Apple Upside Down Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the sweetness of caramelized apples and a fluffy cake base. This classic recipe is a favorite for gatherings and special occasions, impressing guests with its beautiful presentation and irresistible flavor. The combination of tart Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon creates a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen and warms your heart. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious upside down apple dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Upside Down Cake
This Apple Upside Down Cake is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:
- Moist and Fluffy: The cake is incredibly moist, thanks to the fresh apples.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginners can achieve a perfect cake.
- Versatile: You can swap apples with pears or peaches, adding your favorite fruits.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a family dinner, this cake fits all.
- Caramelized Perfection: The brown sugar glaze creates a stunning caramel topping.
- Great Leftovers: It stays delicious for days, making it a fantastic make-ahead dessert.
This recipe is the best recipe for Apple Upside Down Cake that you’ll ever try, embodying the essence of homemade comfort food.
Ingredients for Apple Upside Down Cake
Gather these items:
- 3 medium-sized Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
How to Make Apple Upside Down Cake Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice apples into thin wedges, about ¼-inch thick, and set aside.
- Step 2: Make the Caramel Base: Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in brown sugar and cinnamon until bubbly and smooth. Pour into a greased cake pan.
- Step 3: Arrange the Apples: Layer apple slices over the caramel mixture, covering it entirely.
- Step 4: Prepare the Cake Batter: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in one bowl. In another bowl, cream sugar and eggs, add vanilla and milk, then combine with dry ingredients.
- Step 5: Combine and Bake: Pour batter over apples and bake at 350°F for 40 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 6: Cool and Serve: Allow cake to cool for 10 minutes, then invert onto a plate to reveal the caramel topping.
Pro Tips for the Best Apple Upside Down Cake
Keep these in mind:
- Can substitute apples with pears or peaches for a twist.
- Use gluten-free flour if needed for dietary restrictions.
- Reduce salt if using salted butter to avoid overpowering flavors.
- Nutmeg can replace cinnamon for a different spice profile.
- Make sure not to over-mix the batter for a light texture.
Best Ways to Serve Apple Upside Down Cake
This cake is a showstopper on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions:
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination.
- Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a delightful finish.

How to Store and Reheat Apple Upside Down Cake
To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to enjoy, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes. This way, you can savor the deliciousness of this homemade apple upside down dessert any day of the week!
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Upside Down Cake
What’s the secret to perfect Apple Upside Down Cake?
The secret lies in using freshly sliced apples and ensuring they are evenly layered in the caramel sauce. This will create a beautiful presentation and a moist texture.
Can I make Apple Upside Down Cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the cake a day in advance. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container and warm it slightly before serving.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Apple Upside Down Cake?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure your baking powder and soda are fresh for proper rising, and do not overmix your batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Variations of Apple Upside Down Cake You Can Try
Feel free to experiment with these delicious variations:
- Use different fruits like peaches or pears for a unique flavor.
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Incorporate spices such as nutmeg or ginger for a warm twist.
This Apple Upside Down Cake is not only a classic but also a versatile dessert that can be tailored to your tastes. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful recipe with friends and family!

For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection. If you’re interested in other desserts, you might enjoy our Pumpkin Patch Cookies or Pistachio Cheesecake Delight. Don’t forget to explore our Caramel Apple Crumble Bread for a delightful twist on apple desserts!
For more information on the health benefits of apples, you can visit Healthline.
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Delicious Apple Upside Down Cake to Delight Your Guests
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously Fluffy Apple Upside Down Cake to Wow Your Guests
Ingredients
- 3 medium-sized Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice apples into thin wedges, about ¼-inch thick, and set aside.
- Make the Caramel Base: Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in brown sugar and cinnamon until bubbly and smooth. Pour into a greased cake pan.
- Arrange the Apples: Layer apple slices over the caramel mixture, covering it entirely.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in one bowl. In another bowl, cream sugar and eggs, add vanilla and milk, then combine with dry ingredients.
- Combine and Bake: Pour batter over apples and bake at 350°F for 40 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow cake to cool for 10 minutes, then invert onto a plate to reveal the caramel topping.
Notes
- Can substitute apples with pears or peaches.
- Use gluten-free flour if needed.
- Reduce salt if using salted butter.
- Nutmeg can replace cinnamon.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg









