Growing up, my family would gather around the kitchen whenever my mom baked her famous Apple Upside Down Cake. The smell of baked apples and sweet caramel would fill the house, making it hard to wait until it cooled down. This cake always brings back cozy memories, perfect for family gatherings or just a quiet night at home. It’s a sweet treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Soft and moist cake
- Sweet, caramelized apple topping
- Looks beautiful for gatherings
This delicious dessert is perfect for anyone who loves the comforting taste of baked apples.
How to Make Apple Upside Down Cake
This simple recipe results in a delightful cake with a beautiful apple topping that everyone will enjoy.
Star Ingredients
- Unsalted butter (melted): Provides richness and keeps the cake moist.
- Light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and creates a lovely caramel layer.
- Green apples (sliced thinly): Tart apples balance the sweetness and hold their shape during baking.
- All-purpose flour: The base for our cake, giving it structure.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise for a fluffy texture.
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Adds a warm, comforting spice flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake batter.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Gives the cake its light and fluffy texture.
- Eggs: Adds moisture and binds all the ingredients together.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors in the cake.
- Applesauce: Keeps the cake moist and adds a subtle apple flavor.
Simple Assembly
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Spray a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray. Pour the melted butter into the pan and sprinkle the brown sugar on top. Spread the apple slices evenly across the bottom. Set the pan aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.
- In a larger bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until well blended.
- Mix in the dry ingredients and, when the batter thickens, pour in the applesauce and stir until smooth.
- Pour the batter over the apple slices in the pan, smooth the top, and bake for 45-50 minutes. The cake should be golden and a toothpick should come out clean when inserted.
- Let the cake cool on a rack for about 20 minutes. Carefully invert it onto a plate or cake stand.
- Tap the pan gently to release the apples. Use oven mitts or potholders because the pan will be hot. Serve it warm, ideally with a dollop of whipped cream.
You Must Know
For the best results, be sure to use tart apples, like Granny Smith, as they balance the sweetness from the sugars. Don’t skip resting the cake to avoid breaking. Letting the cake cool slightly makes it easier to flip and serve.
How to Serve Apple Upside Down Cake
This cake is best enjoyed warm, topped with a little whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Its warm and sweet flavors pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making it a comforting dessert to share with friends or family.
How to Store Apple Upside Down Cake
If you have leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week, but be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving to maintain its flavor and texture.
Tips to Make Apple Upside Down Cake
To make this cake even more delightful, try adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top before baking for added crunch. You can also swap in different types of apples, like Fuji or Honeycrisp, for a unique flavor twist.
Variation
For a fun twist, try adding a layer of caramel sauce on top of the apple slices for extra sweetness. You can also experiment with different spices by adding a hint of ginger or allspice for added warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes! You can use pears, peaches, or even pineapples. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness according to the fruit you select, as some fruits are sweeter than others.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, the cake is ready. If it has wet batter, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake it a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container once cooled and bring it to room temperature before serving.
What if my cake sticks to the pan?
To prevent sticking, ensure you heavily grease the pan and sprinkle it with flour after greasing. If it does stick, gently run a knife around the edges to help release it before flipping.
Print
Apple Upside Down Cake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Upside Down Cake is a family favorite! It’s so easy to make and perfect for a cozy weekend dessert. Your loved ones will be asking for seconds! Give it a try!
Ingredients
6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
3/4 cup light brown sugar
2 medium green apples sliced thinly
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 stick 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
2 large eggs room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup applesauce
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Spray a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray. Pour the melted butter into the pan and sprinkle the brown sugar on top. Spread out the apple slices over the bottom of the pan until it is covered. Set the pan aside.
3. Whisk the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg together in a small bowl.
4. In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter, sugar, and brown sugar together, then add the eggs and vanilla extract and continue blending until the eggs are just mixed.
5. Mix in the dry ingredients, and when the batter starts to get thick and dry, pour in the applesauce and mix until the batter is smooth.
6. Pour the batter into the cake pan over the apple slices, smooth out the top, and bake for 45-50 minutes until the cake is brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
7. Rest the cake on a cooling rack for about 20 minutes. Place a large plate or cake stand over the cake pan and carefully flip the cake upside down.
8. Tap the cake pan to make sure the apples have released and lift it up. Be very careful and use oven mitts or potholders because the pan will be hot. Serve warm with whipped cream if desired.
Notes
Apple Choice Matters – While the recipe calls for green apples, using tart varieties like Granny Smith helps balance the sweetness of the caramelized topping. However, if you prefer a milder sweetness, you can substitute with Honeycrisp or Fuji apples.
Avoid a Soggy Cake – To prevent excess moisture, make sure to slice the apples thinly and evenly so they cook through properly. If your apples are particularly juicy, you can lightly pat them dry with a paper towel before layering them in the pan.
Perfect Flipping Technique – Letting the cake cool for at least 20 minutes helps prevent the topping from sticking. When flipping, place the plate firmly over the pan, then flip quickly and confidently to avoid breaking the cake. If needed, tap the pan gently to release the apples.
Enhance the Flavor – Adding a pinch of cloves or ginger to the batter can give the cake extra warmth. You can also brush a light glaze of honey or maple syrup over the apples after baking for added shine and depth of flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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