Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Craving a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious? This Apple Upside-Down Cake recipe is here to delight your taste buds and wow your guests! With caramelized apples layered over a soft, buttery cake, this treat is the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a cozy evening treat, this cake is sure to become a favorite.

Each bite features tender, juicy apples coated in a luscious caramel glaze, paired with a perfectly moist cake infused with warm cinnamon and vanilla flavors. The presentation is just as delightful, with golden apples creating a gorgeous crown that’s revealed with the first flip of the pan.

What makes it special? The combination of tart apples, rich caramel, and a light, flavorful cake creates a dessert that’s as comforting as it is impressive. Plus, the upside-down baking method ensures every apple slice stays beautifully glazed and tender.

Perfect for any season, but especially magical in the fall, this Apple Upside-Down Cake is a must-bake for anyone who loves the classic pairing of apples and cinnamon. Let’s get started and enjoy the ultimate cozy indulgence!

Apple Upside Down Cake

Caramelize sugar and butter, cook apple wedges, create cornmeal-based batter. Spread caramelized apples in pan, top with batter. Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes. Invert cake, revealing golden caramelized apple topping when served.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 357 kcal

Equipment

  • 10-inch cake pan
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wooden spoon
  • Non-stick skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • cup cornmeal
  • lbs Braeburn, Jonagold, or Golden Delicious apples (about 4 medium), peeled, quartered, cored, each quarter cut into 2 wedges
  • 8 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup boiling water
  • cup whole milk
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • cup white granulated sugar, divided

Instructions
 

  • Caramelize sugar and butter in the skillet until golden brown.
  • Add apple wedges, cook until tender and coated in caramel.
  • Spread apples and caramel in prepared cake pan.
  • Mix cornmeal, boiling water, sugar, butter, vanilla, and eggs.
  • Alternately add flour mixture and milk to batter.
  • Pour batter over apples, bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.Cool, invert, and serve.

Notes

  • Caramel may harden when added to pan but will remelt during baking.
  • Use ripe, firm apples for best texture and flavor.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories357kcal
Total Fat13g
Carbohydrates57g
Protein4g

Tips To Make Apple Upside-Down Cake Taste Better!

  1. Spice Blend: Add warm spices to the batter: ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom.
  2. Apple Selection: Recommended combo: Granny Smith (tartness) + Honeycrisp (sweetness).
  3. Caramel Upgrades: Add a splash of bourbon or dark rum to caramel for richness.

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