Apple Upside-Down Cake

This Apple Upside-Down Cake is a cozy farmhouse dessert that transforms simple pantry ingredients into something spectacular. With tender caramelized apples baked on the bottom and flipped to the top, this cake is golden, glossy, and irresistibly rustic.

Much like the classic pineapple version, this cake features a buttery vanilla base that soaks up the sweet brown sugar glaze from the apples. The result? A moist cake topped with soft, caramel-coated apple slices that feel like a warm hug on a plate.

Perfect for fall gatherings, Sunday dinners, or as a homestyle dessert any time of year, Apple Upside-Down Cake is as beautiful as it is delicious. Serve it warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, and you’ll see why this old-fashioned recipe has never gone out of style.

Variations

• Apple-Pear Upside-Down Cake: Mix in pear slices with apples.
• Spiced Version: Add nutmeg, allspice, or cloves for extra fall flavor.
• Nutty Topping: Sprinkle pecans or walnuts over the caramel layer before adding apples.

Substitutions

• Sour Cream: Use yogurt or buttermilk.
• Butter: Margarine or coconut oil can work, but flavor is best with butter.
• Apples: Swap with pears, peaches, or even pineapple for a twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s nostalgic, simple, and downright beautiful when flipped onto a platter. A humble cake that looks impressive without fussing over frosting.

FAQs

Q: Can I make Apple Upside-Down Cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, bake and store covered. Rewarm slices gently in the oven.

Q: Can I bake this in a cast iron skillet?
A: Absolutely — cast iron works wonderfully and caramelizes the apples even more.

Q: Do I need to peel the apples?
A: Peeling is recommended for tenderness, but you can leave skins for rustic charm.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes, freeze wrapped slices for up to 2 months.

Jana Rae

Apple Upside-Down Cake

Moist Apple Upside-Down Cake with caramelized apples and buttery vanilla sponge. A farmhouse classic perfect for fall or cozy gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 10 slices

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 310

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Apple Topping:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup brown sugar packed
• 3 –4 medium apples peeled, cored, thinly sliced

For the Cake Batter:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cup milk

Get ingredients with

Get Recipe Ingredients

Method

 

Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Melt ¼ cup butter and brown sugar in the pan until combined. Spread evenly.
3. Arrange apple slices neatly over the mixture in a circular pattern.

Make the Cake Batter

1. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
2. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla.
3. Stir in sour cream. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk until smooth.

Assemble & Bake

1. Pour batter over apples, smoothing the top.
2. Bake 38–42 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean.
3. Cool 5–10 minutes, then invert onto a plate. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.

Notes

Recipe Notes

• Don’t let the cake sit too long in the pan before flipping, or the caramel may stick.
• Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples hold up beautifully.
• Store leftovers covered at room temp up to 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days.