Apple Down Cake Recipe

Introduction

Apple Down Cake is a delightful twist on traditional apple desserts, featuring tender apples caramelized with brown sugar at the bottom and a moist, spiced cake on top. This easy-to-make cake highlights the natural sweetness of Honeycrisp apples, perfect for cozy afternoons or dessert after dinner.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 3 Honeycrisp apples
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (properly measured)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Add 1/4 cup unsalted butter to a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan. Place the pan in the oven for a few minutes until the butter has melted.
3. Step 3: Remove the pan and evenly sprinkle the brown sugar over the melted butter at the bottom.
4. Step 4: Cut the apples into 1/4-inch thick half circles, no need to peel. Arrange the apple slices in concentric circles on top of the brown sugar, overlapping slightly to cover the entire bottom of the pan. Set aside.
5. Step 5: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
6. Step 6: Add the milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg to the dry ingredients. Whisk gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
7. Step 7: Pour the batter evenly over the arranged apple slices, smoothing the top if needed.
8. Step 8: Bake the cake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Step 9: Run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cake. Let it cool to room temperature before inverting the cake onto a serving plate.

Tips & Variations

• Use Honeycrisp apples for the best balance of sweetness and firmness, but Granny Smith or Fuji apples work well too.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle a bit of nutmeg or ground ginger into the dry ingredients.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a comforting dessert.
• If you prefer, line the pan with parchment paper to help with flipping and cleanup.

Storage

Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a low oven until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use apples other than Honeycrisp?

Yes, you can substitute Honeycrisp with other firm apples like Granny Smith or Fuji. Choose apples that hold their shape well during baking to maintain the texture of the cake.

Do I need to peel the apples?

No, peeling is not necessary. The apple skins add texture and nutrients, and they soften nicely during baking.

Apple Down Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 66 reviews

This Apple Down Cake is a delightful upside-down dessert featuring tender Honeycrisp apples arranged over a buttery brown sugar base, topped with a moist cinnamon-spiced cake. Baked to golden perfection, this comforting cake combines fruity tartness with warm sweetness, perfect for a cozy gathering or an indulgent treat.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 3 Honeycrisp apples, sliced into 1/4-inch thick half circles (no need to peel)

For the Cake Batter:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (properly measured)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cake evenly.
2. Melt Butter in Pan: Add 1/4 cup of unsalted butter to a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan. Place the pan in the oven for a few minutes until the butter melts completely, creating a buttery base.
3. Add Brown Sugar: Carefully remove the pan and sprinkle 1/2 cup light brown sugar evenly over the melted butter to form the caramelized bottom layer.
4. Arrange Apples: Cut the Honeycrisp apples into 1/4-inch thick half circles without peeling. Arrange them in overlapping concentric circles on top of the brown sugar layer, covering the entire bottom of the pan. Set aside this prepared pan.
5. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until thoroughly combined.
6. Add Wet Ingredients: To the dry mixture, add 3/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 large egg. Whisk gently until the batter is just combined, taking care not to overmix.
7. Pour Batter over Apples: Pour the prepared batter evenly over the arranged apple slices in the pan. Use a spatula to smooth the batter from edge to edge so the apples are well covered.
8. Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
9. Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and run a knife around the edges to loosen it. Allow the cake to cool to room temperature in the pan. Once cooled, carefully flip the cake onto a serving plate so the apples are on top. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

• Use Honeycrisp apples for a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness; you can substitute other firm apples like Granny Smith or Fuji.
• Do not peel the apples as the skins help maintain the fruit’s structure during baking.
• Properly measuring flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it are important for the cake texture.
• A springform pan makes flipping the cake easier, but a regular round cake pan works fine if you are careful.
• Serve slightly warm or at room temperature, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Keywords: Apple Down Cake, upside-down apple cake, Honeycrisp apple dessert, cinnamon apple cake, easy fruit cake