There’s a certain warmth that fills my kitchen whenever I start making Apple Upside Down Cake. The moment I slice into those sweet Honeycrisp apples, I can practically hear autumn whispering its arrival. Each fragrant piece glistens with melted butter and brown sugar, promising a delightful treat that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
This cake is a perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence, transforming everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at your next gathering or simply want to bring a little homemade joy into your weeknight routine, this recipe has you covered. In just over thirty minutes, you can create a heartwarming dessert that captures the essence of comfort food.
Throw out the fast food habits, because this Apple Upside Down Cake will remind you how satisfying and rewarding homemade treats can truly be. Grab your baking pan, and let’s get started on a delicious journey that will have your loved ones coming back for more!
Why is Apple Upside Down Cake a must-try?
Irresistible Appeal: This cake is topped with stunning, caramelized apples, making it a true showstopper for any occasion.
Quick and Easy: You’ll spend just over 30 minutes in the kitchen, transforming simple ingredients into a delightful dessert.
Aromatic Bliss: The warm cinnamon and sweet vanilla fill your home with comforting aromas as it bakes, perfect for cozy evenings.
Versatile Treat: Serve it warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated experience that everyone will love.
Perfect for All Occasions: Impress your family or guests alike with a homemade dessert that truly feels special, yet is so easy to make!
Apple Upside Down Cake Ingredients
For the Topping
- Unsalted butter – ¼ cup, to achieve that luscious, buttery base for your sweet apples.
- Light brown sugar – ½ cup, which adds depth of flavor and a beautiful caramelization.
- Honeycrisp apples – 3, their bright flavor and crisp texture are perfect for this enticing cake.
For the Batter
- All-purpose flour – 1 ¼ cups, forming the structure of this delicious Apple Upside Down Cake.
- Granulated sugar – ½ cup, for that additional sweetness to balance the apples.
- Baking powder – 1 ½ teaspoons, helping your cake rise beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon – ½ teaspoon, the warm spice that pairs perfectly with apple flavors.
- Salt – ¼ teaspoon, balancing sweetness and enhancing all the flavors.
- Milk – ¾ cup, making your batter moist and tender.
- Unsalted butter, melted – ¼ cup, adding richness to the batter.
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon, for a lovely aromatic element.
- Large egg – 1, binding the ingredients together for a wonderful texture.
How to Make Apple Upside Down Cake
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Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures an even bake, creating a beautifully golden top for your cake.
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Melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter in a 9-inch round cake pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven for a few minutes until the butter is fully melted.
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Sprinkle ½ cup of light brown sugar over the melted butter. This combination will create a delicious caramel base for the sweet apples to sit atop.
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Cut 3 Honeycrisp apples into ¼-inch thick half circles. Arrange them in concentric circles on top of the brown sugar, overlapping slightly for a lovely presentation.
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Whisk together 1 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of granulated sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt in a large bowl until well combined.
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Add ¾ cup of milk, the remaining ¼ cup of melted butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 large egg to the dry mixture. Whisk until just combined, ensuring a smooth batter.
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Pour the batter over the arranged apple slices, smoothing it from edge to edge as needed to ensure even coverage.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your cake will smell heavenly during this time!
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Cool the cake for a moment. Run a knife around the edge of the pan, then let it cool to room temperature before flipping it onto a serving plate.
Optional: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Apple Upside Down Cake
- Choose the Right Apples: Use Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples for the best flavor and texture. Avoid soft or overly ripe apples that won’t hold their shape.
- Watch the Caramelization: Don’t skip the brown sugar step; it creates the sweet caramel base. Adjust the cooking time to ensure a lovely golden color without burning.
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining the batter, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light and fluffy Apple Upside Down Cake.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the cake to cool completely before flipping. This helps maintain the integrity of the apple topping and prevents the cake from breaking apart.
- Garnish for Glamour: Enhance your presentation with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon, elevating this delightful dessert for your guests.
What to Serve with Apple Upside Down Cake?
Indulging in this delightful dessert opens the door to creating an unforgettable meal experience.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of this creamy delight adds a luscious contrast to the sweet cake, enhancing every bite.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream complements the cake’s moist texture, bringing a sense of indulgence to your dessert table.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzle this over the cake for a decadent touch; the rich sweetness pairs beautifully with the cinnamon-spiced apples.
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Spiced Apple Cider: A warm glass of this classic drink echoes the flavors of the cake, making it the perfect autumnal pairing.
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Pecan Pie: The crunchy, nutty goodness of pecan pie creates a lovely contrast to the soft, fruit-topped cake, offering guests a decadent choice.
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Chai Tea: The aromatic spices of chai brew a cozy mood, evoking warmth and comfort that aligns perfectly with the cake’s flavors.
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Cheese Plate: Soft cheeses like brie add a savory note, balancing the sweetness of the cake, while crunchy crackers create a delightful textural contrast.
Apple Upside Down Cake Variations
Feel free to explore these fun twists on your homemade dessert, adding your personal touch to each bite!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix for a delightful alternative. Your cake will still rise beautifully!
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Nutty Addition: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for a delightful crunch and extra flavor in every slice.
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Cinnamon Swirl: Add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter for an amplified spice experience that warms the soul.
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Caramel Drizzle: After baking, top the cooled cake with a drizzle of store-bought or homemade caramel sauce for an indulgent sweet touch.
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Vanilla Bean: Incorporate the seeds from half a vanilla bean into the batter for a deeper vanilla flavor that truly elevates the taste.
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Fruit Medley: Mix 1 cup of diced pears or peaches with the apples for a fruity medley that offers a wonderful surprise in each bite.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a touch of grated ginger to the batter for a hint of spice that brings warmth and complexity to your cake.
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Boozy Enhancement: Infuse a tablespoon of apple brandy or rum into the batter for a grown-up twist that adds depth and richness.
Make Ahead Options
These Apple Upside Down Cakes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can slice and arrange the Honeycrisp apples up to 24 hours in advance, keeping them in a sealed container in the refrigerator to maintain their crispiness and prevent browning. Additionally, the dry ingredients can be pre-measured and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine the wet ingredients with the prepped dry mix and the prepared apples, then pour the batter over. Bake as directed, and you’ll have a deliciously warm dessert with minimal effort, ready to impress your family or guests!
How to Store and Freeze Apple Upside Down Cake
Room Temperature: Store the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days, covered with plastic wrap to keep it moist and fresh.
Fridge: If you prefer it chilled, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for up to 5 days. This can intensify the apple flavors.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual slices in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
Reheating: Reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes for a warm treat reminiscent of fresh-baked Apple Upside Down Cake.
Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe FAQs
What type of apples are best for Apple Upside Down Cake?
Absolutely! I recommend using Honeycrisp apples for their balance of sweetness and tartness. They hold their shape well when baked and create a deliciously juicy topping. Other great options include Granny Smith for a more tart flavor or Fuji for additional sweetness.
How should I store my Apple Upside Down Cake?
To keep your cake fresh, cover it at room temperature for up to 1 day. After that, transfer it to an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This prevents it from drying out while keeping all those delightful flavors intact!
Can I freeze Apple Upside Down Cake?
Yes, you can! Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge overnight. To refresh the flavors, warm slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.
What should I do if my cake sticks to the pan?
Very! If your cake sticks, it could be due to insufficient butter in the pan. Ensure your pan is well-coated with melted butter before adding the brown sugar. If it still sticks, carefully run a thin knife around the edges before flipping, and don’t hesitate to gently loosen it as needed.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
The Apple Upside Down Cake contains gluten from the all-purpose flour and dairy from the butter and milk. For those with gluten intolerance, you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, which works beautifully! If you have lactose intolerance, consider using lactose-free milk and butter as alternatives. Always check with your guests about allergies to ensure everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert.
How long does it take to make the Apple Upside Down Cake?
The baking time is 30-35 minutes, but allow some additional time for preparation. Overall, you might spend about 10-15 minutes getting everything ready, so look forward to a delicious dessert in about an hour!
Delicious Apple Upside Down Cake That Will Wow Your Guests
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a 9-inch round cake pan, add ¼ cup of unsalted butter and place it in the oven until melted.
- Once the butter is melted, sprinkle ½ cup of light brown sugar evenly over it.
- Slice the Honeycrisp apples into ¼-inch thick half circles and arrange them on top of the brown sugar.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
- Add ¾ cup milk, ¼ cup melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 large egg to the dry mixture and whisk until just combined.
- Pour the batter over the arranged apple slices and smooth it out.
- Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool to room temperature, then run a knife around the edge and flip onto a serving plate.