This Apple Upside Down Cake is a warm and comforting dessert with sweet, caramel-coated apples on top. It’s super soft and makes for a delightful treat any time!
I love how easy it is to make this cake. It’s like a delicious surprise when you flip it over! Just serve it with some ice cream for an extra special touch. 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. They hold up well in baking and complement the sweetness of the cake. If you can’t find these, Fuji or Braeburn are good alternatives.
Brown Sugar: For a deeper caramel flavor, use dark brown sugar. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can mix white sugar with a little molasses to achieve a similar taste. Just one tablespoon of molasses per cup of sugar will do!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the saltiness of the cake. In a pinch, you can use margarine or a dairy-free butter substitute.
Vegetable Oil: It gives the cake a moist texture. You could substitute it with melted coconut oil or any neutral oil. Applesauce can also work for a lighter version.
How Can I Get the Apples to Caramelize Perfectly?
Caramelizing the apples correctly sets the tone for this cake. Follow these simple tips:
- Use a medium heat to melt the butter and mix in the brown sugar. Stir gently—this will help the sugar dissolve evenly and turn into a syrup without burning.
- Arrange the apple slices tightly in the pan for a beautiful presentation. This way, they accessorize the cake while maintaining their shape!
- Be patient! Allow the caramel to bubble for a few minutes without rushing. This is what creates that delicious layer of gooey goodness under the apples.
Delicious Apple Upside Down Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Topping:
- 3 medium apples (preferably firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Apple Upside Down Cake takes about 20 minutes to prepare and about 40-45 minutes to bake. Allow an extra 10 minutes for cooling before flipping it over to reveal that beautiful apple topping. Total time: around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Perfect for a weekend treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, prepare your cake pan by greasing it with butter, then lining the bottom with parchment paper. This will help the cake come out easily after baking.
2. Prepare the Apples:
Peel, core, and thinly slice your apples. You can use a knife or an apple slicer for speed and evenness. Once done, set the slices aside to use later.
3. Make the Caramel Layer:
In a small saucepan, melt the 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon until the mixture bubbles and the sugar has dissolved. Pour this caramel into your prepared cake pan evenly.
4. Arrange the Apples:
Carefully place the apple slices in the pan over the caramel in a pretty pattern. You can overlap them to make it look nice, too!
5. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to combine and aerate the ingredients before adding to the wet mix.
6. Cream the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate large bowl, add the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Using a mixer or whisk, beat the mixture until it’s nice and smooth.
7. Combine the Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix, or your cake could turn out dense!
8. Pour the Batter:
Once your batter is ready, pour it over the arranged apples in the pan and smooth the top gently with a spatula.
9. Bake the Cake:
Pop the cake into your preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean when ready!
10. Cool and Invert:
When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, use a knife to gently loosen the edges before inverting it onto a serving plate. If any apple slices stick to the pan, simply lift them back onto the cake.
11. Dust with Powdered Sugar:
Once cooled slightly, you can dust the top with powdered sugar to make it look even more inviting before slicing into it. Optional, but very pretty!
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your delicious, caramelized Apple Upside Down Cake warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s the perfect comforting dessert!
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While apples are traditional, you can use other fruits like peaches, pineapples, or even pears. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if using larger or denser fruits.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store your cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy it cold!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Parchment Paper?
No worries! If you don’t have parchment paper, simply grease the pan generously with butter and dust it lightly with flour, shaking off any excess. This will help the cake release easily when inverted.
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour! Just keep in mind that the texture might be a bit denser, so you may want to add a tablespoon of milk to the batter for moisture adjustment.
