Apple Cake Recipe

This Caramelized Apples Upside Down Cake is a tender, buttery delight that turns humble apples into gooey gold with every slice. The warm spices, melt-in-your-mouth crumb, and glossy caramelized apple topping make it downright irresistible—and surprisingly easy, too!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to a luscious Caramelized Apples Upside Down Cake lies in simple, familiar ingredients used in just the right way. Each one brings unique flavor, moisture, and texture—so don’t skip a thing!

• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced: Choose crisp, slightly tart apples for the best caramelization and structure.
• 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar: Sweetens both the apples and the cake, while helping form that glossy, caramelized top.
• 200g (1 3/4 cups) plain flour: Gives the cake a tender, sturdy crumb that supports the juicy apple layer.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder & 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: This dynamic leavening duo ensures the cake rises light and fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon & 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: These warming spices cozy up the apples and fill your kitchen with amazing aroma.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights every flavor note.
• 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted and cooled: Butter adds richness for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 2 large eggs: They bind everything together and add structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A little vanilla gently perfumes the cake and complements the apples.
• 100ml (1/2 cup) milk: Moistens the batter so your cake stays soft and luscious.
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or raisins: For little bursts of texture and extra pockets of flavor.

Variations

The beauty of Caramelized Apples Upside Down Cake is how wonderfully it welcomes a little creative spin. Whether you want to accommodate a dietary need or simply play with new flavors, here are some favorite twists to try.

• Pear & Apple Twist: Swap one apple for a ripe pear for a gently floral note and even juicier topping.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a trusted 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and your cake will stay light, moist, and scrumptious.
• Go Nutty: Add walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts for a toasty crunch that pairs perfectly with the caramelized fruit.
• Spice It Up: Think about adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom if you crave a toastier, spicier experience.

How to Make Caramelized Apples Upside Down Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Tin

Start by heating your oven to 180°C (350°F), ensuring an even bake. Grease a 9-inch round cake tin and line it with parchment paper—the parchment guarantees a drama-free flip at the end, revealing those beautiful caramelized apples!

Step 2: Prep the Apples

Peel, core, and dice your apples into evenly sized chunks. This not only gives your Caramelized Apples Upside Down Cake a picture-perfect look but also ensures every bite is tender and sweet with just the right bite.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This evenly distributes the leaveners and spices, guaranteeing a cake that bakes up with consistent flavor and lift throughout.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Whisk the cooled, melted butter with your eggs, vanilla extract, and milk in a separate bowl. This smooth blend ensures your cake’s crumb will be light and moist, never dense or dry.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, gently stirring just until combined (don’t overmix!). Fold in your diced apples—and, if you like, toss in some walnuts or raisins for an extra riot of texture and flavor.

Step 6: Bake!

Spoon the batter into your prepared tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven for 40–45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean and the kitchen is filled with the sweet aroma of apples and spice.

Step 7: Cool, Invert, and Serve

Give your Caramelized Apples Upside Down Cake about 10 minutes to cool in the tin (this helps it “set” and prevents landslides when flipping). Turn it out onto a rack—and get ready to ooh and ahh over that glistening apple layer! Serve warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How to Serve Caramelized Apples Upside Down Cake

Garnishes

For a dreamy finishing touch, dust your Caramelized Apples Upside Down Cake with powdered sugar or serve each slice with a generous dollop of whipped cream. A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the warm apple topping is honestly the stuff of dessert dreams.

Side Dishes

This cake absolutely shines beside a simple scoop of cinnamon or caramel gelato, or even a small pour of fresh cream. Pair it with a mug of coffee, chai, or even a little glass of apple cider to echo those rich, autumnal flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Go for rustic charm by serving slices straight from the cake tin, or make it party-ready by cutting into neat wedges and fanning the caramelized apples on a tiered cake stand. For a playful twist, cut into cubes and skewer them with toothpicks for an unexpected dessert bite at your next gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Caramelized Apples Upside Down Cake irresistibly fresh, tightly wrap leftovers and store at room temperature for up to two days. For slightly longer life, pop it in the fridge; a quick warm-up will bring back that just-baked magic.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze it! Cool the cake completely, wrap well in plastic (and foil for extra insurance), and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then let come to room temp or rewarm before serving for peak enjoyment.

Reheating

To reheat individual slices, use a microwave for about 20 seconds or pop in a low oven (170°C/325°F) for 5–10 minutes. This coaxes back the plush, tender crumb and glossy, gooey apple topping—just like fresh!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s simply nothing like the aroma—or that sticky caramelized apple topping—of a homemade Caramelized Apples Upside Down Cake. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and share it with the people you love most. Happy baking!

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