Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

ByMaya bella
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Introduction

This Apple Upside Down Cake offers a delightful way to showcase crisp Honeycrisp apples in a tender, spiced cake. With a buttery caramelized topping and warm cinnamon notes, it’s a perfect treat for cozy afternoons or dessert gatherings.

A round apple upside-down cake sits on a white plate, with thinly sliced caramelized apple pieces arranged in a circular pattern covering the entire top, showing golden-brown and glossy textures. On top, there are two scoops of white ice cream drizzled with caramel sauce, placed slightly off-center. Around the plate on a white marbled surface, there are two apple halves at the top left, a whole apple at the bottom right, a small glass filled with cinnamon sticks near the top right, and some scattered cinnamon sticks next to it. A gray and white striped cloth is partially visible at the bottom left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • Topping:
    • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
    • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
    • 3 Honeycrisp apples
  • Cake:
    • 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 your oven to 350°F (175°C). Add 1/4 cup of unsalted butter to a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan. Place the pan in the oven for a few minutes until the butter has melted.
  2. Step 2: Sprinkle the light brown sugar evenly over the melted butter in the bottom of the pan.
  3. Step 3: Cut the apples into half circles about 1/4-inch thick, no need to peel. Arrange them in concentric circles over the brown sugar, slightly overlapping 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 well 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; avoid overmixing.
  6. Step 6: Pour the batter evenly over the arranged apple slices, smoothing from edge to edge as needed.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Step 8: Once baked, 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 a mix of tart and sweet apples for added depth of flavor.
  • Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg along with cinnamon for a warm spice twist.
  • Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
  • If you don’t have a springform pan, a well-greased round cake pan with parchment paper underneath helps with easy removal.

Storage

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Warm slices gently in the microwave or oven before serving to restore the soft texture and enhance flavors.

How to Serve

The image shows various baking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. There are two whole apples with red and yellow hues placed near the top center. To their right is a glass bowl holding a single brown egg. Below the egg is a small glass bowl with white powder, likely baking powder. On the far left at the top is a small glass bowl with a dark brown liquid, possibly vanilla extract. Below it, there is a small bowl containing white salt. Near the center is a large glass bowl filled with white flour, with a swirl texture on top. To the bottom left, a glass bowl contains light brown sugar with a crumbly texture. Below the brown sugar, two sticks of cream-colored butter marked with red measurements lie side by side. To the right of the butter is a larger glass bowl filled with white granulated sugar. At the bottom is a clear glass measuring cup filled with milk or cream, showing red measurement markings. All items are neatly organized on the white marbled surface, creating a clean and inviting baking scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, you can substitute Honeycrisp with other firm apples like Fuji, Granny Smith, or Gala. Just choose varieties that hold their shape well during baking.

Do I need to peel the apples?

No, peeling is optional. The skin adds texture and helps the apple slices keep their shape. Just be sure to wash the apples thoroughly before slicing.

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Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 110 reviews

This Apple Upside Down Cake features tender, cinnamon-spiced cake layered over caramelized Honeycrisp apples baked to perfection. The buttery brown sugar topping melts into the apples during baking, creating a luscious and visually stunning dessert perfect for any occasion.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it reaches the desired temperature for evenly baking the cake.
  2. Prepare Topping: Add 1/4 cup unsalted butter to a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan. Place the pan in the oven for a few minutes until the butter melts entirely.
  3. Add Brown Sugar: Remove the pan and evenly sprinkle 1/2 cup light brown sugar over the melted butter to form the caramel base.
  4. Arrange Apples: Slice 3 Honeycrisp apples into 1/4-inch thick half-moons without peeling. Arrange the slices in concentric circles on top of the brown sugar, overlapping slightly to cover the entire bottom of the pan. Set aside.
  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 combined.
  6. Mix Wet Ingredients: Add 3/4 cup milk, remaining 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 large egg to the dry ingredients. Whisk gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
  7. Combine Batter and Apples: Pour the batter evenly over the arranged apple slices in the pan, smoothing the top from edge to edge for an even finish.
  8. Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
  9. Cool and Flip: Run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cake. Allow it to cool to room temperature. Then carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate so that the caramelized apples are on top.

Notes

  • Use Honeycrisp apples for a balance of sweetness and firmness that holds well during baking.
  • Do not peel the apples; the skin adds texture and color.
  • Ensure flour is properly measured by spooning and leveling for accurate results.
  • Cool the cake before flipping to prevent the topping from sticking or breaking apart.
  • You can substitute milk with a non-dairy alternative for a dairy-free version.
  • Serving warm or at room temperature is ideal for the best flavor and texture.

Keywords: Apple Upside Down Cake, caramelized apples, Honeycrisp apples, cinnamon cake, fall dessert, easy cake recipe

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