Upside Down Apple Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Upside Down Apple Cake is a perfect balance of warm, cinnamon-spiced apples and light, fluffy cake. The caramelized apple topping adds a rich sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the soft, buttery cake. The mix of red and green apples gives the cake a unique blend of tart and sweet flavors, making each bite a delightful experience. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that is both easy to prepare and hard to resist.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Apple Topping:

• 4-5 apples, peeled and diced small (about 3 cups, with a mix of red and green apples for a sweet-tart balance)
• ½ cup salted butter, melted
• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup + 1 tbsp brown sugar

For the Cake:

• ½ cup canola or vegetable oil
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 1¼ cup granulated sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg

Directions

Prepare the Apple Topping:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, toss the diced apples with melted butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar until the apples are well coated.
3. Spread the apple mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared cake pan.

Make the Cake:

1. In a large bowl, beat together the canola oil, softened butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and ground nutmeg.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
5. Pour the batter over the apples in the cake pan, spreading it out evenly.

Bake the Cake:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
2. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. This will help the caramelized apple layer set.

Flip the Cake:

1. Run a knife around the edges of the cake to loosen it from the sides of the pan.
2. Place a plate or serving platter over the top of the cake pan, and carefully flip the pan over to release the cake.
3. Gently remove the pan, and if any apples are stuck to the pan, carefully scrape them off and place them back on the cake.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 8-10 servings.

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 40-45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Spiced Version: Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to the apple topping or cake batter for extra warmth and spice.
• Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple topping for an added crunch.
• Caramelized Pear Cake: Substitute apples with pears for a different take on the classic recipe. You can also mix apples and pears for a more complex flavor.
• Coconut Flour: For a gluten-free option, swap the all-purpose flour for coconut flour, but be sure to adjust the amount and add an extra egg to compensate for the texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Upside Down Apple Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate it for a few extra days, but the texture may change slightly.
• Freezing: This cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use only one type of apple?

Yes, you can use just one type of apple, but a combination of tart and sweet apples (like Granny Smith and Fuji) creates a better balance of flavor.

Can I make this cake without butter?

If you want to make this cake dairy-free, you can replace the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. The flavor may change slightly, but it will still be delicious.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges of the cake should also start to pull away from the sides of the pan.

Can I use a different type of pan?

Yes, you can use an 8-inch round pan or a square pan, but the baking time may vary slightly. Keep an eye on it as it bakes, and use the toothpick test to check for doneness.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar?

You can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia or Monk Fruit if you’re looking to reduce the sugar content. Keep in mind that this might affect the flavor and texture slightly.

How do I prevent the apples from sticking to the pan?

Greasing the pan well or lining it with parchment paper will help prevent the apples from sticking. If you find any apples stuck, just gently scrape them off and place them back onto the cake after flipping.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this cake a day ahead. In fact, it tends to taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.

What can I serve with this cake?

This cake is great on its own, but you can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Can I add other fruits to the cake?

Yes! You can add other fruits like pears, peaches, or even berries to the cake for a different flavor combination. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if using softer fruits.

Why is it called “Upside Down” Apple Cake?

The cake is called “Upside Down” because the apples, which are cooked in a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture, are placed at the bottom of the pan. When the cake is flipped, the caramelized apples become the top layer.

Conclusion

This Upside Down Apple Cake is a perfect dessert that combines the best of both worlds—warm, spiced apples and a soft, buttery cake. It’s easy to make and is guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special celebration. The apples create a beautiful, caramelized topping that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

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