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Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

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★★★★

3.9 from 34 reviews

This classic Apple Upside Down Cake combines caramelized apples with a moist, fluffy batter baked to golden perfection in a cast iron skillet or cake pan. The tender apple topping infused with buttery brown sugar caramel delivers a comforting dessert perfect for any season.

Ingredients

Scale

Apple Topping

  • 2 to 3 medium apples, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter

Cake Batter

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch cast iron skillet or cake pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and set aside.
  2. Make Caramel Topping: Place 1/4 cup unsalted butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar in the pan over medium heat. Allow the mixture to melt and bubble gently, stirring occasionally until smooth and caramelized. Remove the pan from the heat to avoid burning.
  3. Arrange Apples: Quickly but carefully, lay the thinly sliced apples in a circular pattern over the warm caramel in the pan, ensuring an even layer that covers the bottom completely.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until evenly combined.
  5. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large mixing bowl, cream 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes using a hand or stand mixer.
  6. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the 2 large eggs one at a time, then add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition to incorporate fully.
  7. Combine Batter: Alternately add the dry flour mixture and 1/2 cup milk (or buttermilk) to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which helps keep the cake tender.
  8. Pour Batter Over Apples: Pour the prepared batter evenly over the apples in the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to level it out.
  9. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
  10. Cool and Invert: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 to 15 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake, then carefully place a serving plate over the pan and invert it to release the cake so the caramelized apple topping is on top.
  11. Serve: Serve the Apple Upside Down Cake warm, optionally paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Notes

  • Allow the caramel topping to cool slightly before layering the apples to prevent the slices from shifting and sliding around.
  • Be careful not to overmix the batter to ensure a light and fluffy cake texture.
  • For additional flavor, add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients to complement the apples beautifully.

Keywords: apple upside down cake, caramel apple cake, skillet cake, autumn dessert, baked apple cake, traditional dessert

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