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Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 133 reviews

This classic Apple Upside Down Cake features tender honeycrisp apples caramelized in brown sugar and butter, topped with a moist, cinnamon-infused cake batter baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a cozy dessert or afternoon treat, this recipe combines simple ingredients with straightforward steps to create a deliciously impressive cake.

Ingredients

Scale

Topping

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

Cake Batter

  • 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
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cake.
  2. Melt Butter for Topping: Add 1/4 cup of unsalted butter to a 9-inch round cake pan or a springform pan, then place the pan in the oven for a few minutes until the butter is fully melted.
  3. Add Brown Sugar: Sprinkle 1/2 cup light brown sugar evenly over the melted butter in the bottom of the pan to create the caramel base.
  4. Prepare and Arrange Apples: Slice 3 Honeycrisp apples into 1/4-inch thick half circles without peeling. Arrange these slices in concentric circles on top of the brown sugar in the pan, overlapping slightly to cover the entire bottom.
  5. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing 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 well combined.
  6. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in 3/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 large egg into the dry ingredients. Whisk gently until just combined to make a smooth batter.
  7. Pour Batter Over Apples: Pour the batter evenly over the arranged apple slices in the pan. Use a spatula or spoon to smooth the batter from edge to edge to cover the apples completely.
  8. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
  9. Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and run a knife around the edges to loosen it from the pan. Let the cake cool to room temperature in the pan, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate so the caramelized apples are on top. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Honeycrisp apples are preferred for their sweet-tart flavor and firmness, but other crisp apples can be used.
  • No need to peel the apples; the skin adds texture and nutrients.
  • Ensure flour is properly measured by spooning it into the cup and leveling off with a knife for best results.
  • Let the cake cool before flipping to avoid breakage and allow the caramel topping to set.
  • For extra flavor, consider sprinkling a pinch of nutmeg or allspice into the batter along with cinnamon.
  • Use a springform pan if available for easier cake removal.
  • Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Keywords: Apple Upside Down Cake, caramelized apples, honeycrisp apple cake, cinnamon apple cake, baked apple dessert

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