This Golden Apples Upside-Down Cake is a warm, golden-brown dessert that flips the classic upside-down cake on its head—literally and figuratively! With caramelized Golden apples on the bottom (which becomes the top after flipping), a soft vanilla sponge, and a hint of buttery sweetness—it’s a comforting, fruity cake perfect for teatime, family dinners, or weekend baking.
A rustic, moist cake with all the flavor of apple pie in cake form!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🧈 Caramel Apple Perfection: Tender apples caramelize beautifully during baking.
- 🍰 Vanilla Sponge Base: Light, airy, and subtly sweet—never overpowering.
- ⏱️ Quick & Simple: Ready from start to finish in under an hour.
- ❄️ Great for Meal Prep: Keeps well for 3–4 days or freezes nicely.
- 🍂 Perfect for Fall Baking: Ideal for autumn gatherings, holiday tables, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients (Makes 6 servings):
For the Apple Layer:
- ¼ cup (50g) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (50g) white sugar (or brown sugar for deeper caramel flavor)
- 3 Golden apples , peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
For the Vanilla Sponge:
- 2 large eggs (medium size – about 100g total)
- ⅜ cup (75g) white sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ cup (60ml) whole or semi-skimmed milk
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract (or 1 tsp vanilla paste)
- Optional: A pinch of salt or cinnamon for extra flavor
To Grease the Pan:
- 1 tbsp + 1 tsp sunflower oil (or melted butter)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare the Pan
Preheat oven to 180°C (fan-assisted) or 350°F (standard oven) .
Grease a 9-inch round cake pan (about 20 cm) generously with sunflower oil or butter.
Set aside while preparing the apple layer.
Step 2: Caramelize the Apples
In a small skillet over medium heat, melt:
- Butter
- White sugar
Stir until sugar dissolves and mixture turns light amber in color.
Add thinly sliced Golden apples and sauté for 5–7 minutes , gently turning the slices so they’re evenly coated and softened—but not mushy.
Pour the entire apple-caramel mixture into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
Let cool slightly before adding the cake batter.
Step 3: Make the Vanilla Sponge Batter
In a mixing bowl, beat:
- Eggs
- Sugar
until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes by hand or 1 minute with a mixer.
In a separate bowl, sift:
- Flour
- Baking powder
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg-sugar mixture.
Add:
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
Step 4: Pour Batter Over Apples
Carefully pour the cake batter over the apples in the pan.
Gently smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
The cake will rise above the apples and turn a soft golden color.
Step 6: Let Rest Before Flipping
Remove from oven and let the cake rest for 5 minutes —this helps loosen the edges and makes unmolding easier.
Place a wire rack or serving plate over the pan and carefully flip upside down to reveal the caramelized apples on top.
Let cool slightly before slicing.
Step 7: Serve Warm & Delicious
Cut into slices and serve warm or at room temperature.
Enjoy as-is or with a dollop of whipped cream, Greek yogurt, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Each bite brings together:
- The soft, fragrant vanilla sponge
- Rich, buttery caramelized apples
- A touch of natural fruit sweetness
Tips for Success:
- 🍎 Use Firm Apples: Golden apples are ideal, but Honeycrisp or Jonagold work great too.
- 🧁 Don’t Burn the Sugar: Keep a close eye when caramelizing the apples to avoid bitterness.
- 🥣 Make It Healthier: Swap white sugar for coconut sugar or honey for a more complex flavor.
- 🌾 Gluten-Free Option: Replace flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- ❄️ Meal Prep Friendly: Store cooled cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days—or freeze slices for later.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with coffee, tea, or a glass of spiced chai.
- Perfect at brunch, afternoon tea, or post-dinner dessert plates.
- Great with a drizzle of honey or dusting of powdered sugar.
Nutritional Information (per slice, serves 6 – approximate):
(Without toppings – based on regular ingredients)
- Calories: ~300 kcal
- Protein: ~4g
- Carbohydrates: ~36g
- Fat: ~15g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~24g
This Golden Apples Upside-Down Cake proves that sometimes the simplest desserts are the most magical. With its rich apple topping and delicate vanilla sponge—it’s the kind of cake that feels like comfort in every bite.
So go ahead and make this today… because once you try it—you’ll be making it again and again!
