January 10, 2024
Review RecipeUpside Down Apple Cake
An old-fashioned classic, this amazing upside down apple cake features a buttery brown sugar and cinnamon apple layer topping a moist cake layer that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
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This beautiful and delicious upside down apple cake is one of our favorite homemade desserts. Fresh Honeycrisp apples are sliced and layered with a rich, moist cake batter before being baked to warm, spiced perfection.
Upside Down Apple Cake Ingredients
This cake is a delicious dessert with a blend of sweet and buttery flavors.
The apple layer features caramelized Honeycrisp apples with a touch of cinnamon, creating a warm topping. Below, the cake layer is a mixture of pantry staples that contribute to the perfect texture.
Together, these layers offer a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
You’ll need:
For The Apple Layer:
- ⅓ cup of white sugar
- ⅓ cup of butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon of cinnamon
- 2 to 3 Honeycrisp apples, peeled and cored, cut into ¼-inch slices
PRO TIP:
To keep the apple slices from browning while you are peeling, cutting, and slicing the rest of the apples, you can place the sliced apples in a little salt water (½ teaspoon salt to 2 cups of water). Let them soak for about 5 to 10 minutes and then dab the excess water off. They will stay crisp!
For The Cake Layer:
- ½ cup of softened butter, room temperature
- ¼ cup of brown sugar
- ½ cup of white sugar
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- ½ cup of milk
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons of baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
Substitutions And Additions
CARAMEL: You could drizzle the apple topping with caramel sauce before serving.
POWDERED SUGAR: Dust powdered sugar on top before serving.
APPLES: We love Honeycrisp in this recipe, but you could also use Golden Delicious, Braeburn, Gala, or Jonagold in this moist apple cake.
BUTTERMILK: You could also substitute buttermilk for the milk if you’d like a richer cake layer.
CINNAMON: If you’re looking to change up the spice profile, consider substituting apple pie spice for plain cinnamon in this recipe.
BROWN SUGAR: Feel free to experiment with different types of brown sugar, such as light or dark brown sugar. Light brown sugar will lend a milder caramel note, while dark brown sugar offers a richer, more robust flavor.
VANILLA EXTRACT: Consider using almond extract or maple extract instead of vanilla for a distinctive flavor profile.
The almond extract will add a lovely nuttiness, while the maple extract brings a delightful hint of maple syrup.
How To Make This Upside Down Apple Cake Recipe
The fun thing about this cake is that you start with the apples on the bottom, but once baked, you will flip the cake so that the soft apples form the topping.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by spraying the bottom with nonstick spray, then lining the bottom with a 9-inch circle of parchment paper and spraying again.
STEP TWO: In a small bowl, stir together the sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Pour into the prepared pan.
STEP THREE: Layer sliced apples on top of the batter by starting with making a circle on the outside and working your way in.
STEP FOUR: In a large bowl using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Then beat in the egg.
STEP FIVE: Add vanilla extract and milk and mix until combined.
STEP SIX: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
STEP SEVEN: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined.
STEP EIGHT: Pour the cake batter on top of the apple layer and spread it evenly.
STEP NINE: Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool for a few minutes.
When you can touch the pan, run a knife along all the edges of the cake to help loosen it.
Place your serving plate on top of the cake pan and flip it over onto a serving plate.
PRO TIP:
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your cake as the suggested baking time approaches.
How to Serve
This impressive recipe would be a great dessert to make for company during the fall season.
When you are ready to serve your delicious cake, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to the individual slices, along with a scoop of whipped cream on top.
Start your day with a twist by enjoying a slice of this cake for breakfast. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee, latte, or tea for a cozy morning treat. The sweet, spiced flavors are a delightful way to kickstart your day.
Enjoy more treats this apple season with our apple crisp or apple pie bites.
MORE UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE RECIPES
Storing This Apple Upside Down Cake
Let’s talk about how to store any leftovers or make this delightful treat ahead of time.
MAKE AHEAD: After baking and letting it cool to room temperature, tightly cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Store it at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
When you’re ready to serve, give it a gentle warm-up in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to restore that fresh-baked flavor and aroma.
ON THE COUNTER: You can keep this delicious apple upside down cake in an airtight container at room temperature for two to three days.
IN THE FREEZER: You could also wrap leftovers tightly with plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months in the freezer.
Why We Love This Recipe
There are plenty of things to love about this cake, including:
DELICIOUS FLAVOR FUSION: The combination of caramelized Honeycrisp apples with a hint of cinnamon on top of a moist, buttery cake creates a flavor profile that’s sweet, spiced, and utterly irresistible.
MAKE-AHEAD AND FREEZER FRIENDLY: You can prepare it in advance, store it in the freezer for future indulgence, or even make individual slices for portion control.
Our irresistible upside down apple cake will become a family favorite with its fresh, crisp apples and moist, dense cake layer. With the perfect balance of brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon, it’s just the thing to serve at fall gatherings and holiday celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze an upside-down cake?
If you have any leftovers of this delicious cake, you can wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months.
How do I flip the cake without making a mess?
Let your cake cool in the pan for a few minutes, then lay a flat serving plate upside down over the top of the cake pan. Carefully flip the cake over onto the plate. Bang on the bottom of the pan for good measure, then lift the pan off.
Should I store the cake in the fridge?
This cake can be stored safely on the counter for two to three days.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Caramel Apple Dip
- Easy Apple Pie
- Kentucky Butter Cake
- Caramel Apple Crisp Bites
- Banana Upside Down Cake
- Pineapple Upside Down Cake
- Upside Down Pizza
- Caramel Banana Cake Roll
- Strawberry Rhubarb Cake
- Ding Dong Cake
- Banana Split Cake
- Apple Dapple Cake
- Lemon Lava Cake
- Cherry Chip Cake
- Vanilla Trifle
- Peach Upside Down Cake
- Coca Cola Cake
- Easy Apple Dumplings
- Apple and Blackberry Crumble
- Tornado Cake
- Mini Funnel Cakes
- Carrot Cake Roll
- Salted Caramel Cupcakes
- Applesauce Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Cake
- Apple Pie Seasoning
- 4th of July flag cake with strawberries and blueberries
Upside Down Apple Cake
An old-fashioned classic, this amazing upside down apple cake features a buttery brown sugar and cinnamon apple layer topping a moist cake layer that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 8
Ingredients
Apple Layer
- ⅓ cup white sugar
- ⅓ cup butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 to 3 Honeycrisp apples, peeled and cored, cut into ¼-inch slices
Cake Layer
- ½ cup softened butter, room temperature
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by spraying the bottom with nonstick spray, then lining the bottom with a 9-inch circle of parchment paper and spraying again.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a small bowl, stir together the sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Pour into the prepared pan.
- Layer sliced apples on top of the batter by starting with making a circle on the outside and working your way in.
- In a large bowl, using a hand mixer on medium-high speed, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Then beat in the egg.
- Add vanilla extract and milk and mix until combined.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined.
- Pour the cake batter on top of the apple layer and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes. When you can touch the pan, run a knife along all the edges to help loosen the cake. Place your serving platter on top of the cake pan and flip it over onto the platter.
Video
Notes
- To keep the apple slices from browning while you are peeling, cutting, and slicing the rest of the apples, you can place the sliced apples in a little salt water (½ teaspoon salt to 2 cups of water). Let them soak for about 5 to 10 minutes and then dab the excess water off. They will stay crisp!
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
- Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your cake as the suggested baking time approaches.
Nutrition
Calories: 377kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 242mg | Potassium: 189mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 670IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 1mg
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Comments
Gloria says
A very delicious and easy recipe – moist and full of flavor. I love it!
Nina says
Made this and it was so good. Thanks for sharing the recipe!