Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Apple Upside Down Cake might just be the best excuse you ever have to eat apples for dessert! This classic treat transforms humble apples into a show-stopping, caramel-glossed masterpiece that’s equally perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night in. With tender cake, a crisp layer of buttery apples, and a touch of warming cinnamon, every bite feels special. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, you’ll find this recipe approachable, rewarding, and absolutely irresistible.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baking a delicious Apple Upside Down Cake is delightfully straightforward, thanks to a handful of key ingredients. Each one pulls double duty — enhancing both the flavor and the visual appeal — so don’t skip a thing for the best results.

• Unsalted butter (melted, for topping): Forms the buttery base for the caramelized apple topping. Always use unsalted for better flavor control.
• Light brown sugar: Lends a toffee-like sweetness and caramel notes that pair beautifully with apples.
• Medium apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced): Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji apples all hold up nicely and offer just the right amount of tartness.
• All-purpose flour: Provides the essential structure for a tender, sturdy cake.
• Baking powder: Gives your cake the lift it needs, so each slice is light and fluffy.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds essential warmth and depth — plus, it’s the classic companion for apples.
• Salt: Enhances all those delicious flavors and keeps the cake from tasting flat.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Creates a rich, moist crumb when creamed with sugar for the batter.
• Granulated sugar: Balances tart apples and adds sweetness to the cake itself.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and help with lift and texture.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the flavors.
• Whole milk: Makes the batter smooth and keeps the cake beautifully tender.

How to Make Apple Upside Down Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Apples

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan, then line the bottom with parchment paper — trust me, this makes the cake flip out perfectly every time! Pour the melted butter into the lined pan and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over it, creating a luscious, caramelly bed for the apples. Arrange the apple slices in a gorgeous spiral or overlapping pattern; this is where you can have a little fun and get creative.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This dry mixture is the secret to a cake with great lift and a delicate crumb. Don’t skip the cinnamon: it adds the signature cozy note everyone loves in an Apple Upside Down Cake.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step traps air in the mixture, ensuring your cake is moist and rises nicely. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, and stir in the vanilla for that essential aroma.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

With your wet ingredients ready, start adding the dry mixture to the bowl, alternating with splashes of milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Stir until just combined; overmixing will make the cake dense, and no one wants that!

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Carefully spread the batter over the meticulously arranged apples in your pan. Smooth the top so it bakes evenly. Slide the cake into the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. The kitchen will fill with the most inviting aroma! You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Invert

Let the cake cool in its pan for 10 minutes to help those caramelized edges set. Then, run a knife around the edge, place a serving plate on top, and invert the cake with confidence. Peel off the parchment to reveal your golden, glossy masterpiece.

How to Serve Apple Upside Down Cake

Garnishes

Bring your Apple Upside Down Cake to new heights with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of softly whipped cream. A drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a sparks of cinnamon on top will make it even more decadent. A sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts, like pecans or walnuts, add delightful crunch.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a mug of spiced chai, apple cider, or strong coffee. For brunch, try it alongside thick Greek yogurt and berries. The sweet-tart apples also complement a rich custard or a fresh fruit salad for a lighter finish.

Creative Ways to Present

Channel your inner pastry chef by baking individual Apple Upside Down Cakes in ramekins — perfect for parties! Or, cut into wedges and serve atop a rustic wooden board for a relaxed, country-chic look. For autumn celebrations, garnish the platter with cinnamon sticks and a few whole apples for a seasonal flourish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Apple Upside Down Cake stays moist and satisfying for up to two days at room temperature. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid to maintain that tender crumb and keep the apples from drying out.

Freezing

To freeze, cool the cake completely, then wrap individual slices (or the whole cake) tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving — the cake holds up remarkably well!

Reheating

Reheat slices of Apple Upside Down Cake gently in the microwave (about 15–20 seconds) or in a low oven. A warm cake revives that buttery, caramel aroma and gives the apples extra softness — perfect with a scoop of ice cream.

FAQs

What are the best apples to use in Apple Upside Down Cake?

Firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji work best because they hold their shape and don’t turn mushy. Their tartness also balances the sweet, caramelized topping beautifully.

Can I make Apple Upside Down Cake in advance?

Yes! Simply bake the cake a day ahead, let it cool, and store it covered at room temperature. It’s delicious the next day, especially when gently reheated to revive the buttery topping.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking when inverting?

Lining the pan with parchment paper and letting the cake cool for about 10 minutes before inverting are key. Run a knife around the edges to loosen, then invert confidently onto your serving plate.

Can I add nuts or spices to the recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top of the apples make a delightful addition. You can also amp up the spice by adding nutmeg or ginger for extra depth.

Is Apple Upside Down Cake supposed to be served warm or cold?

It’s delicious both ways, but serving it warm really brings out the buttery, caramel flavors and makes it extra comforting — especially with a cool scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about flipping out an Apple Upside Down Cake and seeing those glossy, caramelized apples shine. It’s a heartwarming dessert that never fails to impress, and I hope you’ll love baking (and sharing!) this classic as much as I do. Give it a try — you won’t be disappointed!

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