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Homemade Apple Upside Down Cake

Homemade Apple Upside Down Cake

Melena
A tender cake topped with caramelized apple slices, warm spices, and a glossy caramel layer. This classic dessert is comforting, visually stunning, and perfect for family dinners, weekend treats, or holiday gatherings. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients
  

  • For the Caramel Apple Topping:
  • 4 –5 firm apples Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • Optional: 1 tsp cinnamon ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • For the Cake:
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup milk or cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Optional Toppings:
  • Whipped cream
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Chopped nuts
  • Additional caramel drizzle

Instructions
 

  • Step 1 — Prepare the Caramel Apple Topping
  • Melt butter in a skillet or 9-inch cake pan over medium heat.
  • Stir in brown sugar until bubbly and fully combined.
  • Arrange apple slices evenly on top of the caramel.
  • Optional: sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg over apples for a warm, spiced flavor.
  • Step 2 — Prepare the Cake Batter
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
  • Gradually mix in flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Stir in milk or cream to form a smooth, pourable batter.
  • Step 3 — Assemble and Bake
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Pour the cake batter evenly over the apple-caramel layer in the pan.
  • Bake 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cake cool for 5–10 minutes before carefully inverting onto a serving plate.
  • Step 4 — Serve
  • Serve warm for gooey caramelized apples.
  • Optionally top with whipped cream, ice cream, chopped nuts, or a caramel drizzle.

Notes

  • Use firm apples to prevent mushiness.
  • Caramelize sugar slowly to avoid burning.
  • Cool slightly before inverting to ensure clean release.
  • Grease the pan thoroughly or use parchment paper.
  • Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice for extra warmth.