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Apple Upside Down Cake

Apple Upside Down Cake
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Delight in a classic Apple Upside Down Cake featuring tender, caramelized apples atop a moist, buttery cake. Perfectly balancing natural apple sweetness with rich caramel and warm spices, this easy-to-make dessert suits any occasion and impresses with its eye-catching presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

Apple Topping

  • 3–4 firm apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

Cake Batter

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for gluten-free version)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon cloves
  • 1/4 cup milk (or plant-based milk for vegan version)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apple Topping: Peel, core, and slice the apples evenly. In a skillet, melt butter and brown sugar together over medium heat until bubbly. Arrange the apple slices on top and let them caramelize slightly.
  2. Make the Cake Batter: In a bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Gradually fold in combined dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—alternating with milk to maintain moisture.
  3. Assemble the Cake: Pour the batter gently over the caramelized apple layer in the skillet or baking pan, spreading evenly without disturbing the fruit beneath.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  5. Invert and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes, then carefully flip onto a serving plate so the caramelized apples become the top, ready to impress.

Notes

  • Choose firm apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
  • Caramelize the butter and sugar mixture over medium heat to avoid burning while softening the apples.
  • Mix the batter only until combined to keep the cake tender and light.
  • Cool the cake slightly before flipping to ensure the caramel topping sets and prevents sticking.
  • Line the pan with parchment paper to ease removal, especially with sticky caramel layers.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple upside down cake, caramelized apples, easy apple cake, gluten-free apple cake, spiced apple dessert

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