Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe
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
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
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice 3 medium apples into thin wedges to ensure even cooking and a beautiful final presentation.
- 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.
- Arrange the Apples: Layer the sliced apples over the caramel in a circular, decorative pattern to create an attractive top once inverted.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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