Delicious Upside-Down Apple Spice Cake Recipe

If you love the warm, comforting flavors of apples and spices, this upside-down apple spice cake is a must-try. It’s a versatile treat that works beautifully as a cozy breakfast or a delightful dessert. The cake is moist, packed with tender apple slices, and topped with a caramelized, gooey layer that makes every bite irresistible. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not an experienced baker.

Whether you want to impress guests or enjoy a special homemade treat, this apple spice cake will quickly become a favorite.

Why Choose an Upside-Down Apple Spice Cake?

Upside down cakes have a unique charm. The fruit sits at the bottom of the pan while baking, then flips to the top when served, creating a glossy, caramelized topping. This method enhances the fruit’s flavor and texture, making it soft and sweet without losing its shape.

Apples and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice bring a cozy, inviting aroma and taste. This cake combines those elements with a tender crumb that soaks up the caramel sauce, resulting in a rich, satisfying dessert or breakfast option.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather your fresh, quality ingredients. But first find the right pan. This recipe calls for a 9" cake pan, but I use a 9" ceramic pie pan and it works perfectly. It is a little heavy when tipping over, but use what you have. Whatever you choose it should be at least 2" deep.

• Apples: Choose firm, slightly tart apples. I used my favorite Fuji apples, but might like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape well and balance the sweetness.

• Spices: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of allspice create the classic apple spice flavor.

• Butter: Salted butter for the caramel topping and cake batter.

• Brown sugar: For the caramelized topping and sweetness.

• Flour: All-purpose flour works best for a tender crumb.

• Baking powder: For leavening.

• Eggs: To bind the cake.

• Milk: Adds moisture and tenderness.

• Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.

• Kosher Salt: Brings out the sweetness in the apples.

FOR THE APPLES - Step One

3/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar

1/4 cup butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp apple pie spice

pinch kosher salt

2 apples, peeled, cored and sliced in quarter-inch thick slices

FOR THE CAKE - Step Two

Cooking spray

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 tsp baking powder

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp kosher salt

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp allspice

1/2 cup (1 stick) softened butter

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

3/4 cup milk

Step-by-Step Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Get the mixer out and grease your 9" round pan with cooking spray.

Preparing the Apple Topping

1. Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges.

2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.

3. Add brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and salt. Stir until it dissolves and forms a syrup, about 2 minutes until it is slightly thickened.

4. Pour the caramel sauce into the pan.

5. Now....layer your apple slices on top of the caramel sauce. Try to cover the entire pan. I cut a few pieces to fill in between the curve slices.

   
   
   
   

Making the Cake Batter

1. Is your oven preheated to 350°F? Excellent.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.

3. In another bowl, beat the eggs with the white and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add eggs one at a time, then add your vanilla extract.

5. Gradually fold the rest of the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

6. Add the milk and now we're ready to pour the batter over the apples in the pan.

   
   

Baking and Serving

1. Bake the cake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

2. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes.

3. Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate so the apple topping is on top.

4. Serve warm or at room temperature. It will cut easier when cooled.

5. Optionally top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

   
   

🍎 Tips for the Best Upside Down Apple Spice Cake

• Use fresh apples.

• Don’t overmix the batter; this keeps the cake light.

• Let the cake cool 15 minutes before flipping to a cooling rack to prevent the topping from sticking to the pan.

• For extra flavor, add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the apple topping.

  
  
  
  

🍎 Storing and Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven to bring back the warm, gooey texture.

ENJOY!

www.nancynaigle.com

LOOKING FOR ANOTHER YUMMY APPLE RECIPE? Here's the yummy apple dumplings recipe from Kringle Kitchen in my Christmas in Evergreen books.