If you are looking to transform everyday apples into a show-stopping dessert, this Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender, spiced apple slices beautifully caramelized at the bottom of the pan, crowned with a moist, buttery cake that bakes to perfection on top. The combination of warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and a rich caramel glaze creates a symphony of flavors that make this cake irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family gathering or just craving something sweet and comforting, this recipe will soon become your new favorite go-to dessert.

The image shows a single slice of upside-down cake on a white plate. The cake has two layers: the bottom layer is light golden and fluffy with a soft, crumbly texture, while the top layer features caramelized brown pear slices that sit slightly sunken into a rich, glossy brown caramel glaze. The pear slices have a smooth, slightly translucent look with dark speckles from cinnamon or spices. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, and in the background, there is a wooden container with cinnamon sticks, adding warm tones to the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients, each playing a vital role in delivering its delightful flavor and texture. From the fragrant spices to the creamy buttermilk, every component combines harmoniously to create that perfect balance of moist cake and tender apples smothered in caramel.

1 apple: Peel and slice to create the luscious fruit layer that shines after flipping.
1/2 tsp cinnamon powder: Adds warmth and depth to the apple slices.
1/4 tsp nutmeg: Provides a subtle earthy spice to complement the cinnamon.
1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams): For the caramel that gives the cake its signature glossy finish.
1 tbsp corn syrup or glucose: Keeps the caramel smooth and prevents crystallization.
1/4 cup water (60 ml): Helps dissolve the sugar evenly during caramel preparation.
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (191 grams): The foundation for a tender yet sturdy cake crumb.
1 tsp baking powder: Provides just enough lift for a fluffy texture.
1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all flavors, balancing sweetness perfectly.
1 tsp cinnamon powder: Infuses the batter with that cozy autumn spice aroma.
1/2 tsp nutmeg: Adds subtle warmth to the cake batter.
3/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature, 170 grams): Ensures richness and a melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams): Sweetens the cake while helping create a lovely golden crust.
3 large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
1/2 tbsp vanilla extract: Enhances the depth and sweetness of the batter.
1/3 cup buttermilk (78 ml): Contributes to a tender crumb with just the right tang to balance sweetness.

How to Make Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Begin by peeling the apple and slicing it into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Toss these slices gently in a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg so every bite bursts with fragrant spice. Set these aside while you get the rest of the ingredients and pan ready. This simple step ensures your apples get coated with the kind of flavor that makes you smile with every mouthful.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Pan

This recipe calls for a 9-inch cake pan to ensure an even bake and the perfect apple-to-cake ratio. Grease the bottom and sides with a bit of oil, then place a parchment paper circle on the bottom and grease it as well. This extra precaution prevents the rich caramel from sticking and makes flipping the cake after baking a breeze. Then, arrange the spiced apple slices evenly across the bottom. You can create a pretty pattern by placing slices around the edges and filling the center, making the finished cake not only delicious but visually stunning.

Step 3: Make the Caramel

Now for the show-stopper: the caramel. Using a stainless steel saucepan, combine sugar, water, and corn syrup, stirring gently until the sugar fully dissolves. Carefully brush down the sides of the pan with water to avoid sugar crystals that can spoil your caramel’s smoothness. Place the pan over medium-high heat and let it bubble and reduce without stirring. Watch closely as it deepens from clear syrup to a lovely golden hue—this is what will coat your apples with that irresistible, glossy finish. Remove immediately from heat and pour over the arranged apples. Let it cool slightly while you mix the cake batter. Timing here is crucial to avoid burnt caramel and to achieve perfect texture.

Step 4: Make the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350ºF. In one bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In another bowl, beat the butter until creamy, then add sugar and continue beating until fluffy and pale. Add eggs one at a time, mixing between additions to ensure a smooth batter, followed by vanilla extract. Now alternate folding in the dry ingredients and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry mix, and mix gently—overmixing can dry out the cake. Your aim is light, tender batter that will bake up fluffy and moist, perfectly complementing the spiced apple topping.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour your batter evenly over the cooled caramel and spiced apples in the cake pan. Smooth with a spatula for an even surface. Bake for about 35 minutes, keeping an eye on the cake’s color; if it browns too fast towards the end, toss on some foil to shield it while the center continues baking. You’ll know it’s ready when the top feels firm and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cooling for 15 minutes in the pan helps the caramel set slightly without sticking, then carefully flip onto a serving plate. Allow it to cool another 20–25 minutes before slicing—this gives the flavors time to meld and the cake to firm up beautifully for clean slices.

How to Serve Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

A close-up of a single square piece of upside-down cake on a white plate sitting on a white marbled surface. The cake has two visible layers: the bottom layer is thick, soft, and yellow with a spongy texture, while the top layer shows caramelized golden brown slices of fruit, slightly translucent with a shiny, sticky glaze. The edges of the cake are golden with hints of red from caramelization. The background has a blurred look with another piece of the same cake, a wooden container, and white fabric visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe, consider a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These creamy accompaniments contrast wonderfully with the warm spices and caramel’s deep flavor. A sprinkle of toasted chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch that complements the softness of the cake and apples.

Side Dishes

This cake is a dessert star but pairs beautifully alongside a lightly spiced chai tea or a warm cup of coffee for an indulgent afternoon treat. For brunch, you might serve it with a fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad dressed with a citrus vinaigrette, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation matters, especially with a cake this charming. Serve slices on rustic wooden boards or classic white plates to highlight the caramel’s amber glow and the crisp apple pattern. You can also warm individual slices slightly and drizzle with extra caramel sauce or even a caramel bourbon sauce for a grown-up twist. Topping with finely grated lemon zest adds a bright pop of color and citrusy spark that livens up every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 days, making it perfect for advance baking. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it—just remember to bring it back to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover cake slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil to protect against freezer burn. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently before serving to restore that freshly baked feel.

Reheating

Warm up your apple upside down cake gently in the oven at 300ºF for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual slices for 20–30 seconds. This refreshes the caramel’s glossy texture and brings out those warm spices that make this recipe so comforting and addictive.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best because they hold their shape and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness under the caramel.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 1/3 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until slightly curdled, then use as a perfect buttermilk substitute.

Can I make this cake without corn syrup?

Yes, but corn syrup helps prevent the caramel from crystallizing and keeps it smooth. If you omit it, you may need to be extra careful to avoid stirring the caramel and watch closely to prevent graininess.

Why is it important to line the pan with parchment paper?

Parchment paper acts as a barrier to help the caramel not stick to the pan, making it much easier to flip the cake out cleanly while keeping those gorgeous caramelized apples intact.

Can I use a different size pan?

While a 9-inch pan is ideal to achieve the right thickness and bake time, if you use a different size, be prepared to adjust baking time and layer thickness accordingly to maintain a perfect bake.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a delightful celebration of fall flavors packed into a moist cake and topped with luscious caramelized apples. I encourage you to try it soon—not only will your kitchen smell heavenly, but every bite will warm your heart and palate. Trust me, once you taste this cake, it will quickly earn a special place in your baking favorites, ready to impress family and friends alike!

Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe