As the scent of warm spices and sweet apples wafts through my kitchen, I’m reminded of the delightful chaos of autumn gatherings. There’s something truly magical about a Brown Butter Upside Down Apple Cake with Sticky Honey Caramel that perfectly encapsulates the cozy feelings of the season. This recipe isn’t just a dessert; it serves as a centerpiece for cherished memories shared with loved ones, making every bite an embrace of nostalgia. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but this cake also offers a quick prep time, allowing you to focus more on what really matters—creating those unforgettable moments. Imagine the joy on faces as they enjoy this buttery delight that combines tender apples with a luscious caramel layer, making it an ideal treat for celebrations like Rosh Hashana. So, are you ready to elevate your dessert game and bake something truly special?
Why is this cake a must-try?
Unmatched Flavor: The combination of brown butter and sticky honey caramel creates a rich, nutty sweetness that’s simply irresistible.
Seasonal Delight: Perfectly captures the essence of autumn, making it an ideal dessert for gatherings, especially for Rosh Hashana.
Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this show-stopping cake, leaving you more time for family and friends.
Soft, Moist Crumb: Expect a tender texture that pairs beautifully with the caramelized apples, resulting in a cake that feels like a warm hug.
Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: Watch as your guests rave about this delightful treat, bringing everyone back for seconds! If you enjoy cozy desserts, you might also like the Pineapple Upside Down cake or the rich Apple Crumble Cheesecake for more festive occasions.
Brown Butter Upside Down Apple Cake Ingredients
For the Caramel Layer
• Unsalted Butter (6 tbsp) – Generates richness for the sticky honey caramel layer.
• Honey (1/3 cup) – Adds sweetness and a sticky texture to the caramel; maple syrup can be a delightful substitute.
• Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup) – Contributes to the caramel’s moisture balance without suggested substitutes.
For the Cake Batter
• Firm Apples – Provide natural sweetness and structure; Honey Crisp or Fuji apples work well as alternatives.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 ½ cups) – Offers structure; can be swapped with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
• Baking Powder (1 ½ tsp) – Essential leavening agent for achieving fluffiness; ensure freshness for best results.
• Cinnamon (1 tsp) & Ground Ginger (½ tsp) – Infuses warmth and spice into the cake; consider fresh ginger for a stronger flavor.
• Salt (1 tsp) – Enhances overall flavor; be sure to use the right amount for balance.
• Brown Sugar (½ cup) – Adds moisture and depth; coconut sugar can be used for a different flavor profile.
• Large Eggs (2) – Binds ingredients together and adds richness; no substitutions recommended.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Rounds out flavors and adds fragrance; almond extract can be a fine alternative.
• Milk (⅓ cup, oat preferred) – Introduces moisture; any milk or non-dairy option is suitable.
This delightful Brown Butter Upside Down Apple Cake is a perfect way to celebrate love and togetherness during special occasions like Rosh Hashana. Enjoy baking!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Brown Butter Upside Down Apple Cake
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures that your Brown Butter Upside Down Apple Cake bakes evenly and thoroughly. While the oven heats up, you can focus on prepping the cake and caramel, maximizing efficiency in the kitchen.
Step 2: Brown Butter
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter, stirring continuously until it turns a golden brown color, releasing a nutty aroma—this should take about 5–7 minutes. Once browned, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the cake pan.
Step 3: Prepare Cake Pan
Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal. Arrange your apple wedges in a beautiful spiral at the bottom—this will be the star of your Brown Butter Upside Down Apple Cake, providing a stunning presentation when flipped.
Step 4: Make Honey Caramel
In the same saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of the reserved butter over medium heat. Once melted, add ⅓ cup of honey and ¼ cup of granulated sugar, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly. After it thickens and caramelizes, pour it evenly over the arranged apples in the cake pan.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1 teaspoon of salt. This combination of dry ingredients will provide a flavorful and airy structure for your cake, ensuring a delightful texture.
Step 6: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the cooled brown butter, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ⅓ cup of milk. Whisk the mixture together until it becomes smooth and well combined, creating a rich base for your cake batter.
Step 7: Combine Mixtures
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold the two together using a spatula, stirring just until the ingredients are combined and there are no dry spots. Avoid overmixing to ensure your Brown Butter Upside Down Apple Cake remains tender and fluffy.
Step 8: Bake
Carefully spread the batter over the caramelized apples in the pan, smoothing it out evenly. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and the edges turn a lovely golden brown.
Step 9: Cool and Invert
After baking, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, run a knife around the edges to loosen it. Invert the cake onto a serving plate, allowing the caramelized apple layer to sit beautifully on top, ready to impress your guests.
How to Store and Freeze Brown Butter Upside Down Apple Cake
Room Temperature: Keep the cake tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days. This maintains its moisture and flavor without refrigeration.
Fridge: If you want to extend its life, store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just reheat slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for that fresh-baked taste.
Freezer: To freeze this delicious Brown Butter Upside Down Apple Cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat before serving.
Reheating: For the best experience, reheat individual slices in the microwave or warm the whole cake in a low oven (around 300°F) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, restoring its delightful softness.
What to Serve with Brown Butter Upside Down Apple Cake
As the sweet aroma lingers in your kitchen, it’s time to think about the delightful sides and complements to elevate this unforgettable dessert experience.
Velvety Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool, creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the warm cake, creating a luscious bite that dances on your palate.
Whipped Cream Delight: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a hint of sweetness, enhancing the cake’s buttery notes while providing a fluffy texture.
Spiced Chai Tea: This aromatic beverage, brewed with warming spices, offers a comforting pairing that mirrors the spice profile of your cake, making each sip a cozy experience.
Candied Walnuts: Crunchy and sweet, these nuts provide a delightful textural contrast while complementing the apple and caramel flavors with their toasty notes.
Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzling this extra layer of indulgence not only intensifies sweetness but adds a touch of saltiness to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Warm Apple Cider: This seasonal favorite, served hot, evokes the essence of autumn and complements the apple cake in a heartwarming way, making it perfect for gatherings.
Pumpkin Pie Bars: For added variety at the dessert table, these bars can introduce a festive pumpkin flavor that pairs harmoniously with your cake’s warming spices.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: Clearly a classic, these cookies add a nostalgic element to the occasion, creating a wonderful interplay of flavors and textures.
Ginger Ale Fizz: A refreshing non-alcoholic option, the bubbly ginger ale cleanses the palate while complementing the spicy notes in your dessert.
Expert Tips for Brown Butter Upside Down Apple Cake
Perfectly Browned Butter: Watch your butter closely as it melts; you want a rich, golden hue, not burnt. The right brown butter infuses your cake with deep flavor.
Apple Selection: Choose firm apples like Honey Crisp for sweetness and structure. Avoid soft or mealy apples, which won’t hold up well in the baking process.
Caramel Consistency: For a beautifully sticky honey caramel, don’t rush the boiling stage; a gentle simmer allows flavors to deepen without scorching.
Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, stir until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light, fluffy texture.
Let it Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before inverting. This step helps prevent any sticky caramel from sticking to the pan.
Serving Suggestions: This Brown Butter Upside Down Apple Cake is delightful warm, but pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an unforgettable dessert experience.
Make Ahead Options
These Brown Butter Upside Down Apple Cakes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the caramel layer (butter, honey, and sugar) up to 24 hours in advance by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; this helps to develop the rich flavors. The apples can also be sliced and arranged in the pan ahead of time, keeping them fresh with a sprinkle of lemon juice to prevent browning. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine the cake batter and pour it over the caramelized apples before baking for 45-50 minutes. Your guests will enjoy a dessert that’s just as delicious as if made on the same day!
Brown Butter Upside Down Apple Cake Variations
Feel free to play with flavors and ingredients; your very own twist awaits!
- Apple Variety: Swap in Granny Smith apples for a delightful tartness that beautifully balances the sweetness.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil instead of butter and your choice of non-dairy milk for a completely plant-based version.
- Nuts Addition: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts nicely with the soft cake.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a surprising, gentle warmth that elevates the cake to a new level.
- Maple Swirl: Replace honey with maple syrup for a deeper, richer flavor that creates a beautiful fall-inspired twist.
- Ginger Zip: Incorporate fresh grated ginger in addition to dried ginger for a more vibrant and aromatic spice experience.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs while maintaining delicious results.
- Toffee Flavor: Mix in a handful of crushed toffee pieces for an extra sweet element that complements the chewy apple layer beautifully.
These variations can transform your Brown Butter Upside Down Apple Cake into numerous delightful experiences! If you’re in the mood for other yummy innovations, check out our Peanut Butter Brownie or the festive Pineapple Upside Down cake for more inspiration.
Brown Butter Upside Down Apple Cake Recipe FAQs
What type of apples should I use for this cake?
I recommend using firm apples like Honey Crisp or Fuji, as they provide the perfect balance of sweetness and structure while baking. Avoid soft apples, as they may turn mushy and lose their shape in the cake.
How should I store the Brown Butter Upside Down Apple Cake?
You can store the cake tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, which will keep it moist and flavorful. If you’d like to extend its life, place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze the cake?
Absolutely! To freeze your Brown Butter Upside Down Apple Cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
What can I do if my caramel becomes too thick?
If your honey caramel thickens too much, you can gently reheat it on the stove with a splash of water or milk, stirring until it loosens up. Keep in mind that cooking it too long can lead to a burnt flavor, so watch it closely!
Is this cake suitable for people with allergies?
This recipe contains eggs and dairy. For a vegan or dairy-free option, you could replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and use a non-dairy milk, such as oat or almond milk.
How long does it take for the cake to bake?
The Brown Butter Upside Down Apple Cake should bake for about 45-50 minutes at 350°F (175°C). A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean indicating the cake is fully baked. Don’t forget to let it cool for 10 minutes before inverting it for a lovely presentation!
Brown Butter Upside Down Apple Cake for Cozy Celebrations
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium saucepan, melt 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter until golden brown, about 5–7 minutes.
- Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper; arrange apple wedges in a spiral.
- Melt 6 tablespoons of reserved butter, add honey and sugar, boil for about 3 minutes, then pour it over the apples.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix cooled brown butter, sugars, eggs, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients; fold gently until just mixed.
- Spread batter over the apples in the pan; bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.