If you’re craving a dessert that’s both nostalgic and utterly irresistible, this Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together tender, cinnamon-spiced apples caramelized to perfection right on top of a moist, buttery cake that’s simply bursting with cozy autumn flavors. The fusion of tangy apples and sweet brown sugar glaze creates a dazzling presentation and a symphony of taste that’s sure to wow your family or guests. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll be a dessert you turn to again and again whenever you want to impress or indulge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe plays an important role, from the tartness of the apples to the richness of the butter, creating the perfect harmony of flavor and texture. You’ll find the list straightforward but packed with components that make the cake so delectably special.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: This forms the luscious base for the caramel-like topping that coats the apples beautifully.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds deep, molasses sweetness that caramelizes perfectly under the apples.
- 2-3 apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced: Offers just the right balance of tart and sweet, providing stunning color and texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional): Sprinkles of spice that bring warmth and depth to the caramelized fruit.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, giving it structure and softness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise and stay light.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder to give a tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Incorporated into the batter for consistent warmth.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds fat for a rich, tender cake texture.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter without overwhelming.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and aid in structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the cake with a classic flavor boost.
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt: Keeps the cake moist and adds subtle tanginess.
- 1/4 cup milk: Lightens the batter for fluffiness.
How to Make Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Caramelized Apple Topping
Start by melting the 2 tablespoons of butter right in your baking pan over low heat. Once melted, sprinkle the packed brown sugar evenly over the butter. Arrange your apple slices in a beautiful pattern right on top, then lightly dust them with the optional 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. This will caramelize during baking, transforming the apples into a glossy, flavorful crown for your cake.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Sifting these together helps give the cake an even rise and a tender crumb.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate larger bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for creating a tender, airy cake structure. It may take a few minutes of whipping to reach the perfect texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which gives that warm, inviting flavor foundation throughout the cake.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry flour mixture alternately with the sour cream (or plain yogurt) and milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together until just combined—overmixing can toughen the cake, so patience is key here.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Carefully pour the cake batter over the caramelized apples in the pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges start to pull away slightly from the pan.
Step 7: Cool and Flip
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the caramel set slightly. Then, place a serving plate over the pan and invert it carefully so the apple topping is beautifully displayed on top. That’s the moment the cake transforms into a stunning centerpiece!
How to Serve Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream is classic but incredible with this Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe. Sprinkle a few toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon for added texture and a cozy touch that elevates the experience.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea, fresh brewed coffee, or even a spiced apple cider. For a more indulgent dessert course, serve alongside a creamy custard or warm caramel sauce to intensify those caramel-apple flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual slices with a delicate drizzle of maple syrup or honey, or build a mini trifle layering cake chunks with whipped cream and sliced apples. If you’re hosting a brunch, complement the cake with a cheese board to balance sweet and savory notes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days at room temperature, or up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing in the freezer. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to revive that fresh-baked taste and gooey topping. Just be careful not to overheat, or the cake can dry out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples in this Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are popular for their balance of tartness and sweetness, but feel free to experiment with Fuji, Braeburn, or even Gala apples depending on your taste and availability.
Is it necessary to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for this recipe to create a smooth, tender topping without the added texture or bitterness the skin can sometimes bring. However, if you prefer a rustic look and chew, leaving the peel on works too.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free yogurt or sour cream substitute. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still shine.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Also, the edges will start to pull away from the pan, and the apple topping should be bubbly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well and expect a slightly different texture, but still satisfying and delicious!
Final Thoughts
This Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe is not just a dessert, it’s a celebration of warm, comforting flavors that bring people together around the table. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite go-to during apple season and beyond. So grab those apples, get your butter melting, and dive into making this gem of a cake — you’re going to love every single bite!
Print
Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Apple Upside Down Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring caramelized apples atop a tender vanilla cinnamon cake. Perfect for autumn or any time you crave a cozy, homemade treat, this cake combines the tartness of Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples with a rich buttery topping and a soft, spiced crumb.
Ingredients
Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2–3 apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Cake Batter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Topping: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9-inch round cake pan, pour the melted butter evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the butter, then arrange the peeled, cored, and sliced apples in an even layer on top of the sugar. Optionally, sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon over the apples for extra flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Dairy: Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and sour cream (or yogurt) and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined; do not overmix.
- Assemble and Bake: Carefully spoon the batter over the arranged apples in the cake pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Invert: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake. Place a serving plate over the pan and carefully invert the cake onto the plate so the caramelized apples are on top.
- Serve: Let the cake cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature. This cake goes wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast or Honeycrisp for a sweeter, crisp bite.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and fluffy.
- If sour cream or yogurt is not available, buttermilk can be used as a substitute.
- The optional cinnamon in the topping can be omitted or substituted with nutmeg or allspice for variation.
- Make sure to melt the butter and brown sugar first in the pan to create a caramelized topping essential for the upside-down effect.
