If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly captures the warm, comforting flavors of fall, this Spiced Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, cinnamon-scented apples caramelized to glossy perfection at the base of a moist, fragrant cake that’s filled with real apple pieces and just the right touch of spice. It’s a dessert that feels cozy and special, ideal for family gatherings or simply treating yourself to a slice of pure deliciousness. Once you make this, the Spiced Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe will no doubt become one of your all-time favorites to bake and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Spiced Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe plays a crucial role, from adding moisture and sweetness to lending that signature cozy spice that makes apple desserts irresistible. Let’s take a look at these simple but essential components.
- Unsalted butter: Used for both the caramel glaze and the cake batter, butter adds richness and helps create a perfectly tender crumb.
- Light brown sugar: Provides deep, molasses-like sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the topping.
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic warming spices that bring out the apple’s natural flavor and fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma.
- Tart baking apples: Two preparations: thin slices for the glossy topping and finely diced for added texture inside the cake.
- Cake flour: Ensures the cake stays light and fluffy without becoming dense.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that give the cake lift and softness.
- Granulated sugar and maple syrup (or honey): Sweetens the cake while adding subtle layers of flavor—maple syrup adds a unique depth.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds a delicate sweetness.
- Eggs: Essential for structure, moisture, and richness.
- Apple cider (or apple juice): Adds moisture and an extra hint of apple flavor to the batter.
How to Make Spiced Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Glazed Apple Topping
Start by heating butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg together on medium-low until the mixture becomes creamy and bubbles lightly—this is your luscious caramelized glaze. Pour it gently into your lined cake pan and then arrange thin apple slices meticulously on top. Pressing the apples into the glaze ensures that beautiful, shiny finish and that mouthwatering caramel-apple base you’ll flip the cake on.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a separate bowl. This step ensures your dry ingredients are evenly combined, giving the cake a uniform spice throughout and that perfect fluffy texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is where air gets incorporated into the batter, playing a big part in how tender your cake will turn out. Then, add eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly before adding the next.
Step 4: Add the Flavorings and Dry Ingredients
Beat in the maple syrup and vanilla extract for that unique sweet depth. Then, add half the dry mixture, mixing just until nearly combined, followed by the apple cider to keep the batter moist and flavorful. Finish mixing in the rest of the dry ingredients, scraping the bowl’s edges so everything blends smoothly.
Step 5: Incorporate the Diced Apples
Gently fold in the finely diced tart apples to the thick batter. These apple pieces provide wonderful texture and bursts of fresh apple goodness throughout every bite of your cake.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
Carefully pour the batter over your beautifully arranged apple slices in the pan, being careful not to disturb the topping design. Use an offset spatula to spread the batter smoothly to the edges, ensuring even baking.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Bake at 350ºF for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cake has risen to a golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will let you know it’s almost ready.
Step 8: Invert and Cool
Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes, then place a serving platter over the pan and flip carefully so the caramelized apple layer is on top. Gently reposition any apples that didn’t quite stay put, then let the cake cool completely before slicing to serve.
How to Serve Spiced Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra pizazz, add a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream right next to your cake slice. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar can also elevate your presentation and introduce delightful texture contrasts.
Side Dishes
This Spiced Apple Upside-Down Cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or a mellow latte. For a brunch or light dessert, serve alongside a fresh green salad with tangy vinaigrette or some roasted nuts to balance the sweet spices.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, serve this cake warm on individual dessert plates with a drizzle of maple syrup or caramel sauce. You might even try mini versions baked in ramekins for a charming personal touch. The upside-down aspect always sparks conversation, and the spiced apples make the presentation irresistibly inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, this cake keeps beautifully at room temperature covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Storing it properly prevents the cake from drying out so every slice stays moist and flavorful.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake whole or cut into slices. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen, it will maintain its quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or serving.
Reheating
Warm up individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or briefly in a low oven until just warmed through. This refreshes the caramelized apples’ softness and brings out the lovely aroma of the spices.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples in this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart baking apples like Granny Smith work best to balance sweetness and hold their shape, you can experiment with Honeycrisp or Braeburn. Just make sure they’re firm enough to avoid becoming mushy.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, try substituting the cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Be mindful that texture might vary slightly, but the cake will still be delicious with a tender crumb and all those spiced apple flavors.
Can I substitute the maple syrup with honey?
Definitely! Honey is a wonderful natural sweetener that pairs beautifully with the spices and apples. The flavor will be slightly different but just as delightful and moist.
How do I prevent the apples from sticking to the pan?
Using non-stick spray and lining the pan with parchment paper are key steps. Allowing the caramel glaze to set briefly before arranging apples also helps, plus being gentle when flipping the cake to maintain the apple arrangement.
Can I make this cake vegan?
You can adapt the recipe by replacing butter with vegan butter, using a flax or chia egg substitute for the eggs, and opting for maple syrup or another plant-based sweetener. The texture may vary a bit, but it’s very achievable!
Final Thoughts
This Spiced Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe is a cozy, flavorful dessert that’s sure to impress everyone at your table. With its comforting spices, tender apples, and that irresistible caramelized topping, it’s truly a slice of autumn magic you’ll want to make again and again. Roll up your sleeves and give it a try—you’ll wonder why you didn’t bake it sooner!
PrintSpiced Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe
This Spiced Apple Upside Down Cake is a delightful dessert that combines tender baked apples with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, all topped with a caramelized brown sugar glaze. Perfect for autumn or any time you crave a cozy, flavorful cake, this recipe features a moist, spiced batter with finely diced apples folded in for extra texture and moisture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Topping
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
- ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large tart baking apples (peeled, cored, and sliced thin)
Cake
- 1 ½ cups cake flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ⅓ cup apple cider (or apple juice)
- 1 cup tart baking apples (peeled, cored, and finely diced)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Position the oven rack to the center and preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Spray a 9-inch round cake pan with non-stick spray, then line the inside bottom with a piece of parchment paper cut to fit. Lightly spray the parchment paper with non-stick spray to ensure easy release.
- Make the topping glaze: In a medium-sized pot over medium-low heat, combine butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir continuously and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture becomes creamy and lightly bubbles. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
- Arrange the topping: Pour the warm glaze into the prepared cake pan. Gently tilt the pan to spread the glaze evenly across the bottom. Neatly arrange the thinly sliced apples side by side around the outer edge of the pan with tips pointing toward the center. Fill the middle with more slices, overlapping slightly, and gently press them down so they stick to the glaze.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined. This ensures even distribution of leavening and spices.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This aerates the batter for a tender crumb.
- Add eggs and flavorings: Add eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition. Then beat in the maple syrup and vanilla extract for sweetness and flavor depth.
- Combine batter: Add half the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing just until nearly combined. Stir in the apple cider, then add the remaining dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, scraping down the sides to incorporate all the flour. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Fold in diced apples: Gently fold the finely diced apples into the batter. This adds moisture and fruity texture to the cake.
- Assemble the cake: Carefully pour the batter over the arranged apple slices in the pan without disturbing their placement. Use an offset spatula to spread the batter evenly to the edges for uniform baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cake is a rich golden brown and a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool and invert: Let the cake cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Then, cover the top of the pan with a serving platter and carefully invert the pan and platter together to release the cake. If any apples stick to the pan or shift, gently reposition them on the cake.
- Final cooling and serve: Allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature before slicing to let the flavors meld and to ensure clean cuts. Serve as is or with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.
Notes
- Use tart baking apples like Granny Smith for balanced sweetness and good texture in the topping and cake.
- Maple syrup can be substituted with honey for a different flavor profile.
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature to help achieve a smooth, airy batter.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to prevent a dense cake.
- Line the pan with parchment and spray well to prevent the sticky glaze from making the cake hard to release.
- Serve the cake at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
