How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

What ingredients do I need for Apple Cider Upside Down Cake?

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 stick (1/2 Cup) Butter, Divided, 1-1/4 package Brown Sugar, Divided, 1 whole Apple, 1-1/2 cup All-purpose Flour, and more.

Is Apple Cider Upside Down Cake suitable as baking & desserts?

Yes, Apple Cider Upside Down Cake falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

How do I store leftover Apple Cider Upside Down Cake?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

Apple Cider Upside Down Cake Recipe

Name: Apple Cider Upside Down Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 stick (1/2 Cup) Butter, Divided; 1-1/4 package Brown Sugar, Divided; 1 whole Apple; 1-1/2 cup All-purpose Flour; 2 teaspoons Baking Powder; 1/4 teaspoons Salt; 1/2 teaspoons Cinnamon; 2/3 cups Apple Cider; 1 teaspoon Vanilla; 1 whole Egg

Apple Cider Upside Down Cake

Eats Now Editorial Team · 466 kcal · Baking & Desserts

1
Preheat oven to 350F.
2
Take one stick of butter and cut it so that you have 1/3 cup. That will leave you with 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons for the topping. Set aside the 1/3 cup of butter.
3
Melt the 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons butter in a 9-inch cake pan. (I just did it in the microwave for 30 seconds on 50% power.) Sprinkle 1/2 cup of brown sugar over the top of the butter.
4
Peel and slice the apple. I did thin (but not too thin) slices. I wanted them to cook through, but not disintegrate. (About the apple choice: I used Fuji. Granny Smith would be too juicy for this recipe and you may end up with a cake that won't bake. Gala would be another good choice.) Layer the slices on top of the sugar/butter. (I barely overlapped the apples.) Set aside.
5
In a large mixer bowl, add the flour, remaining 3/4 cup brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mix together and then add the reserved 1/3 cup butter, cider, vanilla, and egg. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes. Pour over the top of the apples/sugar/butter in the cake pan. No need to grease the sides at all.
6
Bake at 350F for 40 minutes. My cake needed the full 40 minutes, but I checked it after 35 minutes. Make sure a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
7
Let it cool for no more than 5 minutes and then invert the cake onto a serving plate or platter. Run a knife along the edges of the cake to loosen it. I put the plate on top of the cake pan and then flipped the whole thing over. (I was careful to use oven mitts on my hands so no caramelized sugar could drip out and burn me. Good thing I did because one of my oven mitts is now covered in sugar.) It should pop out with ease.
8
Dive in! This cake is best when still warm. We ate it without letting it cool at all. Very moist, not at all heavy. Perfection.
9
Enjoy!

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

Apple Cider Upside Down Cake

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

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