This Apple Upside Down Cake features sweet, caramelized apples resting on a soft and moist cake. It’s a lovely dessert that’s both warm and comforting!
I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. Instant happiness, right? It’s a great way to impress friends without spending all day in the kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I like using Gala or Fuji for their sweet and juicy flesh. If you prefer tartness, Granny Smith works great too. Feel free to mix varieties for a unique flavor!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best to control the salt level. You can substitute with margarine if needed, but butter adds a richer taste.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar works, but if you want to switch it up, brown sugar can add a deeper caramel flavor. Just remember it may change the texture slightly!
Milk: Whole milk gives a creamy texture, but you can use almond milk or oat milk if you’re dairy-free. They won’t change the taste much.
How Do I Get My Apples Perfectly Caramelized?
Caramelizing the apples is key for this cake. It brings out their sweetness. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use medium heat to melt half the butter with sugar and cinnamon. Stir until dissolved.
- Keep an eye on it to avoid burning — you want a golden caramel, not dark brown.
- After pouring into the pan, arrange apples quickly to coat them in the caramel.
Remember, patience is key! Letting the apples cook gently makes them tender and flavorful.
How to Make Apple Upside Down Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 3 medium apples (such as Gala or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Apple Upside Down Cake will take about 15 minutes of prep time, followed by 40-45 minutes of baking time. After baking, let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before inverting. So in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes to enjoy this treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, take a moment to grease a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Caramelized Apples:
In a medium skillet or saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of the butter over medium heat. Then, add 1/2 cup of sugar and the ground cinnamon. Stir this mixture until the sugar dissolves and starts to foam, which takes about 4-5 minutes. Once ready, remove it from the heat and pour it evenly into your prepared cake pan.
3. Arrange the Apples:
Now, take the sliced apples and arrange them in a beautiful circular pattern over the caramel you just poured into the pan. This will be the top of your cake once it’s flipped over!
4. Make the Cake Batter:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly mixed. In another large bowl, beat the remaining 1/4 cup of butter with the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition.
5. Combine Everything:
Stir in the vanilla extract next, and then alternately add the dry mixture and the milk to the butter mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; don’t over-mix!
6. Pour and Bake:
Carefully pour the cake batter over the arranged apples in the pan. Spread it evenly to cover all the apples. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Invert:
Once the cake is done, let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. After that, place a serving plate on top of the pan and carefully invert it, so the caramelized apples are now on the top. You might have to give it a gentle shake to release the cake.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
You can serve this cake warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect on its own or with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Enjoy your moist, flavorful Apple Upside Down Cake with beautifully caramelized apple slices!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Gala and Fuji are great choices for sweetness, you can use Granny Smith for a tart flavor or a mix for added complexity. Just make sure they are firm apples that hold their shape when baked!
How Should I Store Leftover Cake?
To store leftover Apple Upside Down Cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months; just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately according to package instructions to help with texture.
What Can I Do If the Caramel Sticks to the Pan?
Make sure to grease your pan well before adding the caramel. If the caramel does stick, gently run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake. You can also warm the bottom of the pan for a minute to help release it more easily!
