Upside-Down Honey and Apple Cake – A Sweet, Caramelized Delight for the Holidays

This upside-down honey and apple cake is the perfect blend of sweet, spiced, and fruity goodness. Topped with caramelized apple slices, the moist honey-infused cake captures the essence of fall in every bite. The caramel sauce adds a deep, rich sweetness that complements the tender apples, while the cake itself is flavored with honey, brown sugar, and a hint of vanilla, giving it a warm and comforting taste. Best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce or dulce de leche, this cake will quickly become a favorite for Rosh Hashanah or any holiday gathering.

Why You’ll Love This:

You’ll love this cake for its comforting blend of flavors and textures. The caramelized apples give each bite a juicy, sweet layer, while the honey-based cake provides a rich and moist texture that melts in your mouth. The subtle bitterness from the coffee adds depth to the sweetness of the honey, making this cake both sophisticated and homey. The fact that it’s an upside-down cake adds a beautiful presentation, and the ease of preparation makes it a go-to recipe for special occasions or when you want to impress with minimal effort. Plus, the caramel layer is a showstopper, adding both visual appeal and incredible flavor.

Perfect Occasion:

This upside-down honey and apple cake is perfect for Rosh Hashanah, symbolizing the sweetness of the year ahead with apples and honey. It’s also ideal for fall gatherings, holiday dinners, or even a cozy family dessert after a special meal. Its warm, spiced flavors make it a fantastic choice for Thanksgiving or any autumn celebration. Serve it with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce, and it becomes a comforting, indulgent dessert that will leave your guests asking for the recipe.

Decoration Tips:

To elevate the presentation of this upside-down cake, consider arranging the apple slices in a fan pattern before pouring in the batter. This creates a stunning visual effect once the cake is flipped. After baking, you can drizzle additional caramel or honey over the top for extra shine and sweetness. For a more festive touch, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar on top just before serving. Pair it with a few slices of fresh apples or edible flowers around the edges of the plate for a beautiful and natural finish. If serving for Rosh Hashanah, a few pomegranate seeds scattered on the plate can add a symbolic and colorful touch.

Ingredients for a 23cm (9-inch) Pan:

• 3 medium eggs
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2/3 cup cold coffee (1 tablespoon instant coffee dissolved in water)
• 2/3 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (325g)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• A pinch of salt
• 2 yellow or red apples, peeled and sliced

For the Caramel:

• 50g butter
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey

Optional Toppings:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Dulce de leche or caramel sauce

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pan: Line the bottom of a 23cm (9-inch) round pan with parchment paper and grease the sides with cooking spray or butter.
2. Make the Caramel: In a skillet or small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sugar and honey, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture turns slightly golden and caramelized. Be careful not to let it burn. Once ready, pour the caramel into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Arrange the apple slices on top of the caramel in a circular pattern.
3. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Gradually add the oil, honey, coffee, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Assemble and Bake: Pour the batter over the caramel and apples in the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) on convection mode for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Flip: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Run a knife along the edges to loosen it, then carefully flip the cake onto a serving plate. Allow it to cool further for another hour at room temperature.
7. Serve: For an indulgent touch, serve the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel or dulce de leche.

Enjoy your upside-down honey and apple cake, a beautiful and delicious dessert perfect for celebrating the sweetness of life!