This Apple Upside Down Cake is a treat that’s both sweet and fun! With soft apples nestled in a buttery cake, every bite is like a warm hug.
You get the best of both worlds with this cake: a moist dessert and a fruity topping that looks so pretty! I love serving it with a scoop of ice cream—pure bliss! 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Honeycrisp and Gala work great for a sweet flavor and texture. If you want a tart kick, try Granny Smith. You can also use other types like Fuji or Jonagold based on your preference.
Unsalted Butter: I love using unsalted butter for control over the saltiness. If you’re out, you can use margarine or a dairy-free butter alternative for a vegan option.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds caramel flavor. If you don’t have it, white sugar mixed with a tablespoon of molasses can mimic it nicely.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard here, but for a gluten-free option, almond or oat flour can be substituted, though it may change the texture slightly.
How Do You Achieve Caramelized Apples on Top?
Caramelizing apples is a key step that adds depth to your cake. Start by melting butter and brown sugar in a pan until bubbly. This creates a syrupy base for the apples.
- Keep the heat on medium; too high will lead to burning.
- Layer the sliced apples in a circular pattern for an appealing presentation.
- Once baked, run a knife around the edges to help release the cake when flipped—this prevents tearing.
Patience is key here for golden-brown, flavorful apples!
Apple Upside Down Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Topping:
- 3 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Gala), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
For The Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep time and around 40-45 minutes for baking. Plus, you’ll want to let the cake cool for about 15 minutes after it comes out of the oven. So, total time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Easy right?
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9-inch round cake pan and lightly grease it to keep your cake from sticking.
2. Make the Topping:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the 1/4 cup of butter. Stir in 1/2 cup of brown sugar and let it cook until it’s bubbly and caramelized. Once ready, pour this gooey goodness evenly into the bottom of your prepared cake pan.
3. Add the Apples:
Now, take your thinly sliced apples and arrange them over the brown sugar mixture in an overlapping circular pattern. Make sure to cover the bottom of the pan completely with those apple slices—they’ll make the cake look beautiful!
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This will be our dry mixture. Set it aside for now.
5. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s nice and fluffy—this should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. It’s the key to a light cake!
6. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in that lovely vanilla extract to add flavor.
7. Combine the Mixtures:
Now, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined—don’t overmix!
8. Pour the Batter:
Carefully spoon the cake batter over the arranged apples in the pan. Gently spread it out evenly over the apples.
9. Bake:
Pop the cake into the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
10. Cool and Invert:
When done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Once cooled, run a knife around the edges to loosen it. Then, invert the cake onto a serving plate so the beautiful caramelized apples are on top!
11. Serve:
Enjoy your warm Apple Upside Down Cake either on its own or topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for that extra indulgence!
This delightful cake, with its tender apples and sweet, buttery base, is perfect for sharing with friends and family, especially during the cozy autumn months!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Cake?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Gala are great choices for sweetness and texture, you can also use Granny Smith for a tart contrast or Fuji for additional sweetness. Just choose your favorite!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Brown Sugar?
No worries! If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute it with white granulated sugar mixed with a tablespoon of molasses. This will give you a similar flavor and moisture.
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cake a day in advance. After inverting it onto a serving plate, cover it with plastic wrap and store it at room temperature. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for a warm treat!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Just make sure to heat it up before serving for the best taste!
