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upside down apple spice cake - featured image

Upside Down Apple Spice Cake

  • Author: Emily Rhodes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

This easy homemade upside down apple spice cake features a glossy caramelized apple topping and a moist, spiced cake base. It’s the ultimate cozy fall dessert, perfect for gatherings or a sweet breakfast treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter (for topping)
  • 2/3 cup light brown sugar (for topping)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
  • Pinch of salt (for topping)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/3 cup applesauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan generously with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. In a small saucepan, melt 1/3 cup butter over medium heat. Stir in 2/3 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and smooth. Pour into the bottom of the cake pan.
  3. Arrange apple slices in circles over the caramel mixture, overlapping slightly to cover the bottom.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
  5. In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
  6. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Scrape down sides as needed.
  7. Mix in half of the dry ingredients, followed by milk and applesauce. Add remaining dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
  8. Gently pour batter over apples in the pan, spreading evenly without disturbing the apple layer.
  9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the top is golden and springy.
  10. Let cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Run a knife around the edge to loosen.
  11. Place a plate or serving platter on top of the pan and invert quickly. Lift off the pan carefully; nudge any stuck apples back into place.
  12. Spoon any extra caramel over the cake for extra shine. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For best results, use fresh, crisp apples and slice them evenly. Grease the pan generously to prevent sticking. The cake can be made gluten-free or dairy-free with simple substitutions. Let the cake cool before inverting for a perfect topping. Add nuts or dried cranberries for extra flavor. Store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 27
  • Sodium: 220
  • Fat: 11
  • Saturated Fat: 7
  • Carbohydrates: 42
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 3

Keywords: apple spice cake, upside down cake, fall dessert, caramel apple cake, easy apple cake, homemade cake, autumn baking, spice cake, comfort food

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Find it online: https://dishori.com/upside-down-apple-spice-cake-recipe-easy-homemade-fall-dessert/