Cookbooks
Never Say Never to Dolce
A brand-new collection of 50 approachable homemade desserts – from iconic Cannoli to Dolci al Cucchiaio and more – that proves there’s always room for a little sweetness.
Manuela’s Sweet Temptations
A collection of 50 irresistible dessert recipes, from classic Italian treats to modern favorites—including gluten-free options.
The Complete Italian Cookbook: Essential Regional Cooking of Italy
A collection of 50 irresistible dessert recipes, from classic Italian treats to modern favorites—including gluten-free options.
Upside-Down Cake with Caramelized Apple Slices
This upside-down cake features tender, caramelized apples on top of a soft and moist, fluffy base, creating a show-stopping dessert that’s as delicious as it is beautiful
Today, I’m excited to share my super-easy recipe for a soft and delicious upside-down apple cake—perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon tea. This cake is topped with caramelized apples that bake up golden and tender, adding just the right amount of juiciness and sweetness.
Am I the only one who feels that upside-down cakes are a little underrated right now?!? And I really don’t understand why. You can make them with any seasonal fruit you have on hand—think apples, pears, pineapples, peaches, plums, or a delightful mix of flavors!
For this recipe, all you need is one bowl and a mixer. And best of all, it’s ready in less than an hour from start to finish.
Here’s the best part: the apples are arranged at the bottom of the pan and drizzled with a caramel sauce. When you invert the cake, you’re left with a beautiful, caramelized apple topping that seeps into the soft, fluffy cake beneath, adding extra moisture and flavor.
Which apple to use for this cake?!?
For an upside-down apple cake, it’s best to choose apples that hold their shape and offer a balance of sweetness and tartness.
Pink Lady apples are an excellent choice, as their firm texture withstands baking without turning mushy, and their natural sweetness is balanced by a slight tartness, which complements the caramelized topping beautifully.
Other good options include Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji apples, all of which provide a firm bite and bright flavor, perfect for creating a delicious, caramelized apple layer.
Now, let’s talk about this easy recipe for a minute.
First of all, I recommend using an 8-inch (or 9) round pan—springform if you have it—so you can easily remove the sides and invert the cake onto a serving plate when it’s done. And please please please, don’t forget to place a baking sheet underneath to catch any buttery juices that might bubble over while baking.
For the apples, you will need to slice them thin, no need to peel them. Place them at the bottom of the pan, skin-side down, arranged as you wish in a pretty pattern if you like.
Ready to make your own delicious upside-down apple cake? Let’s get started!
VIDEO RECIPE: Upside Down Apple Cake
Upside-Down Cake with Caramelized Apple Slices
This upside-down cake features tender, caramelized apples on top of a soft and moist, fluffy base, creating a show-stopping dessert that’s as delicious as it is beautiful
Servings:
10
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
40
Resting Time
Total Time
1 hr
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
- 4 oz (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (240 g) plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon (16 g) baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 apples (I used Pink Lady) sliced 2 mm thick
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom of an 8-inch springform round pan with parchment paper and grease the sides with baking spray or butter. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with a hand mixer on high speed for about 3 minutes, until light and fluffy. Add the melted butter, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract, and beat well. Sift in the baking powder, salt, and flour. Beat on medium-low until just combined. Fold the batter gently with a spatula. Set aside.
- Arrange the apple slices, peel side down, in a circular pattern on the bottom of the prepared pan, covering as much surface as possible.
- In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and cinnamon (if using). Bring to a boil over medium heat, swirling the pan occasionally until the mixture turns a caramel-like amber color. Pour the caramel over the arranged apple slices. You can pour half of it and save the rest to drizzle on top of the cake once baked.
- Gently scoop the batter over the apples, spreading it evenly. Place the pan on a baking sheet to catch any potential spills. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for at least 5 minutes. Run a knife around the edges, then invert the cake onto a serving plate. Slice and enjoy!
