This Apple Upside Down Cake is a treat you can’t resist! Soft cake and sweet caramelized apples come together to create a warm, cozy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Flipping it over is like magic! I love how the apples look all fancy on top. Plus, it’s so easy to make that you can whip it up in no time—great for when friends drop by!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well, making them perfect for this cake. Fuji is a sweeter option if you prefer. If you’re in a pinch, other baking apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn can work too.
Butter: Unsalted butter is great for controlling the saltiness of your cake. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or plant-based butter, just keep in mind it may slightly alter the flavor.
Brown Sugar: This adds a rich, caramel flavor to the cake. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses — about 1 tablespoon of molasses for every cup of sugar will do the trick.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices give warmth and depth to your cake. If you’re out of nutmeg, try using allspice or just stick with cinnamon, as they can still create a lovely flavor profile.
How Do I Get the Perfect Cake Inversion?
Inverting the cake is what makes this dessert special, but it can be a little tricky! Here are some easy tips:
- Let the cake cool in the pan, but not too long; about 15 minutes is perfect. This helps it set but not stick.
- Run a knife around the edges to loosen it from the pan before inverting.
- Use a serving plate larger than the cake pan so you have enough room for any drips of caramel.
- Invert the cake quickly but carefully—keeping it flat to avoid any mishaps!
With these steps, you’ll have a beautiful, upside-down display of apples that look and taste amazing.
Apple Upside Down Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Topping:
- 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup (135g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
- Optional garnish: cinnamon sticks or powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Apple Upside Down Cake takes about 20 minutes to prepare, and you’ll need to bake it for 45-50 minutes. Give it a bit of time to cool before serving, and you’re looking at about an hour total before you can indulge in this yummy dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan to ensure nothing sticks.
2. Make the Topping:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for a few minutes until the mixture starts bubbling and is well combined. Pour this delicious mixture evenly into the bottom of the greased cake pan.
3. Arrange the Apples:
Take the sliced apples and arrange them in a circular pattern over the butter-sugar mixture. They can overlap slightly, which will add a nice presentation once the cake is flipped.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent.
5. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps to incorporate air, giving your cake a nice rise.
6. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully mixed in before adding the next. Then add the vanilla extract and mix well.
7. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour mixture alternately with the milk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix!
8. Spread the Batter and Bake:
Spoon the batter over the arranged apples, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and Invert:
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edges to loosen it. Then, place a serving plate upside down over the cake pan and gently invert the cake onto the plate.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Allow the cake to cool a bit more before serving. Dust with powdered sugar or add cinnamon sticks for a lovely touch. Enjoy your warm, caramelized Apple Upside Down Cake!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Fuji are great choices, you can also use Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or any firm, tart apple. Just pick your favorite based on your taste preference!
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Once cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Just rewarm slightly before serving to bring back that fresh flavor.
What Should I Do If the Cake Sticks to the Pan?
If your cake sticks, don’t panic! Let it cool for a few extra minutes, and gently run a knife around the edges to loosen it. If it still resists, you can use a flat spatula to help lift it out.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it, but it’s best enjoyed fresh!