Delicious Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe to Try Now
Baking apple upside-down cake might seem like an ordinary recipe, but this recipe from King Arthur Flour is nothing but that. It’s a masterpiece of a cake that will surely deserve its way onto your fall baking list. The combination of caramelized apples and pecans atop a fluffy, spiced cake will leave your taste buds intrigued and craving more. The recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making this perfect for both novice and professional bakers alike. It requires ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry with additions of boiled cider and corn syrup, which gives off the ultimate taste to the cake. But, most importantly, this apple upside-down cake makes for the perfect dessert no matter what occasion. It’s truly an epitome of what fall baking should be. So why not give it a try? You surely won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of cakes with fall ingredients, such as apples, pecans, and cinnamon? If so, then you’re in for a treat with this recipe. Our King Arthur Flour Apple Upside-Down Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it’s also incredibly moist and flavorful. The combination of fresh apples, pecans, and warm spices will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. Plus, the presentation of an upside-down cake always impresses guests.
This cake is versatile too. You can serve it as a finishing touch to a family dinner or dress it up with caramel sauce for a decadent dessert. You could even experiment with different fruit combinations like pineapple and orange juice for a tropical twist.
For those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease, we also offer a gluten-free option that results in the same fall-apart texture as the original apple cake recipe.
With an irresistible aroma wafting from the oven as it bakes combined with its pleasing flavors mixing on your palate, you’ll find yourself looking forward to every bite of our Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe. So why not try it today?
Ingredient List
Below is a list of ingredients you’ll need to make this delectable KAF-Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe:
For the Fruit Topping:
- 2 large apples
- 1 tablespoon boiled cider or apple cider
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, light or dark
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup peeled and chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Cake:
- 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blend (such as King Arthur Flour Gluten-Free Measure-for-Measure Flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup boiled cider or undiluted apple juice concentrate thawed from frozen and slightly reduced (bold important information phrase)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Ingredient Notes:
When making the fruit topping, Granny Smith, Irish or *Jewish apples are recommended as they hold their shape when cooked. Boiled cider is highly recommended for use in this recipe, but if not available you can use regular apple cider. It may require some additional cooking time to reach the right consistency.
For a gluten-free option, you can use King Arthur Flour Gluten-Free Measure-for-Measure Flour. Be sure to avoid any flours containing glyphosate which has been found to be harmful. Make sure that your pecans or walnuts are fresh as they can spoil easily.
With these ingredients on hand, we’re ready to move on to the recipe how-to!
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, let’s start baking!
Preheat Your Oven
Before you start assembling the ingredients for the cake, preheat your oven to 350°F. It’s essential to make sure your oven has reached the desired temperature before putting the cake in.
Prepare the Apples
Peel and core two apples of your choice. This recipe works well with grated apples like Granny Smith or Irish apple. If you want chunky apple slices in your cake, use honeycrisp or pink lady apples instead. After preparing them, cut into 1/4 inch slices.
Make the Topping
In a 10-inch cast-iron skillet, on medium heat, melt four tablespoons of butter. Add 1/2 cup light brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of light corn syrup. Stir until combined. Add sliced apples and cook over medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes until tender.
Add in The Pecans / Walnuts
While cooking the apples, sprinkle with *1/4 cup pecans or walnuts. Cook for additional thirty seconds.
Make the Cake Batter
In a mixing bowl combine:
- 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
In another mixing bowl, using an electric mixer beat together:
3 eggs3/4 cupgranulated sugar3/4 cupboiled cider (or use regular apple cider)1/4 cuporange juice
Add dry ingredients to wet mixture slowly and mix until just combined making sure not to overmix.
Pour cake batter into pan carefully over apple walnut topping in skillet spreading it evenly.
Bake the Cake
Bake cake for approximately 35 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. When done set it aside for approx. 5 – 10 minutes to cool down a bit.
Flip The Cake
The fun part – placing a large plate upside down over skillet and promptly flipping it over right-side up onto plate; carefully offlifting skillet allowing pan juices to dribble down sides of cake.
Serve warm with accompanying ice cream or whipped cream to give it a creamy contrast; not forgetting lashings of salted caramel sauce. Enjoy one of King Arthur’s delicious Desserts – Pecan Caramel Apple Upside Down Skillet Cake!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to substitutions and variations for the KAF Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe, the possibilities are quite endless. The recipe itself can easily be adapted to suit your personal preferences or dietary restrictions.
For a nuttier version of the cake, you can add some pecans or walnuts to the topping mix. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces so they roast evenly. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, swap out the unbleached all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
When it comes to the apples, you can play around with different varieties to find your favorite. Granny Smith apples are tart and hold up well in baking, while Honeycrisp apples bring a nice sweetness to the dish. For something different, try using Irish or Jewish apples – these are typically best for baking and will lend their unique flavors to the cake.
For those who prefer a touch of spiciness, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the topping mix. Or switch things up entirely by substituting pineapple for the apples – creating a delicious Pineapple Upside-Down Cake.
Don’t forget about serving ideas either. Serve this cake with a drizzle of caramel sauce or vanilla ice cream for an even more decadent dessert. You can also experiment with different liquids like apple juice or orange juice in place of cider.
No matter how you choose to make it, this KAF Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
Serving and Pairing
This apple upside-down cake is perfect for any occasion – from a cozy fall dinner party to a lazy Sunday afternoon. It’s best served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
The flavors of the pecans and walnuts in this delicious dessert pair perfectly with a warm cup of apple cider, making it an ideal fall-time treat.
For those who want to venture into the world of wine pairing, I recommend pairing this cake with a rich and decadent dessert wine, such as a late harvest Riesling or a port. The sweetness of the cake complements the complexity of these wines, allowing for an unparalleled culinary experience.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some caramel sauce to your slice. The blend of sweet and savory will surely make your taste buds dance.
Not in the mood for something too sweet? This cake also pairs well with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a great choice for breakfast or brunch.
Regardless of how you choose to serve it, this apple upside-down cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to storing and reheating the KAF-Apple Upside-Down Cake, there are a few things to keep in mind. This cake is best served warm, so if you want to make it ahead of time, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
If you want to reheat the cake, there are a couple of ways to do it. One option is to place the whole cake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until warm. Another option is to slice the cake and then microwave each slice for about 20-30 seconds, or until warm.
If you have any leftover cake that you don’t plan on eating right away, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, keep in mind that the texture of the cake may change slightly when refrigerated, so it’s best to let it come to room temperature before serving.
If you want to freeze the cake for later use, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. The cake will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw and reheat, simply place the wrapped cake in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the reheating instructions above.
Overall, this KAF-Apple Upside-Down Cake is a great recipe to make ahead of time or store for later use. With its delicious combination of apples, spices, and nuts, this cake is sure to be a hit no matter how you serve it!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your KAF- Apple Upside-Down Cake comes out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
First and foremost, make sure you have all of your ingredients prepared and measured before you start. This will make the process much smoother and prevent any last-minute errors or changes to the recipe.
When preparing the apples for the cake, be sure to slice them evenly so they cook evenly. Uneven slices could lead to uneven cooking times and texture throughout the cake.
To avoid a soggy cake bottom, be sure to arrange the apple slices tightly into the bottom of the pan. This ensures there is no room for liquid to seep down and cause sogginess.
For added flavor and texture, consider adding chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts on top of the apple layer before pouring in the batter.
When baking the cake, it’s important to keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time. The exact baking time may vary depending on factors such as oven temperature and altitude. Use a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake to test for doneness. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
Once finished baking, let the cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before flipping it over onto a serving platter. This allows time for the cake to set and come together, making it easier to flip without any parts sticking or falling apart.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of apples! While Granny Smith apples are recommended in this recipe, other varieties such as Irish or Jewish apples can also work well. You can even try subbing in pineapple rings for a fun twist on a classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake!
Following these tips will ensure that your KAF- Apple Upside-Down Cake comes out perfect every time – decadent and flavorful with fall-apart tender apple goodness in every bite!
FAQ
Now that we have gone through the recipe instructions, ingredients and tips, let’s address some of the most common questions that may arise when making this KAF Apple Upside-Down cake.
What pan is best for upside-down cake?
When it comes to making upside-down cakes, a key factor to consider is the type of pan you use. In my experience, a cast iron skillet is preferable as it provides a crispy texture to the outer edges. However, a regular cake pan can certainly be used as well. If you happen to have a non-stick cake pan on hand, I highly recommend using it for this recipe.
How do you make a Mary Berry apple cake?
For this recipe, we will need some self-raising flour weighing 225g, one level tsp of baking powder, caster sugar weighing 225g, two large eggs, half a teaspoon of almond extract, 150g of melted butter, 250g of cooking apples that are peeled and cored, and 25g of flaked almonds. With these ingredients, we can create a delicious dessert that everyone will enjoy.
Why is it called Irish apple cake?
In the past, Irish apple cakes were cooked by steaming them in pots over an open fire since ovens were not yet widely available. These cakes were primarily made with crab apples that were slightly smaller than the ones we typically see today. This was due to the abundance of this type of apple in Ireland.
Why does my apple cake fall apart?
One may encounter two potential issues when making an apple cake that could cause it to fall apart. These include cutting and serving the cake when it is still warm, or using an excessive amount of the wrong type of apple in the recipe. It is important to refer to the recommended apple types for this recipe and choose them accordingly to avoid this problem.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this KAF- Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves apple cakes or simply delicious desserts. It’s an amazing way to enjoy the fall flavors and impress your guests with a decadent indulgence that’s easy to make yet elegant to serve. With a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and nuttiness, this cake will melt in your mouth and leave you wanting more.
Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced pro, you’ll appreciate the simplicity and flexibility of this recipe. You can easily adjust it to your taste and preference by swapping ingredients or adding variations. You can even make it gluten-free by using the suggested substitutions or other alternatives.
Additionally, you’ll love the juicy and tender texture of the apples that fall apart into a yummy caramel sauce. It’s like having two desserts in one! This cake pairs perfectly with whipped cream, ice cream, or a warm cup of apple cider. You can also serve it as a delightful breakfast treat on a lazy Sunday morning.
Finally, I invite you to join the King Arthur Flour community in celebrating the joy of baking and sharing. Try this recipe and share your creations with us on social media using #UpsideYourCake. We’d love to hear from you and see how you’ve made this recipe your own.
Thank you for reading this article, and happy baking!
KAF- Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Topping
- 2 medium apples
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 2 tablespoons boiled cider or 2 tablespoons thawed apple juice concentrate
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- cake
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
- 2 tablespoons boiled cider or 2 tablespoons thawed apple juice concentrate
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups king arthur unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 large apple, peeled and finely chopped
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans (optional) or 3/4 cup walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F Lightly grease a 9" round cake pan at least 2" deep. Line the bottom with parchment, and grease the parchment.
- Slice the top, including the stem, off one of the apples and set it aside before peeling and slicing the rest of the apples into 1/4" thick wedges.
- Place the apple top, stem side down, in the middle of the pan, and overlap the rest of the apple wedges in a ring around it.
- TOPPING:
- Prepare the topping by heating the butter, sugar, boiled cider, cinnamon, and corn syrup together over low heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour 1/2 cup of the syrup mixture into the prepared pan (over the apples), and set the rest aside.
- CAKE:
- Beat the oil, brown sugar, boiled cider, eggs, spices, and salt together for 2 minutes at medium speed
- Mix the flour with the baking soda, and stir it into the batter.
- Add the chopped apple and nuts, and mix until just blended.
- Drop scoops of the batter atop the apples in the pan, gently spreading to cover.
- Bake the cake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven, and run a thin spatula around the edge to loosen.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then turn it out onto a serving plate, bottom side up.
- Scrape out any sauce that remains in the pan, and spread it over the cake.
- Reheat the reserved topping if needed.
- If butter starts to separate as you reheat, add water by the teaspoon and stir until the butter rejoins the rest of the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the cake.
- Serve cake warm or at room temperature, with whipped cream if desired.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.