples drizzle over the top. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use pears or peaches instead of apples for a different fruity flavor.
• Substitute butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
• Replace granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener option.
• Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Storage

Store leftover apple upside-down cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, tart apples like Granny Smith work best, but you can also use sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji depending on your flavor preference.

How do I prevent the caramel from sticking to the pan?

Grease the cake pan generously before adding the caramel mixture. This helps the caramel release easily when you invert the cake.

Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 143 reviews

This Apple Upside Down Cake features caramelized apples atop a moist and fluffy cake base, enriched with warm cinnamon and vanilla flavors. Perfect for a cozy dessert, it balances tart apple slices with sweet, buttery caramel for a stunning presentation and irresistible taste.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Essential Ingredients:

• 3 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced into thin wedges
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 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

Suggested Substitutions:

• Apples: pears or peaches
• Butter: coconut oil (for dairy-free)
• Granulated sugar: honey or maple syrup

Instructions

1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice 3 medium apples into thin wedges to ensure even cooking and a beautiful final presentation.
2. Make the Caramel Base: In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 1 cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and bubbling. Pour this caramel mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9-inch round cake pan.
3. Arrange the Apples: Layer the sliced apples over the caramel in a circular, decorative pattern to create an attractive top once inverted.
4. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. In a separate bowl, cream 1 cup granulated sugar with 2 large eggs until light and fluffy. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 cup milk to the wet mixture and mix well. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
5. Combine and Bake: Pour the batter gently and evenly over the arranged apples in the cake pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully invert onto a serving plate, allowing the caramel and apples to drizzle over the top. Serve warm for the best flavor and aroma experience.

Notes

• For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil.
• You can use pears or peaches instead of apples for a different twist.
• Honey or maple syrup can be used in place of granulated sugar for a natural sweetener option.
• Ensure apples are sliced uniformly to promote even cooking.
• Allow the cake to cool slightly before inverting to prevent the caramel from sticking to the pan.

Keywords: apple upside down cake, caramel apple cake, cinnamon apple dessert, baked apple cake, easy apple dessert