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Apple Upside Down Cake

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Apple Upside Down Cake is a cozy, spiced dessert featuring caramelised apple slices layered under a tender cinnamon cake batter. Once baked and inverted, the glossy apple topping becomes the crown of a warm, comforting cake perfect for fall or any time of year.

Ingredients

  • 2–3 medium firm apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for topping)
  • 1/2 cup light or dark brown sugar (for topping)
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
  • For the cake:
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
  • 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, to toss apples)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8- or 9-inch round cake pan.
  2. Make the topping: In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat. Stir in 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Cook for 1–2 minutes until smooth. Pour into prepared pan.
  3. Arrange apple slices in a circular pattern over the caramel layer. Slightly overlap them for a beautiful design.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  5. In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup butter, granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
  6. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
  7. Gently pour the batter over the apples in the pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
  9. Let cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Then invert onto a serving plate while still warm. Lift the pan carefully.
  10. Serve warm or at room temperature. Add whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.

Notes

Use firm apples that won’t turn mushy during baking—Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp work well.Let the cake cool slightly before inverting to help the topping set without sticking.A sprinkle of chopped nuts over the caramel layer before baking adds crunch.To prevent overflow, place a baking sheet under the pan in the oven.Store leftovers covered at room temperature for 1–2 days, or refrigerate up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookibly.com/apple-upside-down-cake/