Description
A deliciously moist Apple Upside Down Cake featuring tender Honeycrisp apples caramelized with brown sugar and butter, all baked to golden perfection. This classic dessert is perfect for cozy gatherings and pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel Base
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 3 Honeycrisp apples
Cake Batter
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to adequately preheat while you prepare the cake pan.
- Melt Butter in Pan: Place 1/4 cup 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 completely.
- Add Brown Sugar: Sprinkle 1/2 cup light brown sugar evenly over the melted butter in the bottom of the pan to create the caramel base.
- Prepare Apples: Slice 3 Honeycrisp apples into 1/4-inch thick half circles without peeling. Arrange these apple slices in concentric circles on top of the brown sugar, slightly overlapping to cover the surface completely.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add 3/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 large egg to the dry mixture. Whisk gently until just combined to form the batter.
- Pour Batter Over Apples: Carefully pour the batter evenly over the arranged apple slices, smoothing from edge to edge with a spatula as needed.
- Bake the Cake: Place the cake in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Invert: Once baked, run a knife around the cake edges to loosen it from the pan. Allow the cake to cool to room temperature before flipping it onto a serving plate to reveal the caramelized apple topping.
Notes
- Use Honeycrisp apples for their sweetness and firm texture – no need to peel.
- Slicing apples about 1/4 inch thick ensures even cooking without becoming mushy.
- Be careful when flipping the cake after it cools; the caramel topping will be hot and sticky.
- This cake is best served slightly warm or at room temperature, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Measure flour properly by spooning into the cup and leveling off to avoid a dense cake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Apple Upside Down Cake, Apple Cake, Caramel Apple Cake, Honeycrisp apples, fall dessert
