Name: Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe for Sweet Perfection
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium apples, peeled and sliced; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup buttermilk

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There’s something magical about flipping an Apple Upside-Down Cake onto a plate – that moment when the caramelized apples glisten like jewels against golden cake gets me every time! This recipe became my go-to dessert after I first made it for Sunday dinners at my aunt’s farmhouse. The smell of cinnamon-kissed apples caramelizing would have everyone hovering near the kitchen, forks at the ready.

What makes this Apple Upside-Down Cake special isn’t just the gorgeous presentation (though wow, does it impress!). It’s how simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary – tart apples soften into jammy perfection while brown sugar and butter work their magic beneath a cloud-soft vanilla cake. After twenty years of baking this, I still get excited when the cake releases perfectly from the pan with that satisfying “plop” sound. Trust me, once you try this version, you’ll understand why it’s earned a permanent spot in my recipe box.

Ingredients for Apple Upside-Down Cake

Gathering the right ingredients is step one to making this showstopper dessert – and don’t worry, you probably have most of them in your pantry already! Here’s what you’ll need:

2 medium firm apples (I always use Granny Smith – peeled and thinly sliced about 1/4″ thick)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing – trust me, you’ll want that pan well-coated!)
3/4 cup packed brown sugar (dark brown gives the best caramel flavor)

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled – no dense cakes here!)
1 tsp baking powder + 1/2 tsp baking soda (the perfect rise duo)
1/2 tsp cinnamon (more if you’re feeling adventurous)
1/4 tsp salt (balances all that sweetness)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature (this makes all the difference in texture)

1 tsp pure vanilla extract (the good stuff – no imitation here)
1/2 cup buttermilk (or make your own with milk + 1/2 tbsp lemon juice)

See? Nothing fancy – just honest ingredients that work magic together. Now let’s bake!

How to Make Apple Upside-Down Cake

Now for the fun part – turning those simple ingredients into a caramel-topped masterpiece! Don’t let the “upside-down” part intimidate you. Follow these steps, and you’ll have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!).

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Apples

First things first – preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grab your 9-inch round pan and give it a good buttering – I mean really coat it! Mix your melted butter and brown sugar right in the pan, then spread it evenly. This will become your gooey, caramelized topping later. Now arrange those apple slices in a single layer – I like doing concentric circles starting from the outside. Just don’t overlap them too much, or you’ll get uneven baking. A little space between slices lets that caramel bubble up beautifully!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Here’s my grandma’s trick: sift them together twice. It might seem extra, but it makes the cake so light and even! Set this aside while you work on the wet ingredients – the little rest time helps the flavors mingle.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar and egg until they’re pale and smooth – about 2 minutes with a hand mixer. This is where the magic starts! Add the vanilla and give it another quick mix. Now alternate adding your dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry stuff. Mix just until combined – overmixing makes tough cake, and we want cloud-soft!

Step 4: Bake and Flip the Cake

Pour the batter gently over your arranged apples and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes – you’ll know it’s done when a toothpick comes out clean and the edges pull slightly from the pan. Here’s the critical part: let it cool for exactly 10 minutes (set a timer!). Any less, and it might fall apart; any more, and the caramel could stick. Place a plate over the pan, take a deep breath, and flip with confidence! That satisfying “plop” means you’ve nailed it.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Upside-Down Cake

This isn’t just any cake – it’s the kind of dessert that’ll have people begging for the recipe. Here’s why it’s my all-time favorite:

Effortless elegance: That gorgeous caramelized apple top looks like you slaved for hours (I won’t tell!)
One-bowl magic: Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your masterpiece
Texture heaven: Tender cake meets jammy apples in every bite

Smells like home: Cinnamon and caramel will have everyone flocking to the kitchen

Whether it’s a Tuesday night treat or your go-to potluck dish, this Apple Upside-Down Cake never disappoints.

Tips for the Best Apple Upside-Down Cake

After countless batches (and a few flops!), I’ve learned these tricks guarantee perfection every time:

Apple matters: Granny Smith’s tartness balances the caramel’s sweetness perfectly – plus they hold their shape beautifully!
Butter that pan: Use softened butter and really get into every crevice – your future self will thank you during flipping.
Oven check: An inexpensive thermometer ensures your 350°F isn’t actually 375°F (been there!).

Slice thin: 1/4-inch apple slices caramelize evenly without sinking into the batter.

Follow these, and you’ll nail that Instagram-worthy flip every time!

Apple Upside-Down Cake Variations

Once you’ve mastered the classic version, try these fun twists! For crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans over the brown sugar layer before adding apples – they toast beautifully in the caramel. Swap cinnamon for cardamom or ginger if you want something more exotic. My neighbor swears by adding orange zest to the batter for a citrusy kick. The best part? This recipe welcomes creativity, so make it your own!

Serving and Storing Apple Upside-Down Cake

Oh, that first warm slice straight from the oven is absolute heaven! I always serve this cake within minutes of flipping – the caramel’s still gooey and the apples are at their jammy best. A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top? Pure magic. For leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any!), just cover tightly and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. A quick 10-second microwave zap brings back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth!

Apple Upside-Down Cake FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common things people ask me about this showstopping dessert:

Can I use other fruits besides apples?

Absolutely! Pears work beautifully with the caramel, and pineapple rings give you a tropical twist (just pat them dry first). Berries tend to get too juicy though – save those for topping instead.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom?

The golden rule? Don’t skip that 10-minute cooling window before flipping! Also, make sure your oven’s hot enough – a lukewarm oven makes steamed apples instead of caramelized ones.

Can I make Apple Upside-Down Cake ahead?

You sure can! Bake it up to 8 hours before serving. Just warm it gently in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes before flipping – the caramel will loosen right up.

Help! My cake stuck to the pan!

Been there! Next time, butter every inch of that pan like you’re frosting it. Running a knife around the edges after baking helps too. If disaster strikes? Call it “apple caramel crumble” – tastes just as good!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on what’s in each slice (but remember – estimates vary based on ingredients!):

280 calories – perfect for that “just one more bite” urge
12g fat (7g saturated) – thank butter and eggs for that rich texture

42g carbs – mostly from those sweet apples and sugars
2g fiber – hey, there’s fruit in here!

Not bad for a dessert that tastes this indulgent!

Hi, I’m Judy!

I’m a passionate home chef who finds joy in creating delicious meals and sharing them with friends and family. My love for cooking began at a young age, and there’s nothing quite like seeing someone’s face light up after trying one of my dishes.

About Me

Ingredients for Apple Upside-Down Cake