Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

If you’ve ever swooned over the classic pineapple upside down cake, wait till you try this **Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe** that’s guaranteed to win hearts with its cozy, fall-inspired flavors. Imagine tender, cinnamon-kissed apples caramelized at the bottom and a moist, spiced cake on top—this recipe is seriously fan-freaking-tastic and perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in on your own.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe plays a key role in marrying texture and flavor. Using applesauce instead of eggs keeps the cake moist, while the blend of cinnamon and nutmeg brings that comforting, spicy warmth you crave in pies and desserts.

• Vegan butter: Melts smoothly to form the caramel base for the apples, adding a luscious richness without dairy.
• Brown sugar: Its molasses content deepens the caramel flavor and pairs perfectly with the apples.
• Ground cinnamon: Essential for that classic fall spice note, balancing sweetness with warmth.
• Pure vanilla extract: Enhances both the apple topping and cake flavors for added depth.
• Apples: Choose firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to hold their shape and provide a nice contrast to the sweet topping.
• All purpose flour: Gives the cake structure—feel free to swap with gluten-free flour for allergy-friendly baking.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the cake batter and helps create a tender crumb.
• Baking powder: The lift that makes your cake rise light and fluffy.
• Ground nutmeg: A little goes a long way to complement the cinnamon and bring warmth.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
• Applesauce: It’s a fantastic substitute for eggs here, keeping the cake moist and tender.
• Soy milk: Adds moisture without overpowering the flavors; you can swap for almond or oat milk if you like.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe is how easy it is to personalize based on what you love or the ingredients you have on hand. I’ve played around with a few tweaks that I think you’ll enjoy trying too.

• Change up the fruit: I’ve swapped apples for ripe pears or even peaches during summer. Each brings a slightly different sweetness but still caramelizes beautifully.
• Spice it up: Sometimes I add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to complement the cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s subtle but adds warmth that’s super cozy.
• Make it gluten-free: I’ve used a gluten-free all purpose blend with great success; just be sure it includes xanthan gum to keep the texture nice and tender.
• Sweeten to taste: If you love things less sweet, reduce the granulated sugar in the cake by a few tablespoons — the caramel apples add plenty of natural sweetness on their own.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and prep your pan

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F. I like to butter just the sides of my 9-inch cake pan but skip buttering the bottom since the caramel sauce will prevent sticking. Just trust me on this; less hassle when the cake flips out perfectly.

Step 2: Make that dreamy apple topping

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt your vegan butter and brown sugar together, whisking often until smooth—about a minute is all it takes here. Then turn off the heat and stir in cinnamon and vanilla for that extra aroma. Pour this caramel sauce right into your pan’s bottom, then neatly arrange your peeled, thin apple slices on top. I find slicing apples thin helps them cook evenly without turning to mush.

Step 3: Whisk the cake batter together

In a large bowl, whisk your dry ingredients—flour, sugars, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt—until well combined. Then pour in the melted butter, applesauce, soy milk, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix here, or your cake could end up tough instead of tender.

Step 4: Bake and invert with confidence

Pour your batter evenly over the arranged apples in the pan. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes—or until a toothpick comes out clean. When it’s done, let it cool for 5 minutes (I know, it’s hard to wait!), then flip it onto your favorite serving plate. That moment when the caramel apple layer is revealed? Pure magic.

How to Serve Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Garnishes

My go-to garnish here is a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream melting slowly over a warm slice—so dreamy. You could also try a dollop of coconut whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted pecans for some added texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

I often pair this cake with a simple cup of chai tea or fresh brewed coffee, making it a perfect cozy afternoon treat or dessert after dinner. If you want to serve a more substantial meal alongside, light salads or roasted vegetables work well to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve turned this Apple Upside Down Cake into mini versions using muffin tins—same delicious caramelized apples but individually portioned for easier serving. You can also decorate the top with fresh apple slices or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving for a festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I find it tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld, though the cake will be slightly firmer.

Freezing

I like to freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, pop a slice in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 325°F for 10 minutes. Serve with your favorite vanilla ice cream or cream for a fresh, cozy dessert experience.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s the kind of dessert that brings people to the table with smiles and warms your whole kitchen with its cozy aroma. Whether you’re baking it for a holiday, a casual weekend treat, or to impress guests, it’s unfailingly delicious and surprisingly easy. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it your own! Happy baking, my friend.

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