Description

Moist and fluffy, this Apple Upside Down Cake features caramelized apples and a warmly spiced cake, making it the perfect cozy dessert for chilly evenings or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

2 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

1/4 cup unsalted butter (for topping)

1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping)

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

Pinch of salt (for topping)

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs

1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), grease a 9-inch round cake pan, and line the bottom with parchment paper.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup butter for the topping. Stir in 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook until smooth and bubbling, about 2–3 minutes.
Pour the topping mixture into the prepared pan and arrange apple slices on top in an overlapping spiral pattern.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
In another bowl, cream 1/2 cup softened butter with granulated sugar and 1/4 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
Pour the batter over the apples and smooth the top.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate and peel off the parchment paper. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Swap apples for pears for a different flavor.

Add a pinch of ground ginger or clove for extra spice.

Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel layer for crunch.

Use maple syrup in place of some brown sugar for a deeper flavor.

Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk for a dairy-free version.

Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for 4 days.

Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 310
Sugar: 27g
Sodium: 170mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 70mg