Get ready to transform your kitchen into a heavenly bakery with the most irresistible Homemade Apple Upside Down Cake that will make your taste buds dance with delight! Imagine a golden, moist cake topped with caramelized apples that glisten like jewels, promising a dessert experience that's both nostalgic and sophisticated. This classic American treat is not just a cake – it's a warm hug on a plate that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3-4 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing it thoroughly with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- In a skillet, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir until it creates a smooth caramel-like sauce. Pour this mixture evenly into the prepared cake pan.
- Peel and slice the apples into thin, uniform slices. Arrange the apple slices in a decorative pattern on top of the caramel sauce, covering the entire bottom of the pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the remaining 1/4 cup butter and white sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Carefully pour the cake batter over the arranged apple slices, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate, allowing the caramel and apples to settle on top.
- Let the cake cool completely before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: Use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweet caramel.
- Caramel Perfection: When making the caramel base, watch it carefully to prevent burning. The sauce should be a rich, golden brown color.
- Apple Arrangement: Take your time arranging apple slices in a beautiful pattern. This not only looks impressive but ensures even caramel coverage.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure eggs and milk are at room temperature for a smoother, more consistent batter.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the batter just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender and light.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the cake rest for 10 minutes before inverting to allow the caramel to set slightly, preventing a messy unmolding.
- Serving Suggestion: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate this already amazing dessert to new heights!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 85mg
