Indulge in the warm and comforting flavors of this Upside-Down Apple Cake. With its caramelized apple topping and moist, cinnamon-spiced cake, this dessert is perfect for autumn evenings or holiday gatherings. Simple to make yet incredibly impressive, it’s a surefire way to delight your family and friends.
This Upside-Down Apple Cake has become a beloved dessert in our home, especially during the cooler months. One fall afternoon, I decided to surprise my family with a cozy treat after a day of raking leaves and playing outside. The aroma of cinnamon and caramelized apples filled the house, and by the time the cake was ready, everyone was eagerly gathered around the kitchen. The combination of tender apples and rich cake, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, quickly made this dessert a family favorite. Now, it’s a tradition we look forward to every fall.
Why This Upside-Down Apple Cake
- Rich and Moist Cake: The combination of butter, sugar, and eggs creates a delightfully moist cake with a tender crumb.
- Caramelized Apple Topping: The butter and brown sugar sauce creates a luscious, caramelized apple layer that is both beautiful and delicious.
- Warm Spices: Cinnamon adds a cozy, warm flavor that pairs perfectly with the apples.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any special equipment, making it accessible for any home baker.
Ingredients:
Cake:
- 170 g (¾ cup) butter, softened
- 300 g (1½ cups) sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 120 ml (½ cup) milk
- 190 g (1½ cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 4 apples, peeled and cut into ¼-inch (6.3 mm) thick slices (recommended: Granny Smith or Pink Lady)
Sauce:
- 230 g (1 cup) butter, melted
- 220 g (1 cup) brown sugar
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9-inch (23 cm) cake pan.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Whisk in the eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon to the wet mixture. Whisk until combined.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the brown sugar. Bring to a boil and continue to stir for 30 seconds, or until vigorously bubbling.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour the sauce into the greased cake pan. Arrange the apple slices on top of the sauce in a circular pattern. Pour the cake batter over the apples and smooth the top.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the cake is done (the top will spring back when gently poked).
- Cool and Invert: Allow the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes. Run a butter knife around the edge to loosen the sides. Place a plate upside down on top of the pan, then invert the pan, flipping the cake onto the plate.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish slices with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy the delightful combination of caramelized apples and moist cake.
Notes:
- Substitutions: Feel free to use other firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji if preferred.
- Cooking Tips: Ensure the cake is fully baked by testing with a toothpick; it should come out clean when inserted into the center.
- Nutritional Info: Each serving is approximately 531 calories, with 34g of fat, 55g of carbs, 3g of fiber, 39g of sugar, and 4g of protein.
