Go Back
–+ servings
Brown Butter Upside Down Apple Cake

Brown Butter Upside Down Apple Cake for Cozy Celebrations

This Brown Butter Upside Down Apple Cake is a crowd-pleaser that embodies the cozy feelings of autumn with a rich caramel layer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Caramel Layer
  • 6 tbsp Unsalted Butter Generates richness for the sticky honey caramel layer.
  • 1/3 cup Honey Adds sweetness and a sticky texture to the caramel.
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar Contributes to the caramel's moisture balance.
For the Cake Batter
  • Firm Apples Provide natural sweetness and structure; Honey Crisp or Fuji apples work well.
  • 1 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour Offers structure; can be swapped with gluten-free flour.
  • 1 ½ tsp Baking Powder Essential leavening agent for achieving fluffiness.
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon Infuses warmth and spice into the cake.
  • ½ tsp Ground Ginger Consider fresh ginger for a stronger flavor.
  • 1 tsp Salt Enhances overall flavor.
  • ½ cup Brown Sugar Adds moisture and depth.
  • 2 Large Eggs Binds ingredients together and adds richness.
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract Rounds out flavors and adds fragrance.
  • ⅓ cup Milk Introduces moisture; any milk or non-dairy option is suitable.

Equipment

  • 9-inch round cake pan
  • mixing bowls
  • medium saucepan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter until golden brown, about 5–7 minutes.
  3. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper; arrange apple wedges in a spiral.
  4. Melt 6 tablespoons of reserved butter, add honey and sugar, boil for about 3 minutes, then pour it over the apples.
  5. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
  6. In another bowl, mix cooled brown butter, sugars, eggs, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
  7. Combine wet and dry ingredients; fold gently until just mixed.
  8. Spread batter over the apples in the pan; bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This cake tastes best warm; serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!