Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe with you because it’s truly one of those desserts that feels cozy, classic, and just a little bit magical. The way those tender, cinnamon-kissed apples caramelize under a buttery brown sugar glaze creates a sweet and fragrant base that absolutely steals the show. Plus, this cake has a rustic charm that works perfectly for family dinners, weekend brunches, or whenever you crave something nostalgic and comforting.

When I first tried this Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe, I was amazed at how simple it was yet incredibly impressive to serve. No fancy techniques or weird ingredients—just real, wholesome flavors that come together beautifully every time. The best part? You don’t have to peel the apples, which saves so much prep time and keeps the fruit flavorful and taut. Trust me, once you make this, it will be one of your go-to fall recipes and any time you want to bring a little warmth and sweetness into your kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe plays its part in creating the perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and tangy apple flavors. I always recommend using Honeycrisp apples because they hold their shape well and have a perfect mix of sweetness and tartness, but feel free to use what you have on hand.

• Unsalted Butter: Divided for the topping and cake batter, it keeps the flavor rich without extra saltiness.
• Light Brown Sugar: Provides the caramelization for the apples—go for light rather than dark for a milder flavor.
• Honeycrisp Apples: These are my favorites for this cake because they stay firm and juicy after baking.
• All-Purpose Flour: Make sure to measure properly by spooning and leveling for consistent results.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cake’s light texture.
• Baking Powder: Gives the cake enough lift to stay soft and fluffy.
• Ground Cinnamon: Infuses the cake with warm, comforting spice that complements the apples perfectly.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance flavor.
• Milk: Adds moisture and keeps the cake tender; whole milk works best but any milk will do.
• Vanilla Extract: Elevates overall flavor with a sweet floral note.
• Large Egg: Helps bind the cake while adding richness.

Variations

Feel free to make this Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe your own! I love swapping out a few ingredients or adding touches to tweak it for different tastes and dietary needs—I encourage you to experiment and find your favorite version.

• Spiced Variation: I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the batter for extra autumn vibes that my family adores.
• Gluten-Free: Using a gluten-free flour blend works wonderfully—just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum for structure.
• Different Apples: If Honeycrisp aren’t around, Granny Smith or Fuji apples also bake nicely with a slightly different flavor profile.
• Vegan Modification: Swap the butter for coconut oil and use a flax egg instead of the regular egg for a plant-based version that still tastes delicious.

How to Make Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Caramelized Apple Topping

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Place ¼ cup of unsalted butter into a 9-inch round cake pan, then pop it in the oven for a few minutes until melted—this trick ensures a beautifully even buttery layer. Once melted, remove it carefully and sprinkle the light brown sugar evenly over the butter. Next, slice your apples into ¼-inch thick half-moons without peeling them; the skins add lovely texture and hold the slices intact. Arrange the apple slices in concentric circles atop the brown sugar, overlapping slightly until the bottom is fully covered. This creates that stunning, glossy apple mosaic that’ll become the star of your cake.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined. In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk the milk, melted butter (the remaining ¼ cup), vanilla extract, and the egg until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix to keep your cake light and fluffy.

Step 3: Bake and Flip

Pour the batter over the arranged apple slices, smoothing the top gently with a spatula to fill the pan evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, run a knife carefully around the edges to loosen the cake, then let it cool to room temperature for about 20 minutes. This cooling period is key for the caramel to set, making sure your cake flips out cleanly. When you’re ready, place a serving plate atop the pan and flip it over confidently to reveal those gorgeous caramelized apples on top.

How to Serve Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this Apple Upside Down Cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—their creaminess balances the caramelized apples perfectly. A sprinkle of toasted chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts adds a nice crunch that my family can’t get enough of. Sometimes, I drizzle a little homemade caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with warm drinks like spiced chai tea or a cup of rich coffee, making it a perfect dessert or afternoon treat. I’ve also served it alongside a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette when we want dessert with a lighter meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered this cake with cinnamon whipped cream between slices for a trifle-inspired twist. Another fun idea is to bake individual mini versions in ramekins or muffin tins—each one is a cute, personal portion that looks adorable at parties or brunches. You can also arrange extra sliced apples on top post-bake and glaze with warm honey for an added glossy finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, I like to store leftover cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep the apples tender but not soggy. If your kitchen is warm, storing it in the fridge is better, but do bring the cake back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe successfully, though I recommend freezing it before flipping to keep the topping intact. Wrap the pan securely with plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then flip and serve. The texture holds up well, making it a great make-ahead dessert for busy days.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, I gently warm slices in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10 minutes or so, which revives the caramel sauce and softens the cake without drying it out. Microwave works in a pinch but can make the cake rubbery, so I save that for quick snacks.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe brings warmth and sunshine to my kitchen, especially during chilly evenings or holiday gatherings. It feels like the kind of homemade dessert that creates memories—simple, sweet, and utterly satisfying. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do, and your family and friends will be asking for seconds. So grab those apples, butter, and brown sugar, and give this one a try—you won’t regret it!

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