If you’ve been looking for a dessert that wraps the nostalgic flavors of autumn into every bite, this Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Picture tender, spiced apple slices caramelized with buttery brown sugar, topped with a moist, cinnamon-infused cake that flips the ordinary upside down—literally. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and warmly spiced, striking just the right balance between comfort and elegance. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or a cozy night in, this Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite.

A slice of tart sits on a white plate with delicate black leaf designs and a slightly scalloped edge. The tart has three visible layers: a thick, golden brown crust at the bottom that looks crisp, a middle caramel-colored layer that is smooth and glossy, and a top layer made of shiny, sliced pears arranged in a fan shape. The pears have a light yellow color with a glossy finish, and the edges of the tart are slightly browned. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each item plays a vital role: from the rich butter that creates that sigh-worthy caramel topping to the fresh apples that bring juiciness and a touch of tartness, and the warming spices that elevate every bite with cozy flavor.

Unsalted butter: Essential for both the caramel topping and the cake’s tender crumb, ensuring richness without overpowering saltiness.
Brown sugar (packed): Adds deep molasses flavor and caramelizes beautifully for that glossy topping.
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic spices that infuse the cake and topping with warm, comforting notes.
Medium apples (peeled, cored, sliced and diced): Fresh apples provide natural sweetness and delightful texture contrasts.
All-purpose flour: The base for the cake, giving structure and softness.
Baking powder: Helps the cake rise just enough to be fluffy without losing density.
Granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar’s molasses flavor while adding light sweetness.
Large eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s tender texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
Whole milk: Adds moisture and richness for a soft, perfectly baked cake.

How to Make Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Greasing your 9-inch round cake pan well with butter ensures that the sticky caramel topping releases easily when it’s time to flip the cake. This preparation sets the foundation for your perfect upside-down masterpiece.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Topping

In a small saucepan, melt the butter with the brown sugar over medium heat. Stir occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely into a glossy, caramel-like sauce. Remove it from heat and whisk in the cinnamon and nutmeg for that signature warm spice blend. This topping is the soul of the Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe—it’s all about that rich, buttery, spiced caramel that clings to every apple slice.

Step 3: Assemble the Apple Layer

Pour the caramel mixture slowly into your prepared pan, making sure it covers the bottom evenly. Then, arrange your thin apple slices carefully on top of the caramel. Refrigerating the pan while you make the cake batter helps the caramel set a bit, preventing it from getting too runny during baking and keeping the apples perfectly glossy.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This combination ensures your cake will have a subtle spice and a nice rise that complements the fruit and caramel base.

Step 5: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This step traps air, which helps create a soft crumb. Slowly add eggs one at a time with vanilla and milk, mixing thoroughly after each addition for a smooth, rich batter.

Step 6: Combine and Fold in Apples

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet batter just until you see no streaks of flour. This avoids overmixing which can make the cake tough. If you have diced apples, fold them in at this stage for extra bursts of fresh apple flavor nestled throughout the cake.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter evenly over the apples in the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the cake turns a gorgeous golden brown and an inserted toothpick comes out mostly clean. The aroma of cinnamon and baked apples filling your kitchen will tell you the Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe is nearly ready to enjoy.

Step 8: Cool and Invert

Allow the cake to cool for about 10 to 15 minutes before running a knife around its edges. The exciting moment arrives when you flip the cake onto a serving plate, revealing a glistening layer of caramelized apples that’s bound to impress anyone lucky enough to dig in.

Step 9: Serve and Savor

You can enjoy this cake warm or at room temperature. A dollop of whipped cream or an extra drizzle of caramel sauce makes it even more indulgent, though every bite is delicious on its own.

How to Serve Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe

A slice of upside-down pear cake is on a white plate with a delicate black floral design around the edge. The cake has three layers: at the bottom is a golden-brown crust, in the middle is a light brown cake layer, and on top, there are shiny, caramel-coated pear slices arranged in a fanned shape. In the background, another larger portion of the same cake is partially visible on a similar white floral plate. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe with a touch of elegance by adding freshly whipped cream sprinkled lightly with cinnamon or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Toasted pecans or a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce also add texture and richness that elevate the experience to dessert perfection.

Side Dishes

Consider pairing this cake with a warm cup of spiced tea or freshly brewed coffee. For a brunch setting, a side of creamy mascarpone or a lightly sweetened Greek yogurt complements the cake’s spiced sweetness beautifully without overwhelming it.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe into a party centerpiece by serving it in individual ramekins. You can also jazz it up by layering thin apple slices or candied apple pieces on top after baking for extra visual appeal. For a rustic touch, serve on a wooden platter garnished with cinnamon sticks and apple wedges that guests can nibble on.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake keeps beautifully covered at room temperature for up to two days. If you prefer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to preserve moisture and flavor. It’s perfect for enjoying leftovers without losing any of its fresh-baked charm.

Freezing

You can freeze this Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe for up to three months. Wrap it securely with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers by warming individual slices in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 325°F for 10 to 15 minutes. This brings back the cake’s soft texture and restores that lovely caramel aroma.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work wonderfully because they hold their shape and balance the sweetness of the caramel. Feel free to mix varieties for a more complex flavor.

Do I have to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a smooth texture, but you can leave the peels on if you prefer a more rustic cake with added fiber and a bit of tartness. Just make sure to wash them well.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that’s a one-to-one replacement, you can enjoy this Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe without gluten. Just double-check your baking powder is gluten-free.

What if I don’t have whole milk?

You can use 2% milk, but whole milk adds a richness that keeps the cake tender. Alternatives like half-and-half or cream diluted with a bit of water also work well in a pinch.

Can this recipe be doubled for a larger cake?

Yes, double all the ingredients and bake in a larger pan or two pans. Adjust the baking time accordingly, checking for doneness with a toothpick after 40 minutes and every 5 minutes after.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe is a true celebration of cozy flavors and simple ingredients coming together in such an unforgettable way. It’s the kind of cake that makes your kitchen smell like fall and turns any occasion into something special. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate. You won’t regret it.

Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe