This Apple Upside Down Cake is a warm, sweet treat topped with soft, caramelized apples. It’s like a hug from the oven that’s sure to make you smile!
I love flipping it over to reveal the beautiful apple design. Plus, it’s super easy to bake—mix, pour, and let the oven do the work. Perfect with a scoop of ice cream! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith apples are great for baking due to their tartness, but Fuji or Honeycrisp can add sweetness. You can also use any firm apple varieties you enjoy, just make sure they hold up well when baked.
Butter: Unsalted butter is key, as it allows you to control the salt content. If you’re dairy-free, you can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute for a similar effect.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar gives sweetness and moisture. You can substitute with white sugar, but the flavor won’t be as rich. For a healthier option, coconut sugar works too!
Sour Cream/Yogurt: This adds moisture and tanginess. If you don’t have it, try using buttermilk or a non-dairy yogurt for a lighter option. Applesauce can also work for a lower-fat version!
What’s the Trick for Layering the Apples Perfectly?
Arranging the apples nicely is important for the cake’s presentation! Here’s how to do it:
- Start from the outside and work your way in, laying slices in a circular pattern.
- Overlap the apples slightly; this helps them caramelize evenly and look pretty when you flip the cake.
- Feel free to add a sprinkle of cinnamon over the apples for extra flavor!
Taking your time with this step makes a big impact on how the cake turns out. Have fun with it! 😊
Apple Upside Down Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Topping:
- 3 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
For the Cake Batter:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Apple Upside Down Cake takes about 15 minutes to prep and 40-50 minutes to bake. After that, let it cool for about 15 minutes before flipping and serving. In total, you should set aside about an hour and a half, mostly for baking and cooling!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Cake Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, grease a 9-inch round cake pan so nothing sticks to it later!
2. Make the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar together. Pour this mixture evenly into the bottom of the greased cake pan. This will caramelize beautifully when baked!
3. Arrange the Apples:
Now, take those sliced apples and arrange them tightly in a circular pattern over the brown sugar mixture. Cover the entire bottom of the pan evenly—this is what will look so pretty when you flip the cake later!
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This way, all the dry ingredients are combined and ready to add to the wet ingredients.
5. Make the Batter:
In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar and eggs until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. It’s fun to see it transform! Then, mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream (or yogurt) until it’s all smooth and well combined.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; you don’t want to overmix it.
7. Pour the Batter:
Carefully pour the batter over the arranged apples in the pan, spreading it gently to ensure it covers the apples evenly. This helps with the final look of the cake!
8. Bake the Cake:
Now, it’s time to bake! Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
9. Cool and Invert:
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. After cooling, take a serving plate and place it upside down on top of the cake pan. Carefully invert the pan so the cake flips onto the plate, revealing the apples on top. This is a fun moment!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the cake cool a bit more before slicing and serving. You can enjoy it on its own or add a scoop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream—it’s heavenly!
Enjoy your delicious, tender, and buttery Apple Upside Down Cake with its beautiful caramelized apple topping! 🍏🍰
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith is great for its tartness, you can also use Fuji, Honeycrisp, or any firm apple variety you prefer. Just ensure they’re good for baking!
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! This cake can be made a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil after it cools completely, and store it at room temperature. To refresh, warm it slightly in the oven before serving.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for about a week. Just remember to reheat gently before enjoying!
Can I Substitute Sour Cream?
Yes! If you don’t have sour cream, you can use plain yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute. For a lighter option, applesauce can work too, but it may alter the flavor slightly.