This Apple Upside Down Cake is a sweet treat with juicy apples on a soft, fluffy cake. The caramelized topping is so inviting that you’ll want to dig in right away!
When I flip it over, it’s like magic every time! 🍏 I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream—it’s the perfect cozy dessert for any day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I love using Gala or Honeycrisp apples for their sweet and crisp flavor. If you want a tart attitude, Granny Smith apples are an excellent choice. Mix different types of apples for a more complex flavor!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for control over saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, try using coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute; just be mindful of how they might alter the flavor slightly.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds a warm spice kick. If you want to change it up, try nutmeg or allspice, but use them sparingly to avoid overpowering the cake.
Milk: Whole milk keeps the cake moist. You can use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option, which works well, too!
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Arranged Apples?
Getting the apples right is key to presentation! Here’s how to do it well:
- After you peel and slice the apples, try to do it evenly. This helps them cook at the same rate.
- When arranging in the pan, slightly overlap each slice. This creates a beautiful pattern when flipped!
- Sprinkling cinnamon over the apples before adding the batter adds flavor right where you want it.
Take your time with the arrangement, and trust me, it pays off when you flip the cake and see that gorgeous topping!
How to Make Apple Upside Down Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Topping:
- 3 large apples (such as Gala or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cake Batter:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
For Garnish:
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
- Fresh rosemary or mint sprig (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Apple Upside Down Cake takes about 15 minutes of prep time and approximately 45–55 minutes of baking time. After it’s done baking, let it cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. So, in total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 20 minutes, including cooling time. It’s worth every minute for the delicious results!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready!
First off, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9-inch round cake pan, and grease it well with butter or cooking spray, then flour it lightly to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Topping.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the 1/3 cup of butter. Once it’s melted, remove the pan from the heat and mix in the brown sugar until it’s all combined and smooth. Pour this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared cake pan.
3. Arrange the Apples.
Now it’s time to add some prettiness! Take your sliced apples and arrange them in a circular pattern over the brown sugar mixture. They can slightly overlap; it’ll make for a lovely design when flipped. Sprinkle the top with ground cinnamon for extra flavor.
4. Make the Cake Batter.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside. In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to add some lovely aroma.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients.
Now, gradually add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture. Start and end with the flour mixture and mix until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want a tender cake!
6. Spread the Batter.
Gently spread the cake batter evenly over the neatly arranged apples in the cake pan. Smooth the top to make it nice and pretty.
7. Bake the Cake.
Pop the cake into the preheated oven and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until you insert a toothpick into the center, and it comes out clean. The edges should look golden brown, and you might see bubbles coming up from the apple topping!
8. Cool and Invert.
Once baked, carefully remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake. Then, place a serving plate upside down on the cake pan and quickly invert it to release the cake onto the plate. Lift the pan gently—ta-da!
9. Garnish and Serve.
Let the cake cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and garnishing with a fresh rosemary or mint sprig if you like. Serve warm or at room temperature, and perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful treat!
Enjoy your delicious, caramelized Apple Upside Down Cake!
Can I Use Other Fruits Besides Apples?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other fruits like pears, peaches, or even pineapples. Just make sure they’re sliced thinly for even cooking, and adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend! Look for one that measures cup-for-cup to ensure the right texture. Also, check that your baking powder is gluten-free.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy it warm!
What Should I Do If the Cake Sticks to the Pan?
If the cake sticks, gently run a knife around the edges to loosen it. If it still won’t budge, you can place a warm, damp towel around the outside of the pan for a minute—this should help release the cake. Flip it upside down on the plate as gently as possible!
