Upside Down Apple Cake

5 from 2 votes

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 Time20

Cook Time40

Total Time1

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Upside Down Apple Cake Recipe

Servings:

Calories: 377kcal

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