The Best Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe for Autumn Bliss

Sweet memories often revolve around this delightful apple upside down cake that brings warmth to any kitchen gathering.

Fragrant caramelized fruit nestles atop a golden, tender crumb creating pure comfort.

Seasonal apples transform into a luxurious dessert with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Layers of buttery richness mingle with soft, spiced notes that dance across your palate.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike appreciate the simplicity behind this classic treat.

Each slice promises a perfect balance between sticky caramel and soft cake texture.

You’ll want to savor every delectable moment of this irresistible dessert that celebrates autumn’s bounty.

Step-by-Step for Mary Berry Apple Cake

Step 1: Create Luscious Caramel Base

Melt butter in a skillet with brown sugar until it transforms into a rich, golden caramel. Carefully arrange thinly sliced apples in a beautiful pattern across the bottom of a 9-inch baking pan, covering the caramel mixture completely.

Step 2: Blend Dry Cake Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Pinch of salt

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re perfectly blended and free of any lumps.

Step 3: Mix Wet Cake Ingredients

• Fresh eggs
• Whole milk
• Vanilla extract

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in melted butter to create a smooth, silky batter.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake Cake

Carefully pour the cake batter over the arranged apple slices, making sure to cover them evenly. Slide the pan into a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for approximately 55 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Reveal Masterpiece

Allow the cake to rest for 30 minutes after removing from the oven. Place a serving plate over the pan and confidently flip it upside down. Gently remove the parchment paper, revealing the gorgeous caramelized apple topping.

Step 6: Finish with Tantalizing Glaze

Whip up a quick glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a splash of milk or cream. Drizzle the glossy glaze over the warm cake, creating an irresistible finishing touch that will make mouths water.

Pro Ideas for Apple Upside Down Cake

• Slice Apples Uniformly: Cut apples into thin, even slices to ensure consistent baking and attractive presentation.
• Prevent Apple Browning: Toss apple slices in lemon juice to maintain their fresh color and prevent oxidation.
• Check Cake Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is perfectly baked.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs and milk to room temperature for smoother batter and better cake texture.
• Glaze Application Trick: Wait until cake is completely cool before adding glaze to prevent it from becoming runny.

New Styles for Apple Upside Down Cake

• Gluten-Free Apple Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Apple Delight: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and coconut oil instead of butter.
• Spiced Caramel Apple Cake: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom to batter, drizzle with caramel sauce for extra richness.
• Low-Sugar Apple Treat: Use monk fruit sweetener, reduce sugar content, and incorporate Greek yogurt for moisture.

Good Matches for Apple Upside Down Cake

• Pairing Warm Caramel Apple Tea: Brew a spiced caramel apple tea that complements the cake's sweet and fruity notes, enhancing the dessert's warm flavors.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cake to create a luxurious contrast between warm cake and cold, smooth ice cream.
• Match with Cinnamon Whiskey Cocktail: Mix a light cinnamon whiskey cocktail that echoes the cake's autumnal spices and provides a sophisticated adult beverage option.
• Enjoy with Creamy Mascarpone Cream: Dollop smooth mascarpone cream on the side, adding a rich, tangy element that balances the cake's sweetness and caramelized apple layer.

How to Store Upside Down Cake Right

• Store cake covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Keep it cool to maintain moisture and freshness.
• Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Place in freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Keep cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if covered with a cake dome or loose plastic wrap. Ensure the area is dry and cool.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, reheat in oven at 300F for 10 minutes to restore softness and bring out caramelized apple flavors.

FAQs for Mary Berry Apple Cake

• What type of apples work best for this cake?

Tart baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and provide great flavor contrast with the sweet caramel base.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Keep it covered at room temperature and add the glaze just before serving to maintain the best texture.

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

Why Try Mary Berry Apple Upside Down Cake

• Craft a Delightful Dessert: This apple upside-down cake transforms simple ingredients into a stunning, crowd-pleasing treat that looks like it came from a professional bakery.
• Tackle with Confidence: Beginner bakers can master this recipe easily, with clear step-by-step instructions that make creating a beautiful dessert totally achievable.
• Perfect for Any Gathering: Whether it's a family dinner, potluck, or casual weekend celebration, this cake brings warmth and comfort to any table with its golden-brown goodness and sweet apple topping.
• Versatile Flavor Profile: The combination of caramelized apples and tender cake creates a dessert that balances sweetness and subtle tartness, appealing to both kids and adults.

What Goes in Apple Upside Down Cake

• Apples: Tart and sweet slices that create a caramelized bottom layer for the cake.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a rich, deep sweetness that caramelizes with butter.
• Butter: Creates a luscious, golden caramel-like base for the apple layer.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and tender crumb to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cake's texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness to the cake.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
• Vanilla: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the cake.

• Powdered Sugar, Milk: Creates a smooth, sweet drizzle to finish the cake.

Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet nostalgia meets modern baking with this classic Apple Upside Down Cake, blending caramelized fruit and tender crumb. Warm spices and buttery layers invite you to savor a comforting slice of homemade dessert perfection.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients (Fruits and Base):

• 2 Golden Delicious apples, sliced into 1/2-inch wedges
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs

Baking and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) melted unsalted butter

Topping and Coating Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9-inch cake pan by generously coating with butter, lining with parchment paper, and creating a delectable base layer of caramelized brown sugar and butter.
2. Carefully arrange thinly sliced apples in an elegant, overlapping pattern across the pan’s bottom, ensuring complete coverage of the sugary foundation.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients including flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt, whisking to eliminate any potential lumps.
4. In a separate vessel, vigorously whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until thoroughly blended and smooth.
5. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, creating a uniform batter, then incorporate melted butter with smooth, deliberate strokes.
6. Delicately pour the prepared batter over the arranged apple slices, ensuring even distribution across the pan.
7. Slide the pan into a preheated oven at 350°F, baking for approximately 55 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to rest and cool for 30 minutes, developing its rich flavors and structural integrity.
9. Confidently invert the cake onto a serving plate, carefully peeling away the parchment paper to reveal the glistening apple arrangement.
10. Prepare a complementary glaze, drizzling it artfully over the cooled cake just before presenting to enhance its visual appeal and add a final touch of sweetness.

Notes

• Prevent apple browning by tossing sliced apples in lemon juice before arranging in the pan.
• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced sweetness.
• Ensure even apple layer by overlapping slices carefully and creating a consistent pattern for beautiful presentation.
• Make the cake gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, keeping the same measurement.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 55 mins
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 295 kcal
• Sugar: 31 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg