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apple upside down cake - featured image

Apple Upside Down Cake: Best Easy Fall Birthday Dessert Recipe

  • Author: Rachel Summers
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x

Description

This cozy apple upside down cake features caramelized apples, a sticky glaze, and a soft, buttery cake. It’s the perfect easy fall birthday dessert, made with simple pantry ingredients and guaranteed to bring everyone together.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free blend)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (or dairy-free milk)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. In a small saucepan or skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Add 1/2 cup brown sugar, stirring until dissolved and bubbling (about 2 minutes).
  3. Add apple slices, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring gently, until apples are soft but not mushy and mixture is glossy.
  4. Pour caramelized apples and syrup into prepared cake pan. Spread evenly, overlapping slices if needed.
  5. In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened butter and 1/2 cup sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
  6. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.
  7. Add half the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix gently. Pour in half the milk, then repeat with remaining flour and milk. Mix until just combined.
  8. Carefully spoon batter over apples in the pan. Spread gently with a spatula to the edges.
  9. Bake in the center of the oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  10. Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen. Place a plate over the pan and flip swiftly. Remove pan and peel off parchment paper. Patch any apples back on top if needed.
  11. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Use a sharp knife and pie server for neat slices.

Notes

For gluten-free, use a 1:1 blend. Dairy-free milk and butter work well. Apples should be sliced evenly for best results. If apples are extra juicy, let topping cool longer before flipping. Place a baking sheet under the pan to catch bubbling caramel. Flavors deepen after a day or two, so making ahead is recommended.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of cake)
  • Calories: 270
  • Sugar: 25
  • Sodium: 160
  • Fat: 12
  • Saturated Fat: 7
  • Carbohydrates: 38
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 3

Keywords: apple upside down cake, fall dessert, birthday cake, easy cake, caramelized apples, autumn baking, gluten-free option, dairy-free option

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Find it online: https://theyumtaste.com/apple-upside-down-cake-best-easy-fall-birthday-dessert-recipe/