When I first baked this Apple Upside Down Cake, I didn’t expect it to become such a showstopper. But once that golden, caramel-coated layer of sliced apples emerged from the oven—glossy and fragrant—I knew it was something special. This cake brings the cozy, nostalgic flavors of baked apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon together in a simple yet stunning dessert. It’s the kind of cake that looks like you’ve fussed over it for hours, when in reality, it’s surprisingly straightforward.
What I love most is how the fruit naturally becomes the star. The apples soften into a sweet, slightly tart layer that contrasts perfectly with the tender, buttery vanilla cake beneath. It’s the kind of dessert that’s just as welcome at a holiday dinner as it is with a scoop of ice cream on a quiet Sunday night. If you’re someone who enjoys warm, rustic desserts that lean on seasonal fruit and classic flavors, this one’s going to win you over.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Upside Down Cake
This cake is comfort food in its most elegant form. The apple topping is rich and glossy thanks to a buttery caramel that forms while baking, and the cake itself is incredibly moist without being heavy. It’s easy to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and makes a beautiful centerpiece for any gathering. Plus, it tastes even better the next day.
What Kind of Apples Should I Use?
For the best texture and flavor, go with firm apples that hold their shape during baking. Granny Smith offers a tart bite that balances the sweetness well, while Honeycrisp or Fuji give a softer, sweeter profile. I usually mix two types to create depth, but any apple you enjoy baking with will do just fine.
Options for Substitutions
- Apples: Try pears or peaches for a different seasonal twist.
- Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar can offer a similar depth with a hint of natural caramel flavor.
- Butter: A plant-based butter substitute works if you’re keeping it dairy-free.
- Spices: Add nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom for a more complex spice blend.
- Flour: Use a gluten-free all-purpose blend to make this cake celiac-friendly.
Ingredients for this Apple Upside Down Cake
- Apples: The star of the show. Use firm, tart-sweet apples for a balance of flavor and texture.
- Brown Sugar: Essential for creating the sticky, caramelized apple topping.
- Unsalted Butter: Used in both the topping and the batter, giving the cake richness and depth.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake base and balances the tartness of the apples.
- Eggs: Provide structure and moisture to the cake.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives the cake its soft but sturdy structure.
- Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and stay light.
- Cinnamon: A warm, cozy spice that complements the apples beautifully.
- Salt: Just a pinch to bring out the sweetness and enhance flavor.
- Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind the batter.
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Topping
Peel, core, and thinly slice 2–3 apples. In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter with 3/4 cup of brown sugar over medium heat until smooth and bubbling. Pour this caramel into the base of a greased 9-inch cake pan and arrange the apple slices in a spiral or pattern over the caramel.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, then add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three batches, alternating with 1/2 cup milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 5: Pour Batter Over Apples
Gently spread the batter over the arranged apples in the pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly without disturbing the apple layout.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Invert
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate. Let it release naturally before lifting the pan off.
Step 8: Serve Warm or Room Temp
Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or let it cool completely for a firmer texture and deeper flavor.
How Long to Prepare the Apple Upside Down Cake
This cake comes together surprisingly quickly, making it an ideal dessert for both planned dinners and last-minute gatherings.
Prep Time: Slicing apples, making the caramel, and mixing the batter takes about 20–25 minutes. If you’re peeling and slicing apples from scratch, allow a few extra minutes.
Bake Time: The cake needs 40–45 minutes in the oven. Once it’s out, let it cool for 10–15 minutes in the pan before inverting. So in total, you’re looking at just over an hour from start to finish.
Tips for Perfect Apple Upside Down Cake
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother batter mixing.
- Arrange the apples tightly to avoid gaps after baking.
- Let the cake sit for at least 10 minutes before inverting to avoid breaking.
- Use a nonstick or well-greased pan to ensure easy release.
- For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle a little sea salt on the caramel before adding the apples.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
- Overmixing the batter: This can make the cake dense. Mix until just combined.
- Using too soft apples: They’ll turn mushy and won’t hold their shape.
- Not letting the caramel cool slightly before adding apples: This can cause uneven cooking and bubbling.
- Inverting too early: You risk burning yourself or having the cake fall apart.
- Skipping parchment paper (optional): If you’re worried about sticking, a round of parchment in the base helps.
What to Serve With Apple Upside Down Cake?
1. Vanilla Ice Cream
Its cool creaminess balances the warm, spiced cake.
2. Salted Caramel Sauce
Drizzle it on top for a decadent finish.
3. Whipped Cream
Light and airy, this makes each bite more luxurious.
4. Spiced Chai Tea
The spices in the tea beautifully echo the cinnamon in the cake.
5. Sharp Cheddar Cheese
An old-school combo that works—especially with tart apples.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature: Store the cooled cake in an airtight container for up to 2 days. It’s best served within the first day for optimal texture.
Refrigerator: If storing longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature or warm slices slightly before serving.
Freezer: You can freeze the cake (preferably without the topping) for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven to refresh the texture.
Estimated Nutrition (per slice, based on 10 slices)
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 28g
- Protein: 4g
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent the apples from sticking to the pan?
Grease the pan thoroughly and use parchment paper if you’re concerned. Letting it cool for 10–15 minutes also helps the caramel release cleanly.
Can I use canned apples or pie filling?
It’s not recommended. Fresh apples provide the right texture and don’t get overly soggy.
What type of pan works best?
A 9-inch round cake pan with high sides is ideal. Avoid springform pans as the caramel can leak.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, and it actually tastes better the next day! Just keep it covered and store at room temp or in the fridge.
What if my cake breaks during inversion?
Don’t worry—just reassemble and drizzle with caramel or ice cream. It’ll still taste amazing.
Conclusion
Apple Upside Down Cake brings together the rustic comfort of baked apples with the elegance of a caramel-glossed dessert. It’s easy enough for a weeknight treat yet impressive enough for special occasions. Whether you’re sharing it with family, friends, or indulging solo, each slice promises a bite of warm, nostalgic flavor that feels like home.
Apple Upside Down Cake
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Upside Down Cake is a showstopping dessert made with caramelized apples and a soft vanilla cake. It’s the perfect mix of rustic charm and elegant presentation, making it great for easy dinners, cozy breakfast ideas, or even a special occasion. Whether you’re serving it warm with vanilla ice cream or enjoying it cold the next day, this easy recipe delivers a rich, buttery, cinnamon-kissed treat that’s full of flavor. It’s a must-try for anyone looking for comforting food ideas or quick desserts.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter (for topping)
3/4 cup brown sugar (for topping)
2 to 3 apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
1/2 cup unsalted butter (for batter)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
Instructions
1. Peel, core, and thinly slice 2–3 apples. In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter with 3/4 cup of brown sugar over medium heat until smooth and bubbling.
2. Pour the caramel into the base of a greased 9-inch cake pan. Arrange the apple slices on top in a spiral or pattern.
3. In a bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened butter and 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
6. Add the dry mix to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
7. Spread the batter evenly over the apples.
8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
10. Invert onto a serving plate and lift off the pan carefully. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
You can mix apple varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for better depth of flavor.
Let the cake rest before inverting to help the caramel release more easily.
A sprinkle of sea salt in the caramel adds a rich contrast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg