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

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If you’re craving the ultimate cozy treat that fills your kitchen with sweet cinnamon and buttery apple fragrance, look no further than Apple Upside Down Cake. This nostalgic dessert is built on a base of caramelized apples nestled beneath a fluffy, golden cake—turning the classic apple pie on its head! In just an hour or so, you’ll have a show-stopping cake that’s tender, fruity, and guaranteed to impress with every single bite. Whether you enjoy it warm for dessert or sneak a slice with your afternoon coffee, this recipe is pure comfort in cake form.

Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Apple Upside Down Cake truly shine is the simplicity of its ingredients—each one matters. Butter adds richness, apples bring freshness, and the warm brown sugar creates an irresistible caramel topping that’s impossible to resist.

Unsalted Butter (melted, for topping): Melted butter ensures the brown sugar and apples come together into a gooey, caramelized layer.
Brown Sugar (packed): Brown sugar gives the signature sticky-sweet topping its deep caramel flavor.
Apples (peeled, cored, thinly sliced): Use crisp, tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to hold their shape and balance the sweetness.
All-purpose Flour: The backbone of the cake, creating a soft but sturdy crumb.
Baking Powder: Lifts the cake, ensuring a fluffy texture every time.
Salt: Just a pinch; it wakes up all the flavors without making the cake salty.
Unsalted Butter (softened, for batter): Creamed with sugar for an ultra-tender cake; don’t skip the softening step.
Granulated Sugar: Balances sweetness throughout the cake itself; it’s the secret to a perfect crumb.
Eggs (large): Bind everything together, add richness, and help with the cake’s structure.
Vanilla Extract: Adds fragrant warmth and ties all the flavors together.
Milk: Keeps the batter luscious and ensures the cake stays nice and moist.

How to Make Apple Upside Down Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Topping

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and giving your 9-inch round cake pan a generous greasing. Pour your melted butter directly into the bottom of the pan, then sprinkle the brown sugar evenly all over. Next, arrange your apple slices in a beautiful spiral or any pattern you like—this will be the star when you flip the cake!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. This mixture forms the backbone of your cake, building lightness and balance. Pre-mixing the dry ingredients makes sure they’re evenly distributed and prevents any uneven rising.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until pale and fluffy—think of this as the airiest, cloud-like base for your batter. Take your time with this step because that airy texture gives the Apple Upside Down Cake its signature softness.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract. The eggs give richness and help the cake hold together, while the vanilla brings a lovely mellow aroma that complements the apples perfectly.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your whisked dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Stir gently, just until everything is combined—overmixing can make the cake tough, so a light hand is key.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Carefully spread the batter over your apple layer in the pan, making sure to reach right to the edges to seal in all the juices. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The anticipation at this stage is half the fun—your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Step 7: Cool and Invert

Once out of the oven, let the cake rest in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges, then carefully invert onto a serving plate. There’s always a little drama with the flip, but don’t worry—the caramelized apple topping creates a stunning reveal every time.

How to Serve Apple Upside Down Cake

Garnishes

This cake is already gorgeous, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes it over the top. For an autumnal touch, sprinkle with a little ground cinnamon or toasted pecans just before serving. The warm apples and melting ice cream—magic!

Side Dishes

Apple Upside Down Cake pairs beautifully with tart Greek yogurt, making it delightful even for breakfast. If you’re serving at a party, try pairing it with a hot cup of cider or a frothy cappuccino for the coziest of combos.

Creative Ways to Present

For a wow-worthy finish, serve individual slices on rustic wooden boards or elegant white plates. If you want to go mini, bake the cake in ramekins for adorable personal portions. A drizzle of homemade caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar gives your Apple Upside Down Cake a bakery-worthy look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For a longer shelf life, keep it in the fridge where it’ll stay fresh for about 4 days; just bring it to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

To freeze, let the Apple Upside Down Cake cool completely. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in both plastic wrap and foil. It will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

If you like your cake warm, reheat slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or warm the whole cake in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes. The topping will glisten and taste just as dreamy as when freshly baked.

FAQs

What are the best apples for Apple Upside Down Cake?

Firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best since they keep their shape and add a bright tartness that balances the rich, caramel topping.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend, making sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. The texture will be a bit different but still delicious.

Is it possible to prepare Apple Upside Down Cake in advance?

Yes—you can bake the entire cake a day ahead, then cover and store at room temperature or in the fridge. The flavors only deepen as it sits, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.

Why did my cake stick to the pan?

Greasing the pan well is crucial, and letting the cake cool just a bit before inverting helps the topping set (but not harden). Running a knife around the edge also prevents sticking. If a few apples stay behind, just patch them back on top—no one will notice!

Can I add spices or nuts to the cake?

Yes! A dash of cinnamon in the topping is fantastic, and you can sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts among the apples before adding the batter for added crunch and flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried Apple Upside Down Cake yet, now’s the time to roll up your sleeves and give it a go. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together—simple, stunning, and utterly irresistible. Enjoy every gooey, apple-loaded bite!

Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

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

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Description

Indulge in the sweet, caramelized goodness of this Apple Upside Down Cake. With a buttery topping of brown sugar and apples, this moist and flavorful cake is a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the topping:

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

For the cake batter:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3/4 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 (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
Prepare the topping: Pour the melted butter into the bottom of the pan and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over it. Arrange the apple slices on top in a spiral or pattern of your choice.
Make the cake batter: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then mix in the vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
Bake: Gently spread the batter over the apples in the pan. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Finish and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and carefully invert onto a serving plate. Serve warm or at room temperature.