Dessert

Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

ByMaya Arden November 16, 2025November 16, 2025

Introduction

Apple Upside Down Cake is a delightful dessert that combines tender apples caramelized under a soft, fragrant cake. Its beautiful presentation and comforting flavors make it perfect for any occasion or an everyday treat.

A single square piece of cake with three visible layers is placed on a white plate on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a dense, light brown crumb with a slightly coarse texture. The middle layer shows soft yellow fruit pieces embedded in a moist, golden-brown cake. The top layer is a darker caramelized crust dusted with white powdered sugar sprinkled unevenly on top and around the plate. A gold fork with a black handle rests beside the cake on the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 large apples (peeled, cored & sliced thinly)
¼ cup brown sugar (50 grams)

2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
1 large egg

¾ cup sugar (150 grams)
1 tsp vanilla extract

⅓ cup sunflower oil (75 ml)
½ cup milk (120 ml)
1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda
⅛ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 cup wheat flour (120 grams)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F).
Step 2: Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly. Set them aside.

Step 3: Pour the melted butter into the base of an 18 cm square cake pan. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the butter, then arrange the sliced apples on top in an even layer. Set the pan aside.
Step 4: In a blender, combine the egg, sugar, vanilla extract, sunflower oil, milk, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Blend for 20 to 30 seconds until well mixed.
Step 5: Transfer the wheat flour to a bowl. Pour the blended wet ingredients over the flour and gently fold together until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light.

Step 6: Pour the batter over the apples in the prepared pan. Place the pan immediately into the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cake is cooked through and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Carefully invert the cake pan onto a serving plate so the apple layer is on top. Allow the cake to cool further before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Fuji and Granny Smith for a more complex flavor.

If you prefer, substitute sunflower oil with melted coconut oil for a subtle tropical note.
Sprinkle chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans over the apples before adding the batter for added texture.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven to enjoy warm apple flavors again.

How to Serve

A close-up of a single square piece of cake on a white plate, showing three distinct layers: a bottom layer of light brown, soft, and slightly crumbly cake; a middle layer of baked apple slices in a shiny, golden glaze; and a top layer of dark brown, caramelized crust dusted with powdered sugar, giving a slightly uneven and crispy look. The white marbled texture surface is soft-focused in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fruit instead of apples?

Yes, pears or peaches can work well as alternatives but choose firm, ripe fruit and adjust the sweetness accordingly since different fruits vary in sugar content.

Do I need a blender for the batter?

The blender helps mix the liquid ingredients evenly, but you can also whisk them together by hand before folding in the flour if you prefer a more rustic texture.