Description
A delightful Brown Butter Apple Upside-Down Cake featuring tender caramelized apple slices atop a moist, cinnamon-spiced cake. This classic American dessert combines nutty browned butter with sweet brown sugar and aromatic cinnamon, making it perfect for fall and cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Topping
- 2 large apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Cake Batter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (to brown)
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9-inch round cake pan or oven-safe skillet, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat until it starts to brown and emits a nutty aroma, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat immediately to avoid burning.
- Make the Caramelized Apple Topping: Stir the brown sugar and cinnamon into the browned butter until combined. Arrange the thinly sliced apples evenly over the butter-sugar mixture in a circular pattern, creating the upside-down layer that will caramelize during baking.
- Braise Remaining Butter: In a small saucepan, brown the remaining 1/4 cup of butter until it develops a nutty fragrance and golden color. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly to prevent cooking the eggs later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the granulated sugar and eggs together until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. This incorporates air for a tender crumb in the cake.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Slowly add the cooled brown butter to the egg mixture, followed by the whole milk and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well incorporated and smooth.
- Form the Batter: Gently fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Assemble the Cake and Bake: Pour the batter evenly over the apple slices and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Invert: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set. Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate so the caramelized apples are on top. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Serve best with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
- Use firm apple varieties such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji for the best texture and flavor.
- Ensure the butter is browned but not burnt for optimal nutty flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
