Upside-Down Apple Cake Recipe

The upside-down apple cake is a classic dessert that features a moist and fluffy cake topped with a layer of beautifully arranged caramelized apples. This recipe is perfect for those who love apples and want to add a unique spin to their regular cake. It's not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a great dish for special occasions.

Photos of Upside-Down Apple Cake Recipe

Most of the ingredients used in this recipe are commonly found in most homes. However, the apples used for this recipe should ideally be firm and tart, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These varieties hold up well during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweet cake and caramel.

Upside-Down Apple Cake Ingredients

Butter: Adds richness to the cake and is also used for the caramel sauce.

Sugar: Sweetens the cake. Brown sugar is used for the caramel sauce for its deep, molasses flavor.

Eggs: Provide structure and lift to the cake.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cake.

Milk: Adds moisture to the cake.

All-purpose flour: It's the main structure of the cake.

Baking powder: Leavening agent that helps the cake rise.

Salt: Balances the sweetness of the cake.

Cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting flavor to the cake.

Apples: The star of this dessert, they are arranged in a beautiful pattern and become caramelized and tender in the oven.

One reader, Alisander Lanning says:

This upside-down apple cake recipe is a game-changer! The cake turned out moist and flavorful, and the caramelized apples on top were a delightful surprise. It's a perfect treat for any occasion, and my family absolutely loved it. I'll definitely be making this again!

Alisander Lanning

Techniques Required for Making an Upside-Down Apple Cake

Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9-inch cake pan.

Cream the butter and sugar: In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.

Whisk in the wet ingredients: Whisk in the eggs, vanilla, and milk until fully incorporated.

Combine the dry ingredients: Add the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk until well combined.

Make the sauce: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then stir in the brown sugar. Bring to a boil and continue to stir for about 30 seconds, or until vigorously bubbling.

Arrange the apples: Place the apples on top of the sauce in a circular pattern.

Pour the batter: Pour the cake batter on top of the apples and smooth the top of the batter.

Bake the cake: Bake for about 45 to 55 minutes, or until the cake is done, with the top springing back when gently poked.

Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool for about 10 to 15 minutes, then loosen the sides of the cake by running a butter knife around the edge.

Invert the cake: Place a plate upside down on top of the pan, then invert the pan, flipping the cake onto the plate.

Garnish and serve: Garnish slices with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream and enjoy!

How To Make Upside-Down Apple Cake

Enjoy a sweet plate of soft and tasty upside-down apple cake, packed with the right amount of sweetness and tartness from the apples and cinnamon!

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 45 minutes

Cool Time: 10 minutes

Total: 1 hour 5 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

¾cupbutter,softened
1½cupssugar
3eggs
1tspvanilla extract
½cupmilk
1½cupsall-purpose flour
1tspbaking powder
¼tspsalt
1tbspcinnamon
4apples,peeled, cut into ¼-inch slices

For Sauce:

1cupbutter,melted
1cupbrown sugar

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Whisk in the eggs, vanilla, and milk until fully incorporated.
Add the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk until combined.
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, and stir in the brown sugar. Bring to a boil and continue to stir for about 30 seconds, or until vigorously bubbling.
Pour the sauce into the greased cake pan. Arrange the apples on top of the sauce in a circular pattern. Pour cake batter on top of apples and smooth the top of the batter.
Bake for about 45 to 55 minutes, or until the cake is done, with the top springing back when gently poked.
Cool for about 10 to 15 minutes and loosen the sides of the cake by running a butter knife around the edge.
Place a plate upside down on top of the pan, then invert the pan, flipping the cake onto the plate.
Garnish slices with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 591.39kcal
Fat: 34.16g
Saturated Fat: 21.09g
Trans Fat: 1.31g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8.94g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.59g
Carbohydrates: 70.07g
Fiber: 2.67g
Sugar: 52.38g
Protein: 4.52g
Cholesterol: 134.62mg
Sodium: 127.96mg
Calcium: 91.83mg
Potassium: 165.30mg
Iron: 1.43mg
Vitamin A: 300.27µg
Vitamin C: 3.38mg

Technique Tip for Making the Perfect Upside-Down Apple Cake

When arranging the apples on top of the sauce, ensure they are evenly spaced and not overlapping. This allows the heat to distribute evenly and cook the apples thoroughly. Additionally, choosing firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp will hold up better during baking and provide a nice texture contrast to the soft cake.

Time-Saving Tips for Making an Upside-Down Apple Cake

Prep ahead: Chop and prepare the apples and the dry ingredients the night before to save time on the day of baking.

Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly mix the cake batter, saving time and effort compared to hand mixing.

Multi-task: While the cake is baking, use that time to prepare the sauce or clean up the kitchen to save time later.

Organize ingredients: Before starting, gather all the ingredients and tools needed for the recipe to avoid last-minute searches and save time.

Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid mistakes that could lead to time-consuming fixes.

Substitute Ingredients For Upside-Down Apple Cake Recipe

butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to butter in baking recipes.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used as a healthier alternative, adding a nutty flavor and more nutrients to the cake.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative, providing a subtle nutty flavor to the cake.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a natural alternative to brown sugar, adding a caramel-like flavor to the cake.

How to Present an Upside-Down Apple Cake

Elevate the plating: When presenting the Upside-Down Apple Cake, focus on creating a visually stunning plate. Use a combination of edible flowers and caramel drizzle to add a touch of elegance to the dish.
Incorporate texture: Introduce a contrast in textures by adding a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to the side of the cake. This will provide a creamy and cool element that complements the warm, spiced flavors of the cake.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the vibrant colors of the apple slices and caramel sauce to stand out. This will create a visually appealing presentation that draws attention to the main components of the dish.
Precision in plating: Pay attention to the placement of each apple slice and ensure that the arrangement is meticulous and deliberate. This attention to detail will showcase the care and skill put into the presentation of the dessert.
Garnish with gold leaf: For a luxurious touch, delicately place slivers of edible gold leaf on the plate. This will add a touch of opulence and sophistication to the dessert, elevating its presentation to a level befitting a Michelin-starred establishment.

How To Store and Freeze an Upside-Down Apple Cake

Allow the upside-down apple cake to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the cake soggy.
To store the cake at room temperature, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. The cake will keep for up to 3 days at room temperature.
For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. The cake will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To freeze the upside-down apple cake:
- Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, making sure to cover all sides.
- Place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze the cake for up to 3 months.
To thaw a frozen upside-down apple cake:
- Remove the cake from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Once thawed, remove the plastic wrap and let the cake come to room temperature before serving.
- If desired, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up before serving.
Note that freezing and thawing the cake may slightly affect its texture and appearance, but it will still taste delicious.

How To Reheat Leftover Upside-Down Apple Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a slice of the upside-down apple cake on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the cake loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out or burning. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cake is heated through and the caramel sauce is bubbling.
For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. Place a slice of the cake on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 30-45 seconds, or until it's warmed to your liking. Be careful not to overheat the cake, as it may become rubbery or dry.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your leftover apple cake. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place a slice of the cake in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the cake is heated through and the edges are slightly crispy.
For a stovetop method, place a slice of the cake in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat the cake for 3-5 minutes, or until it's warmed through and the caramel is melted. This method will give you a slightly crispy bottom and a soft, moist top.
If you want to reheat the entire cake, you can do so in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the cake with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cake is heated through and the caramel sauce is bubbling. This method works best if you have stored the cake in the refrigerator and want to serve it warm.

Random Fact About Upside-Down Apple Cakes

The upside-down apple cake is also known as Tarte Tatin, a classic French dessert. It is believed to have been created by accident by the Tatin sisters in the 1880s. The story goes that one of the sisters accidentally overcooked the apples for a traditional apple pie, and in an attempt to save the dish, she placed the pastry on top of the apples and baked it. The result was the delicious upside-down apple cake we know today. This dessert has since become a beloved classic in French cuisine and is enjoyed around the world.

Is Making an Upside-Down Apple Cake Economical for Home Cooking?

This upside-down apple cake recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as apples, flour, and sugar, are commonly found in most kitchens. The recipe yields a delicious dessert that can serve a family of four, making it a budget-friendly option. The approximate cost for the entire cake is around $8, making it an economical choice for a homemade dessert. As a culinary chef, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and delightful taste.

Is This Upside-Down Apple Cake Healthy or Unhealthy?

This upside-down apple cake recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:

High sugar content: The recipe calls for 1½ cups of sugar in the cake batter and an additional 1 cup of brown sugar in the sauce, which can contribute to excessive calorie intake and potential health issues.
Significant amount of butter: The recipe uses a total of 1¾ cups of butter, which is high in saturated fat and can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems when consumed in excess.
Refined flour: All-purpose flour is used, which is a refined carbohydrate that can cause blood sugar spikes and provide fewer nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the sugar content by using less sugar in the cake batter and replacing some of the brown sugar in the sauce with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour to increase the fiber content and provide more nutrients.
Use a portion of the butter with healthier alternatives like Greek yogurt, applesauce, or mashed avocado to reduce the overall fat content while maintaining moisture.
Incorporate additional spices like nutmeg or ginger to enhance the flavor without relying on excessive sugar.
Serve the cake with a dollop of Greek yogurt instead of ice cream or whipped cream to reduce the added sugar and increase the protein content.

By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious version of this classic dessert that still satisfies your sweet tooth.

Editor's Thoughts on This Upside-Down Apple Cake Recipe

This upside-down apple cake recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors. The moist and tender cake, with a hint of cinnamon, pairs perfectly with the caramelized apples. The rich brown sugar sauce adds a luscious sweetness that complements the tartness of the apples. The presentation of the upside-down cake is visually stunning, making it a beautiful and delicious dessert option. It's a classic recipe that never fails to impress and is sure to become a favorite for any occasion.

Enhance Your Upside-Down Apple Cake Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Vegetables: Try serving the upside-down apple cake with a side of roasted vegetables for a savory and colorful contrast to the sweet and fruity dessert.

Grilled Chicken Breast: Pair the upside-down apple cake with a juicy and flavorful grilled chicken breast for a satisfying and well-balanced meal.

Fruit Salad: Complement the upside-down apple cake with a refreshing and vibrant fruit salad, featuring a variety of seasonal fruits for a burst of freshness.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Upside-Down Apple Cake

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: This creamy tomato basil soup is the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in. The combination of fresh tomatoes, basil, and cream creates a rich and flavorful soup that will warm you up from the inside out.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli: Take your broccoli to the next level with this garlic parmesan roasted broccoli recipe. The crispy, cheesy coating adds a delicious twist to this classic vegetable, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon: For a healthy and flavorful dinner option, try this honey mustard glazed salmon recipe. The sweet and tangy glaze pairs perfectly with the tender, flaky salmon, creating a dish that is both delicious and nutritious.

Peach Cobbler: Indulge in a classic Southern dessert with this peach cobbler recipe. The sweet, juicy peaches are topped with a buttery, golden crust for a dessert that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses to Serve with an Upside-Down Apple Cake

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Impress your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Caprese Skewers: Elevate your appetizer game with these colorful and refreshing Caprese skewers. Alternate cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves on skewers, then drizzle with balsamic glaze for a simple yet elegant starter.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Indulge in a creamy and savory pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and flavorful Alfredo sauce. The perfect comfort food for any occasion.

Beef Stir Fry: Satisfy your cravings with a sizzling and colorful stir fry that features tender beef and a variety of crisp vegetables, all tossed in a savory and aromatic sauce. A delicious and nutritious option for a satisfying meal.

Why trust this Upside-Down Apple Cake Recipe:

This recipe is a tried and tested classic, using butter and sugar to create a rich and flavorful base. The addition of cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the cake, while the use of apples ensures a deliciously moist and fruity topping. The sauce, made with butter and brown sugar, caramelizes beautifully, infusing the cake with a luscious sweetness. The combination of these high-quality ingredients guarantees a delightful dessert that will surely impress.

Want to share your experience baking this Upside-Down Apple Cake or have any tips to perfect the recipe? Join the discussion in the Baking and Desserts forum section!

FAQ:

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

You can check the doneness of the cake by gently poking the top with your finger. If it springs back, it's ready. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.

Can I use a different type of fruit instead of apples?

Yes, you can definitely use different fruits such as pears, peaches, or even pineapple to make an upside-down cake. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness and juiciness of the fruit accordingly.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While you can use margarine as a substitute for butter, the flavor and texture may be slightly different. Butter adds a rich and creamy flavor to the cake, so I recommend using butter for the best results.

How should I store the leftover cake?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can make the cake in advance. Once the cake has cooled completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. The flavors actually meld and improve over time, so it's a great make-ahead dessert for gatherings.