Spiced Apple Upside-Down Cake
Warm and fragrant upside-down cake with caramelized cinnamon apples baked atop a moist vanilla cake base, ideal for cozy gatherings. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 70 minutes layers divided unsalted butter, divided light brown sugar, ground cinnamon into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 370 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 6 tbsp, divided unsalted butter
- 1 cup, divided light brown sugar
- 3 medium, peeled, cored, and sliced large apples
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a 9-inch round cake pan, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over low heat. Stir in 1/2 cup light brown sugar until it dissolves and bubbles. Arrange 3 medium peeled, cored, and sliced apples evenly over the caramel.
- Step 2: Sprinkle 2 tsp ground cinnamon and 1/2 cup light brown sugar evenly over the apples.
- Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Step 4: In a separate large bowl, beat 3/4 cup granulated sugar with 2 large eggs and 1 tsp vanilla extract until thick and pale, about 3 minutes.
- Step 5: Alternate adding the flour mixture and 1/2 cup whole milk to the egg mixture, starting and ending with flour, mixing gently until just combined.
- Step 6: Pour the batter evenly over the apples in the cake pan, smoothing the top.
- Step 7: Bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake springs back when touched.
- Step 8: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and invert it onto a serving plate so the caramelized apples are on top. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Apple Upside-Down Cake take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (20 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Spiced Apple Upside-Down Cake?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Apple Upside-Down Cake?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Spiced Apple Upside-Down Cake for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Spiced Apple Upside-Down Cake?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
