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Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

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4.1 from 26 reviews

This Apple Upside Down Cake is a moist, tender dessert featuring a caramelized apple topping that bakes into a buttery brown sugar glaze. Using Honeycrisp apples sliced into thin half circles, the cake combines warm cinnamon and vanilla flavors in a simple buttery cake base. Perfect for fall or year-round, this cake is easy to prepare with pantry staples and bakes to a golden perfection with a luscious apple topping.

  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Topping

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 3 Honeycrisp apples, cut into 1/4-inch thick half circles (no need to peel)

Cake

  • 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour, properly measured
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup milk (whole or skim)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the cake evenly.
  2. Prepare the Topping: Add 1/4 cup of unsalted butter to a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan. Place it in the oven just long enough for the butter to melt completely.
  3. Add Brown Sugar: Sprinkle 1/2 cup light brown sugar evenly over the melted butter at the bottom of the pan, creating a caramel base for the apple topping.
  4. Arrange Apples: Cut 3 Honeycrisp apples into 1/4-inch thick half circles (no peeling needed). Arrange the apple slices in concentric overlapping circles over the brown sugar layer until the bottom of the pan is covered.
  5. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until combined.
  6. Add Wet Ingredients: Add 3/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 large egg to the dry mixture. Whisk gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
  7. Pour Batter Over Apples: Pour the batter evenly over the arranged apple slices, smoothing the surface from edge to edge to create an even layer.
  8. Bake the Cake: Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
  9. Cool and Flip: After baking, run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cake. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate so the apple topping is on top.

Notes

  • You can substitute salted butter for unsalted butter and omit the added salt in the cake batter.
  • Dark brown sugar can be used instead of light brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
  • Any baking apple variety can be used: Granny Smith for a tarter topping, Pink Lady for a sweeter one.
  • Weighing flour is the most accurate measurement method; alternatively, spoon and level the flour into the measuring cup.
  • Cinnamon can be omitted or substituted with other warm spices like nutmeg or allspice if desired.
  • Any milk, from whole to skim, works well; whole milk makes for a moister, richer cake. Plant-based milks like almond milk are also suitable.
  • Nutrition values provided are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and exact measurements.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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