Description
This classic Apple Upside Down Cake features tender, cinnamon-spiced apple slices caramelized with brown sugar and butter, baked beneath a moist, fluffy cake. Perfect for showcasing seasonal apples, this dessert offers a delightful combination of sweet, buttery caramel and soft cake, ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Apples and Caramel Base
- 3 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cake Batter
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges to ensure even cooking and perfect caramelization during baking.
- Make the Caramel Base: In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, then add brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and caramel-like. Pour this mixture evenly into a greased cake pan to create the flavorful caramel base.
- Arrange the Apples: Layer the prepared apple slices neatly over the caramel in the cake pan, ensuring they cover the surface evenly for a beautiful presentation once inverted.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In one bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the granulated sugar with the eggs until light and fluffy, then add the vanilla extract. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the creamed mixture, mixing gently after each addition until just combined.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the prepared cake batter evenly over the apple and caramel layer in the cake pan. Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes to let the caramel set slightly. Run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake, then invert onto a serving plate carefully. Serve warm, optionally with whipped cream or ice cream, and garnish with fresh mint for a vibrant touch.
Notes
- Serve the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves to add color and a fresh aroma complementing the sweetness.
- Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith for a balanced sweetness and firmer texture.
- Make sure to grease the cake pan well to prevent sticking when inverting the cake.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before inverting to prevent the caramel from running too much.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
