Name: Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced); 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed); 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup milk

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Picture this: tender, cinnamon-spiced apples nestled in a caramel-kissed layer that crowns a soft, buttery cake. If your mouth is watering already, you’re about to fall in love with this Apple Upside Down Cake. It’s a comforting, old-fashioned dessert that’s big on cozy flavors, looks stunning on any dessert table, and is surprisingly easy to whip up for a weeknight treat or holiday feast. Every bite is like a warm hug from apples and caramel, with a gorgeous presentation that’ll win over your friends and family in an instant.

Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Apple Upside Down Cake is how it transforms humble kitchen staples into a showstopper. Each ingredient plays a role in the overall harmony—fresh apples offer brightness, spices add subtle warmth, and pantry basics come together for a pillowy cake everyone craves.

Apples: Choose tart varieties like Granny Smith for the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity in every slice.
Unsalted Butter: Divided for caramelizing the apples and creating a rich, flavorful cake base.
Brown Sugar: Adds deep, molasses notes to the caramel layer that pairs beautifully with apples.
All-Purpose Flour: The reliable foundation that ensures a soft, tender crumb.
Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise to a light, fluffy texture.
Salt: Just a touch enhances all the sweet and spiced flavors.
Cinnamon: Warm and fragrant, it highlights the apples perfectly.
Nutmeg: A little goes a long way, adding depth and cozy autumn vibes.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake batter while keeping it delicate.
Eggs: Give the cake structure and make it tender—don’t skip them!
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out all the other flavors with lovely aromatic notes.
Milk: Adds moisture, making sure the cake stays rich but never heavy.

How to Make Apple Upside Down Cake

Step 1: Caramel and Apple Layer

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a 9-inch round cake pan or reliable cast-iron skillet, melt half of your butter—about 1/4 cup—over low heat. Sprinkle in the brown sugar and stir patiently until the mixture bubbles and turns glossy, almost hypnotic in its amber sheen. Take the pan off the heat, and arrange your apple slices gently over the caramel, fanning them out in a shapely spiral or neat rows. This is the moment where your Apple Upside Down Cake gets its classic, jaw-dropping top!

Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This blend forms the backbone of the cake; the spices will mingle with the apples as the cake bakes, infusing every bite with warm, autumnal comfort.

Step 3: Creaming the Butter and Sugar

In a separate, larger bowl, use a mixer or sturdy wooden spoon to cream the remaining 1/4 cup of butter with the granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy—don’t rush this step, since it gives the cake its tender texture. Add the eggs one at a time, letting each fully incorporate, and then stir in the vanilla extract for that extra touch of sweetness.

Step 4: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, alternate adding the dry flour mixture and the milk to your creamed butter mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently after each addition. Stir just until everything comes together; overmixing is the enemy of a tender Apple Upside Down Cake crumb!

Step 5: Baking the Cake

Pour the batter gently over the apples in the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center of the cake comes out clean. The house will smell like cinnamon apples and caramel, drawing everyone to the kitchen!

Step 6: Inverting and Serving

Let your masterpiece rest in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes—just long enough to set but not so long that the caramel hardens. Place a serving plate over the pan and (with oven mitts!) invert it in one confident motion. Lift away the pan to reveal a stunning Apple Upside Down Cake, with golden apples glistening on top. Serve warm or at room temperature, and get ready for the applause!

How to Serve Apple Upside Down Cake

Garnishes

A cake this beautiful doesn’t need much, but a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream takes Apple Upside Down Cake right over the top. For a final flourish, try a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar—totally optional, always delightful.

Side Dishes

Pair your Apple Upside Down Cake with a steaming cup of coffee or spiced chai for ultimate comfort. If serving after a big meal, a crisp green apple or pear salad can add a refreshing balance and keep the dessert from feeling too heavy.

Creative Ways to Present

You can bake this Apple Upside Down Cake in mini muffin tins for adorable single servings, or cut the finished cake into wedges and serve with a caramel drizzle. For special occasions, try arranging sliced apples in the shape of flowers or hearts before pouring over the batter—guaranteed to spark smiles around the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Apple Upside Down Cake fresh, cover any remaining slices tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them at room temperature for up to two days. If it’s particularly warm in your kitchen, pop the cake in the fridge to extend its life and preserve that luscious caramel layer.

Freezing

Have leftovers you can’t quite finish? Apple Upside Down Cake freezes beautifully! Cool the cake completely, then wrap individual slices in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready for another taste of cozy comfort.

Reheating

To enjoy your cake warm, simply pop a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or heat in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. The caramel will soften and the apples will regain their fresh-baked appeal, making it taste almost as good as the day you made it.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for Apple Upside Down Cake?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples offer the best tart-sweet contrast, feel free to experiment with Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples for a sweeter slice. Mixing apple varieties can add depth to the flavor and texture, too.

Why did my cake stick to the pan?

Caramel can get a little sticky! To ensure a clean release, don’t forget to grease your pan well before starting, and invert the cake while it’s still warm (within those first 10 minutes out of the oven) to keep the caramel from hardening.

Can I make Apple Upside Down Cake gluten free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Just double-check that your blend contains xanthan gum or add a bit yourself for the best structure and softness.

Should the cake be served warm or at room temperature?

This cake is heavenly both ways, but serving Apple Upside Down Cake warm tends to intensify the aroma and make the caramel extra gooey. However, it’s just as satisfying at room temperature, especially if you’re serving a crowd.

Is it possible to reduce the sugar in this recipe?

If you’d like to cut back on sugar, you can use a little less brown or granulated sugar. Just remember that reducing sugar will alter the caramelization, texture, and overall sweetness of the finished cake.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both nostalgic and impressive, give this Apple Upside Down Cake a try. From its dazzling caramel-apple topping to its tender crumb, every slice promises homemade comfort. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or treating yourself, one bite will show you why this cozy classic deserves a place in your recipe box.

Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a deliciously moist and flavorful Apple Upside Down Cake that’s perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-make dessert features a layer of caramelized apples atop a tender cake, creating a delightful treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Caramelized Apples:

2 large apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
1/4 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)

For the Cake Batter:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Caramelize the Apples: Melt 1/4 cup of butter in a round cake pan, add brown sugar, and arrange apple slices over it.
Prepare the Batter: Combine flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla, then mix in the flour mixture and milk.
Bake: Pour batter over apples and bake for 35-40 minutes until done.
Serve: Let the cake cool, then invert onto a plate. Serve warm or at room temperature.