This Apple Upside-Down Cake is a delightful and simple dessert that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of caramelized apples with a soft, moist cake. The apples are first sautéed with butter, sugar, and a hint of cinnamon, creating a deliciously sticky layer that becomes the top of the cake once flipped. With a tender, fluffy base made from everyday ingredients, this cake is perfect for any occasion.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Batter:
- Eggs: 1 large
- Sugar: 40 grams (3 tablespoons)
- Salt: a pinch
- Vanilla Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Vegetable Oil: 60 ml (1/4 cup)
- Milk: 150 ml (2/3 cup)
- All-Purpose Flour: 150 grams (1 1/4 cups)
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
For the Apple Topping:
- Apples: 2 medium, peeled, cored, and sliced
- Sugar: 40 grams (3 tablespoons)
- Butter: 20 grams (1 1/2 tablespoons)
- Cinnamon (optional): 1/2 teaspoon
Directions
- Prepare the Apples:
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced apples and sprinkle with 40 grams of sugar and cinnamon (if using).
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, beat the egg with 40 grams of sugar, salt, and vanilla sugar until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Add the vegetable oil and milk, and mix until smooth.
- Sift in the flour and baking powder, and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix to avoid a dense cake.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Arrange the caramelized apples in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Pour the batter over the apples, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the Cake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate. Remove the parchment paper and let it cool completely.
- Serve:
- Serve the cake warm or at room temperature. Enjoy it on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a hot cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat.
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a more indulgent dessert.
- Drizzle with a bit of caramel sauce for added sweetness.
Cooking Tips
- Apple Choice: Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balance of sweet and tart flavors.
- Cake Texture: Do not overmix the batter; this ensures a light and fluffy texture.
- Optional Add-ins: Add raisins or nuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
- Provides a good source of fiber from apples.
- Contains essential vitamins like Vitamin C from the fruit.
- The cake is relatively low in fat with the use of vegetable oil.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Vegan: No, contains eggs and milk.
- Gluten-Free: No, contains all-purpose flour.
- Dairy-Free: No, contains butter and milk.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 18g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with basic pantry ingredients.
- Combines the delicious flavors of caramelized apples and soft cake.
- Perfect for any time of the day, from breakfast to dessert.
- Versatile and can be customized with different fruits or spices.
Conclusion
This Apple Upside-Down Cake is a simple yet delightful dessert that brings out the natural sweetness of apples. The soft and moist cake, combined with the caramelized apple topping, creates a comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and delicious to enjoy, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Try it today and experience a delicious blend of flavors and textures in every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use a different type of fruit instead of apples?
Yes, you can substitute apples with pears, peaches, or even pineapples for a different flavor. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the fruit is tender and caramelized. - Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that the cake may have a denser texture. You can also use a mix of half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a balanced texture. - Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use plant-based milk like almond or soy milk. - How do I prevent the apples from sticking to the pan?
Make sure to line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper and generously grease it with butter or oil. - What can I use instead of vanilla sugar?
You can use regular sugar and add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a similar flavor. - Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter or on top of the apple layer adds a nice crunch and flavor. - How can I make this cake fluffier?
Make sure not to overmix the batter and ensure that your baking powder is fresh and active for the best rise. - Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator. - What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best as they hold their shape and provide a balanced sweet-tart flavor. - How do I reheat the cake?
You can reheat the cake slices in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.