Name: Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1/2 cup light brown sugar; 3 Honeycrisp apples; 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour (properly measured); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 large egg

Introduction

Apple Upside Down Cake is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apples arranged beautifully beneath a moist cake. This recipe is simple to follow and perfect for showcasing fresh Honeycrisp apples. It makes a stunning centerpiece for any gathering or a cozy treat at home.

A round upside-down apple cake sits on a white plate set on a white marbled surface. The cake has thin apple slices forming a circular pattern on top, with a golden caramelized glaze covering the entire surface, making it shiny and textured. In the center, there are two scoops of white ice cream drizzled with light brown caramel sauce. Around the plate, there is a halved apple with a red and yellow skin on the upper left, a whole apple with similar coloring at the bottom right, a glass jar filled with cinnamon sticks near the top right, and some loose cinnamon sticks beside it. A spoon with white cream rests near the whole apple, and a striped white and blue cloth is partially visible at the bottom left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/2 cup light brown sugar

3 Honeycrisp apples

1 ¼ cups all purpose flour (properly measured)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup milk

1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 large egg

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Place 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan and put it in the oven for a few minutes until the butter melts.

Step 3: Sprinkle the light brown sugar evenly over the melted butter in the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Slice the apples into half circles about 1/4-inch thick, no need to peel. Arrange the apple slices in concentric circles over the brown sugar, slightly overlapping until the entire bottom is covered. Set aside.

Step 5: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.

Step 6: Add the milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg to the dry ingredients. Whisk until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 7: Pour the batter gently over the arranged apple slices, spreading it evenly from edge to edge.

Step 8: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Step 9: Run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cake. Let it cool to room temperature, then carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith if you prefer a sharper contrast to the sweet cake.

Sprinkle a little nutmeg along with cinnamon for extra warmth in the spice.

Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finish.

To prevent sticking, lightly grease the pan before adding butter and sugar.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, any firm apple variety works well. Honeycrisp gives a sweet, crisp flavor, but Granny Smith or Fuji apples are good alternatives depending on your taste preference.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is not necessary as the apple skins soften during baking and add texture and color to the cake. Just be sure to wash them well before slicing.