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Apple Upside Down Cake

Irresistible Apple Upside Down Cake That Will Warm Your Heart

This Apple Upside Down Cake combines tender apples and sweet caramel for a heartwarming dessert.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Caramel Base
  • 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) Provides natural sweetness and moisture; substitute with pears or peaches for variety.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter Essential for creating the caramel base; use margarine for a dairy-free option.
  • 1 cup brown sugar Adds sweetness and depth with a hint of molasses flavor; light brown sugar can be substituted if needed.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Enhances the flavor profile with warmth and spice; nutmeg can also be used for a change.
For the Cake Batter
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Gives structure to the cake; a gluten-free flour blend may be used for a gluten-free version.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder Acts as the leavening agent; ensure it is fresh for best results.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Works with brown sugar for leavening; can be omitted if using self-rising flour.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the cake; for reduced sugar, use a sugar substitute suitable for baking.
  • 2 large eggs Provides richness and moisture; egg replacements can be used for a vegan option.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds a hint of aromatic sweetness; use pure vanilla for best flavor.
  • 1/2 cup milk Adds moisture and enriches the batter; dairy-free milk alternatives work as a substitute.

Equipment

  • 9-inch round cake pan
  • medium saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Apple Upside Down Cake
  1. Start by peeling, coring, and thinly slicing the three medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp). Aim for about 1/4-inch thick wedges.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 1 cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon until the mixture becomes smooth and starts to bubble, about 3-4 minutes. Pour this caramel into a greased 9-inch round cake pan.
  3. Layer the apple slices artistically over the melted caramel in the cake pan, ensuring they cover as much area as possible.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. In another bowl, cream together 1 cup of granulated sugar and 2 eggs until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes. Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 cup of milk until combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet batter, stirring gently until just incorporated. Pour this cake batter over the arranged apples in the pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes.
  6. Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 6mg

Notes

Serve the Apple Upside Down Cake warm for the best experience, ideally with ice cream or whipped cream.

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