Apple Upside Down Cake – Caramelized cinnamon apples are baked in a light and tender vanilla sour cream cake. This Apple Cake is a simple and delicious apple dessert perfect for fall season or any time of the year.
I love apple desserts any time of the year, especially simple recipes like this apple cake which is the “apple version” of the classic pineapple upside down cake. The tender and fluffy cake is baked on top of sweet and delicious sliced caramelized cinnamon apples, then flipped to reveal the most gorgeous and tasty apple topping.
This amazing apple cake is not overly sweet so if you are looking for an excuse to have cake for breakfast, this is the cake to bake! Of course, it is a great dessert as well. Serve it with some ice cream and enjoy a heavenly treat sure to become a new favorite
This simple apple cake recipe uses the most basic ingredients and it’s very easy to make. You don’t even need a mixer to make this easy dessert! That is always a plus when making a cake from scratch!
How To Make Apple Upside Down Cake
To make this apple cake recipe simple, I divide it into 2 simple parts:
- The Cinnamon Apple Topping
- The Cake Batter
How To Make the Cinnamon-Apple Topping:
Gather your ingredients:
- Apples – peeled, cored and sliced
- Butter – unsalted
- Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed
- Brown Sugar – I use light brown sugar
- Cinnamon – Ground
Make the Apple Cinnamon Topping:
- Peel, core and slice the apples thinly – it doesn’t have to be perfect, actually having different thickness (1/4-inch to 1/2-inch) makes it more interesting as some apples will turnout softer and sweeter than others.
- Saute the apple slices in melted butter, lemon juice, brown sugar and cinnamon until they start to caramelize. Remember, they will cook more in the oven.
- Transfer the apple mixture to a prepared baking pan. I don’t arrange the apples in any particular way because I like a “rustic” look.
Make the Cake Batter:
To make the cake batter, all you need is 2 mixing bowls and a whisk!
- Mix the dried ingredients in a medium bowl.
- Whisk both sugars and the eggs. Slowly whisk in the melted butter. Then, whisk in the sour cream and vanilla.
- Now it’s time to combine the dried and wet ingredients. I like to add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients in two or three batches, just so it is easier to mix.
- Mix well to combine but don’t over mix it so the cake turns light and fluffy.
- Top the caramelized apple mixture with the cake batter and bake!
IMPORTANT TIP: Make sure your pan is 2-inches deep so there’s enough room for the cake batter.
Frequently Asked Questions about Apple Upside Down Cake
What type of apples should I use to make apple cake?
When baking, I like to use a combination of different types of apples. I like how different they all bake. Some are sweeter or crispier than others, some are soft and tart. I think the combination of flavors and textures makes for an interesting apple cake. Of course, you can use just one type of apple if you prefer.
Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, Jonathan or Jonagold, Braeburn and Honey Crisp are great options for baking, I often bake with Galas because it’s the apple I usually have at home.
How do I test the cake for doneness?
The best way to check if your cake is done is with a skewer or wooden toothpick. Some ovens run hotter than others so baking times may be different depending on your particular oven temperature. Insert a sewer or toothpick in the middle of your apple cake. The toothpick should come out clean, although a couple of crumbs may cling to the skewer. This is a good sign. It means your cake is moist and perfectly baked.
Keep in mind when testing, that this easy cake has caramelized apples smothered in a warm cinnamon syrup – for this reason, the skewer may have a little bit of the sticky gooey brown sugar on the tip.
Notes and Tips about this Apple Upside Down Cake
- After baking, cool the pan for about 20 minutes before unmolding.
- Run a knife around the sides of the cake to loosen any bits of caramel sugar stuck in the pan. Then flip.
- Serve this apple dessert with some caramel or vanilla ice cream.
- Apple Week has been set up and planned by Carlee, from Cooking with Carlee. She has done such a fantastic job coordinating this week’s participants and gathering amazing sponsors for the giveaway!!! Take a look at other apple recipes below the recipe card.
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Apple Upside Down Cake
Ingredients
FOR THE TOPPING
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing pan
- 4 apples, peeled and cored
- ⅔ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
FOR THE CAKE
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
TO MAKE THE TOPPING:
- Butter bottom and sides of a 9-inch round, 2-inch-deep nonstick cake pan; set aside. Adjust oven rack to lowest position and heat oven to 350 degrees.
- Slice the apples into thin slices (1/4 to 1/2 inch thick).
- Heat the butter in a large skillet (about 12-inch) over medium high heat. Add the apple slices and cook for a couple of minutes. Add the brown sugar, lemon and cinnamon and mix well so all the apples are coated. Cook for about 3-4 minutes stirring constantly or until the apples start to caramelize.
- Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared pan and lightly press into even layer. Set aside while preparing cake.
FOR THE CAKE:
- In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder and salt together. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until well combined. Slowly whisk in the melted butter and mix well. Add the sour cream and vanilla; whisk until combined. Add flour mixture and whisk until just combined.
- Pour batter into the pan and spread evenly over the apples. Bake until cake is golden brown and toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes.
- Cool pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Run a paring knife around sides of the cake to loosen. Unmold the cake and let it cool 20 minutes. Serve.
Chef's Tips
- APPLES: Granny Smith, golden delicious and honey crisp are good options.
Nutrition
Apple Week is finally here! I am so glad I’ve joined some of my amazing foodie friends to bring you lots of delicious apple recipes.
TAKE A LOOK AT ALL THE OTHER WONDERFUL APPLE RECIPES POSTED TODAY!
- Apple & Lentil Andouille Crockpot Stew by Faith, Hope, Love & Luck
- Apples and Chai Smoothie by Our Good Life
- Apple Cider Cutout Cookies by Kate’s Recipe Box
- Apple Cider Pancakes by Family Around the Table
- Apple Cinnamon Pull Aparts by The Freshman Cook
- Apple Crepes by Caroline’s Cooking
- Apple Crisp Ebelskivers by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Apple Fritter Monkey Bread by Mildly Meandering
- Apple Herb Stuffed Pork Chops by West Via Midwest
- Apple Pudding by The Anthony Kitchen
- Apple Raisin Oatmeal Cookies by The Monday Box
- Apple Cinnamon Scones with Maple Sugar Butter by Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
- Apple Stuffed Chicken Breast by Seduction in the Kitchen
- Apple Upside Down Cake by Lemon Blossoms
- Appledoodle Cookies by Cookaholic Wife
- Applesauce Coffee Cake by An Affair from the Heart
- Applesauce Muffins by A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Baked Apple Donuts by Corn, Beans, Pigs and Kids
- Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples by Simple and Savory
- Bourbon Apple Pecan Bread Pudding by Soulfully Made
- Caramel Apple Crumb Cake by The Redhead Baker
- Caramel Apple Jam by Books n’ Cooks
- Gingersnapple Tart by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
- Chicken Salad Apple Bites by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Dutch Apple Cobbler with Cheesecake Topping by Who Needs a Cape?
- Dutch Apple Coffee Cake by Daily Dish Recipes
- German Apple Pancakes with Cider Syrup by House of Nash Eats
- Grilled Cheddar Cheese with Apples and Hatch Chile Hot Sauce by Culinary Adventures With Camilla
- One Pot Jamaican Jerk Chicken and Apples by Jonesin’ for Taste
- Oven Roasted Apple Butter by Savory Moments
- Salted Caramel Apple Crumble by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Savory Skillet Chicken and Apples by Cooking With Carlee
- Skillet Pork Chops with Apples and Bacon by The Anthony Kitchen
- Slow Cooker Pork with Apples by Palatable Pastime
- Sugar Free Apple Pie with Crumble Topping by Tip Garden
- Vegan Caramel Apple Galette by The Baking Fairy
Michele says
Made this over the weekend for a quick brunch with the neighbors. It was so easy and we loved it!
Kathy says
Thank you!!
Nina says
Absolutely delicious! Thank you!
Kathy says
Glad you liked it! Thank you!!!
Carlee says
What a simple recipe and the results look so delicious! Pass me a fork!
Kathy says
Thank you!!
Wendy Klik says
That is a delicious looking cake.
Kathy says
Thank you!!!
Jody says
This cake looks amazing! Love the caramel apples on top. Seems so easy to make too so I am printing the recipe now. Can’t wait!