Apple Upside Down Cake

This Apple Upside Down Cake is a delightful dessert featuring a luscious caramelized apple topping and a soft, tender cake base. It’s the ultimate comfort dessert, perfect for fall or any time you want a treat that’s both simple and elegant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The caramelized apple topping is rich and indulgent, perfectly balancing sweetness and a hint of tartness.

The cake itself is moist, fluffy, and easy to make with pantry staples.

You can customize the recipe with your favorite apple varieties and spices.

It’s an eye-catching dessert that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.

It pairs beautifully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra-special touch.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Topping:

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

2-3 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

For the Cake:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

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

Directions

Prepare the Topping:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9-inch round cake pan. Arrange the apple slices in a circular pattern over the sugar mixture, slightly overlapping them. Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.

Make the Cake Batter:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the sour cream and milk. Mix until just combined.

Assemble the Cake:

Pour the cake batter over the apples in the pan, spreading it evenly.

Bake:

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the cake is golden brown. Let it cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before carefully inverting onto a serving plate.

Serve:

Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing. It’s wonderful on its own or served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10 slices

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35-40 minutes

Total Time: About 1 hour

Variations

Apple Varieties: Try Fuji, Braeburn, or Pink Lady apples for a slightly different flavor profile.

Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cake batter for extra warmth.

Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the topping before adding the apples for added crunch.

Citrus Zest: Mix a bit of lemon or orange zest into the batter for a fresh twist.

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the cake gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy it at room temperature.

Related Recipes:

• Apple Pie
• Apple Pie Bars

FAQs

Can I use a different pan size?

Yes, you can use an 8-inch pan for a taller cake, but you may need to adjust the baking time. A square pan also works for a more casual presentation.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely. Bake the cake a day ahead and store it at room temperature. Invert it just before serving to preserve the caramelized topping.

What’s the best way to prevent sticking?

Grease your pan well and consider using a parchment paper circle at the bottom for easy release.

Can I substitute the sour cream?

Yes, plain yogurt works perfectly as a substitute, offering the same moist texture.

What should I serve this cake with?

This cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for added decadence.

Conclusion

This Apple Upside Down Cake is a timeless dessert that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. With its buttery caramelized apple topping and fluffy cake base, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Try it at your next gathering or bake it for a cozy night at home—it’s always a hit.

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