Description
This Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake is a rich and flavorful dessert that combines the nutty, caramelized taste of brown butter with the sweetness of apples. With a tender cake base and a luscious, golden-brown apple topping, this cake is perfect for fall gatherings, holiday celebrations, or any time you’re craving a comforting, show-stopping treat. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and fruity flavors!
Ingredients
Scale
For the topping:
- 3–4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
For the cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), browned
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Brown the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the 1 cup of butter over medium heat. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the topping: In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Once the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth, remove from heat and pour it into the prepared cake pan.
- Arrange the apples: Arrange the apple slices in a circular pattern on top of the brown sugar mixture, covering the bottom of the pan completely. Set aside.
- Make the cake batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, whisk together the browned butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Pour and bake: Pour the cake batter over the arranged apples in the cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and flip: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before flipping it onto a serving plate. Be sure to remove the parchment paper if used.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the caramelized apple topping with the rich, brown butter flavor!
Notes
- If you prefer a more intense apple flavor, you can cook the apples in the brown sugar mixture for a few minutes before adding them to the pan.
- For a more decadent touch, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- This cake can be made a day ahead and stored at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Reheat before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- You can use any type of apple you prefer, but firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg