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
Keywords: apple cake, easy dessert, upside down cake, fall recipe, caramel apple