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Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 6 reviews

This Apple Upside Down Cake features tender, spiced apples caramelized with a rich brown sugar and butter sauce, topped with a moist apple-flavored cake. Perfect as a comforting dessert with a warm caramel drizzle, this cake combines the best flavors of fall in a simple, elegant presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

Caramel Sauce

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ¾ cup brown sugar, packed (105 grams)
  • ¼ cup heavy cream

Cake

  • 1 baking apple, peeled and sliced
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed (70 grams)
  • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (125 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon apple pie spice or cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Make the Caramel Sauce: In a small pot, combine the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring often until the mixture is melted and smooth. Bring it to a boil, stirring constantly, and allow it to boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and set aside half for topping later.
  2. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch round cake pan or pie plate. Pour half of the prepared caramel sauce evenly into the bottom of the pan.
  3. Arrange the Apples: Place the peeled and sliced baking apple pieces neatly on top of the caramel sauce in the pan, arranging them in a single layer.
  4. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the unsweetened applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract, continuing to whisk until fully combined.
  5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, apple pie spice (or cinnamon), baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  6. Make the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir gently just until combined. Do not overmix to ensure a tender cake crumb.
  7. Assemble the Cake: Carefully spoon the cake batter over the arranged apples in the pan and spread it gently to cover the apples evenly.
  8. Bake the Cake: Place a piece of foil under the cake pan to catch any drips. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes, or until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
  9. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool and sit in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully invert it onto a large serving plate. Serve warm or at room temperature, drizzled with the reserved warmed caramel sauce if desired.

Notes

  • Use a firm baking apple such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture.
  • Apple pie spice can be substituted with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
  • Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
  • Invert the cake while it is still slightly warm to help the caramel stick nicely to the apples.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple upside down cake, caramel apple cake, easy apple dessert, fall desserts, spiced apple cake

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