Spiced Apple Upside-Down Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze
A moist, warmly spiced apple cake baked upside-down with caramelized brown sugar and butter, producing a glossy, flavorful topping. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 70 minutes layers divided unsalted butter, divided packed light brown sugar, all-purpose flour 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 350 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
- 3/4 cup, divided packed light brown sugar
- 2, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced medium apple
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 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 3 tbsp unsalted butter over low heat. Stir in 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar and spread evenly. Arrange 2 peeled, cored, thinly sliced medium apples over the sugar mixture in a circular pattern; set aside.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 2 large eggs with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until fluffy and pale, about 3 minutes. Mix in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Step 4: Alternately add the flour mixture and 1/2 cup whole milk to the egg mixture, beginning and ending with flour, folding gently after each addition until fully combined.
- Step 5: Melt remaining 3 tbsp unsalted butter and fold into the batter. Pour batter evenly over the arranged apples in the cake pan.
- Step 6: Bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges are golden brown.
- Step 7: Let cake cool in pan for 15 minutes, then run a knife around edges and invert onto a serving plate, allowing the caramelized apples and brown sugar glaze to shine on top.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Apple Upside-Down Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze 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 with Brown Sugar Glaze?
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 with Brown Sugar Glaze?
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 with Brown Sugar Glaze 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 with Brown Sugar Glaze?
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.
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