This upside-down apple cake is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, combining the rich sweetness of caramelized apples with the soft, buttery crumb of vanilla cake. It’s an indulgence that feels both luxurious and comforting, with each bite offering the perfect balance of moist cake and juicy, tender apples. The golden caramel that forms at the base of the cake seeps into the fruit, creating a glossy, decadent finish when the cake is flipped after baking. This dessert is simple yet impressive, making it perfect for cozy gatherings or special occasions when you want to wow your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
The combination of sweet caramelized apples and a fluffy vanilla-infused cake makes this recipe a standout. The cake itself is buttery and soft, while the apples bring a fresh, fruity sweetness that is enhanced by the caramel sauce. It’s a dessert that looks as good as it tastes, with the beautiful, glossy apples on top creating an impressive visual appeal. And despite how stunning it looks, it’s incredibly easy to make with ingredients you likely already have on hand. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe is approachable yet sure to impress.
Perfect Occasion:
This upside-down apple cake is ideal for fall and winter gatherings when apples are at their peak. Serve it at a casual family dinner, a holiday meal, or even as a mid-afternoon treat with coffee or tea. It’s also perfect for those moments when you want to elevate a simple weeknight dinner with a homemade dessert. The cake’s rustic charm makes it versatile enough for both casual and more formal settings, and its comforting flavors are universally loved, making it a hit at any event.
Decoration Tips:
To enhance the presentation, you can dust the top of the cake with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving. For a bit of extra flair, serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you want to add a touch of elegance, drizzle a bit more caramel over the cake just before serving, allowing it to cascade over the edges. You could also garnish the top with thin apple slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a seasonal touch.
Ingredients:
- 2 large apples
- 140g melted butter
- 170g all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 100g brown sugar
For the Caramel:
- 100g white sugar
- 4 teaspoons water
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a round cake pan generously.
- Prepare the caramel by heating the white sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved and turns a deep golden color. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Once the caramel is ready, immediately pour it into the bottom of the prepared cake pan, swirling it around to evenly coat the base. Set aside.
- Peel and core the apples, then slice them into thin wedges. Arrange the apple slices over the caramel in a circular pattern, ensuring they are tightly packed together for a beautiful presentation once the cake is inverted.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
- Carefully pour the batter over the apple slices, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before carefully inverting it onto a serving plate. The caramelized apples should be golden and glossy on top.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
