Apple Pie Upside-Down Cake Recipe

Name: Apple Pie Upside-Down Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, plus more for pan; 1 1/2 cups packed light-brown sugar; 3 tablespoons Calvados apple brandy; Salt; 3 whole cinnamon sticks; 6 medium Braeburn or McIntosh apples (about 2 1/2 pounds), peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch-thick rings; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1/2 cup sour cream

Servings: persons

1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, plus more for pan
1 1/2 cups packed light-brown sugar
3 tablespoons Calvados apple brandy
Salt
3 whole cinnamon sticks
6 medium Braeburn or McIntosh apples (about 2 1/2 pounds), peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch-thick rings
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream

1
Preheat the oven to 375F.
2
Butter a 12 x 1-inch round pizza pan.
3
Line bottom with parchment paper, and butter parchment; set aside.
4
Put 1/2 cup butter, the brown sugar, brandy, and a pinch of salt into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes.
5
Spread mixture into prepared pan.
6
Place cinnamon sticks on top.
7
Layer with apple rings.
8
Use your hands to press apples gently into mixture; set aside.
9
Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and the ground cinnamon into a medium bowl; set aside.
10
Put remaining 3/4 cup butter and the granulated sugar into the clean bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the clean paddle attachment; mix on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy.
11
Mix in eggs, one at a time, and vanilla.
12
Reduce speed to low.
13
Add flour mixture in 2 batches, alternating with the sour cream.
14
Spread batter evenly over apples.
15
Bake until cake is golden brown and a cake tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 45 minutes.
16
Let cool on a wire rack 15 minutes.
17
Invert onto a serving plate.
18
The cake can be stored at room temperature, covered, up to 1 day.

1785

kcal

Calories

Fat

291

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

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.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

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

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, plus more for pan, 1 1/2 cups packed light-brown sugar, 3 tablespoons Calvados apple brandy, Salt, and more.

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

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.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Apple Pie Upside-Down Cake

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions