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Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 8-10 servings 1x

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:

  • 34 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