Name: Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup milk

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 51 reviews

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines warmth, comfort, and a touch of elegance, this Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender, cinnamon-spiced apple slices caramelized just right beneath a moist, fluffy cake that turns out perfectly beautiful every time you flip it over. This classic dessert is easy to make, bursting with cozy autumn flavors, and perfect for sharing with family or friends on any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various clear glass bowls and a small glass pitcher arranged neatly on a white marbled surface, each containing a different baking ingredient. There are sliced red apples in a large bowl near the center, two white eggs in a bowl below the apples, a bowl with white flour on the bottom left, and smaller bowls with butter, brown sugar, a dark syrupy liquid, milk in the pitcher, and different powders and spices arrayed around them. The colors range from white and light yellow to brown and red, with smooth and granular textures visible among the ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe lies in its simple, thoughtful ingredients. Each plays a vital role, from the sharpness of tart apples to the rich, buttery caramel base that creates the iconic upside-down effect. Using classic pantry staples ensures this recipe is both accessible and delicious.

3 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): Tart or sweet, these apples hold their shape well and add delightful flavor and texture.
1/2 cup unsalted butter: Provides richness and the perfect base for the caramel topping.
1 cup brown sugar: Adds deep, molasses notes essential for that luscious caramel flavor.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Wakes up the apples with warm, cozy spice.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the tender cake crumb.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise just right for a soft texture.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder for a balanced lift.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors by balancing sweetness.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and aerates the cake batter perfectly.
2 large eggs: Bind the batter and contribute to a moist crumb.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle floral sweetness that rounds out the taste.
1/2 cup milk: Keeps the cake tender and moist.

How to Make Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples into thin wedges. This ensures that each slice cooks evenly and beautifully caramelizes without becoming mushy. Choosing Granny Smith or Honeycrisp helps maintain a balance between tartness and sweetness, setting the perfect flavor base for your cake.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Base

Melt the unsalted butter gently with brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a saucepan until bubbling and smooth. This rich, aromatic caramel base is what transforms a simple cake into an unforgettable treat. Pour this mixture immediately into a greased cake pan, letting it coat the bottom evenly for that irresistible sticky layer.

Step 3: Arrange the Apples

Layer your thin apple wedges carefully over the warm caramel mixture. Take your time here—this is what your cake will look like once inverted, so arranging the slices with a little care adds to the visual appeal. The cinnamon-scented apples will meld beautifully with the caramel during baking.

Step 4: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to combine your dry ingredients evenly. In a separate bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and eggs until light and fluffy, then mix in vanilla extract. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, stirring gently to create a smooth, velvety batter without overmixing.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

Pour your luscious cake batter carefully over the arranged apples and caramel in the pan. Pop it into a preheated oven set at 350°F (175°C) and bake for approximately 40 minutes. When a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, your cake is perfectly baked and ready for the next stage.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Give your cake about 10 minutes to cool in the pan—a crucial step to ensure the caramel layer has set but remains gooey. Now comes the fun part: place a serving plate over the pan and invert the cake. The caramelized apples shine on top, creating a stunning presentation that’s as delicious as it looks.

How to Serve Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

The image shows a round cake with one visible layer, topped with a shiny, caramel-colored glaze. On top, there are thin slices of apple arranged in a circular pattern, each slice showing a gradient of light yellow to red edge. Small green mint leaves are placed in the center and scattered lightly over the apples. The cake has a moist, yellow base with slightly browned edges. It is presented on a simple white plate, sitting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a stunning finish, serve your Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of fresh mint leaves adds a delightful pop of color and a refreshing touch that balances the sweetness.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or a spiced chai tea. If you’re looking to round out a fall-themed meal, consider serving it alongside a simple green salad with cranberries and walnuts for a lovely contrast of flavors and textures.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Serve individual portions in mini cast-iron skillets or small ramekins for a charming rustic touch. You can also drizzle a caramel or bourbon sauce on top for an extra layer of indulgence that’s sure to wow at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe keeps well covered at room temperature for a day or two. For best results, store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent the caramel topping from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert option.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw the cake overnight in the fridge and warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This brings back the warm, gooey charm that makes the Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe so irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are ideal for their texture and tartness, you can experiment with Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn apples. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples might make the cake less tangy.

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

Greasing your pan well with butter and lightly dusting it with flour helps the cake release easily. Using a non-stick or silicone spatula to loosen edges after baking also ensures a smooth flip.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Be sure to check the blend’s instructions for any adjustments needed in liquid content.

Is it possible to add nuts or raisins?

Definitely. Chopped walnuts or pecans can be sprinkled over the caramel before layering the apples, adding crunch and flavor. Raisins stir into the batter nicely for an extra touch of sweetness.

What’s the best way to slice this cake?

Use a sharp knife and let the cake cool slightly after flipping. Cutting it gently allows the caramel layer to stay intact, preserving that beautiful glossy topping on each slice.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe is a treasured dessert that’s both simple to make and sure to impress with its flavors and presentation. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a cozy treat, this cake warms the heart and the home. Give it a try—once you taste it, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection.