If you’re looking to cozy up your kitchen with the sweet aroma of apples and buttery caramel, this Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake is about to become your new go-to dessert. Imagine a golden, tender cake that hugs a crown of juicy apples, all bathed in a nutty brown butter caramel—each bite is pure comfort. This recipe is easy enough for a weekday treat but impressive enough for guests, and the moment you flip that cake out of the pan and reveal the glistening fruit, you’ll know why it’s such a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a handful of everyday ingredients transform into something so spectacular! Each one brings its own magic to the Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake, from the apples’ tartness to the warm spice blend. Here’s what you’ll need and why they matter:
- Apples: Choose crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and a lovely balance of tart and sweet.
- Unsalted Butter (divided): Browning half the butter gives the cake an irresistible nutty aroma, while the rest keeps the crumb tender.
- Light Brown Sugar: This melts with the brown butter to create a luscious caramelized layer under the apples.
- Ground Cinnamon: Just a teaspoon infuses the cake with that classic, cozy spice.
- Nutmeg: Adds subtle warmth and depth—freshly grated if you have it, but ground works too.
- All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy backbone of the cake, giving it structure without heaviness.
- Baking Powder: Lifts the batter so your cake turns out fluffy and light.
- Salt: A pinch brightens all the sweet flavors and keeps things balanced.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake itself, letting the brown sugar shine in the topping.
- Eggs: Hold everything together and add richness to the crumb.
- Whole Milk: Keeps the cake moist and tender—don’t skimp here!
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out all the flavors and makes the cake smell heavenly.
How to Make Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9-inch round cake pan and give it a thorough greasing—this is key for that beautiful release later. Set the pan aside so you’re ready to assemble as soon as your apples and brown butter are prepped.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of the butter. Stir often and watch carefully; in about 4 to 5 minutes, the butter will foam, turn golden, and release a nutty, toasty aroma. That’s your cue! Immediately pour this fragrant brown butter into the bottom of your prepared cake pan.
Step 3: Layer the Apples and Brown Sugar
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the warm brown butter, then arrange your thinly sliced apples in a neat circular pattern on top. Let your inner artist shine here—the prettier the spiral, the more stunning your Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake will look once flipped!
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This step ensures all those cozy spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed, guaranteeing a cake that rises perfectly and tastes consistent in every bite.
Step 5: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, beat the remaining 1/4 cup butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is what gives your cake its delicate crumb, so take your time and really whip some air into it.
Step 6: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for that sweet, fragrant undertone that rounds out the flavors.
Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix gently, just until everything comes together—overmixing can make the cake tough, and we want it melt-in-your-mouth tender!
Step 8: Assemble and Bake
Carefully spoon the batter over the arranged apples, smoothing the top to cover all the fruit. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma at this stage is pure fall magic.
Step 9: Cool and Flip
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, with a deep breath, invert the cake onto a serving plate. The apples and caramel will be glistening on top—this is the moment when your Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake really steals the show!
How to Serve Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake
Garnishes
A little garnish takes this cake from homey to utterly irresistible. Try a dusting of powdered sugar, a generous drizzle of caramel sauce, or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream to complement the warm apples and brown butter notes.
Side Dishes
Pair your Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake with a cup of strong coffee or spiced chai for a cozy afternoon treat. If you’re serving it for dessert, a dollop of softly whipped cream or a handful of toasted pecans on the side adds a lovely finishing touch.
Creative Ways to Present
Individual mini cakes are always a hit—simply bake in muffin tins and reduce the baking time. Or, serve slices with a small pitcher of warm caramel sauce so guests can pour their own. For a brunch twist, offer the cake alongside a platter of sharp cheddar cheese and fresh apple slices.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake has cooled completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. The flavors deepen as it sits, making every bite even more delicious.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze leftovers, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top bag. The cake can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Reheating
To rewarm, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or heat in a 300°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes. This revives the buttery, caramelized apple topping and brings back that fresh-from-the-oven magic.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of apple?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are favorites for their firmness and tartness, you can experiment with Gala, Fuji, or Pink Lady apples. Just make sure they hold their shape during baking for the best Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake experience.
Why brown the butter instead of just melting it?
Browning the butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that sets this cake apart from traditional upside down cakes. It amplifies the richness and gives the apple topping an almost caramel-like complexity you won’t want to miss.
Can I make this cake gluten free?
Yes, you can substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. The texture may be slightly different, but you’ll still get all the delicious flavors of the Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake.
What’s the best way to slice the apples?
Aim for thin, even slices—about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures the apples cook through and meld into that gorgeous, caramelized layer. A sharp knife or mandoline makes quick work of this step.
Can I make the cake a day ahead?
Definitely! In fact, the flavors often improve after a night’s rest. Just cover well and store at room temperature. If you want to serve it warm, a gentle reheat will revive the caramel apple topping beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that’s both comforting and show-stopping, this Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake is the answer. The buttery apples, warm spices, and tender crumb are guaranteed to win over everyone at your table. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it all season long!
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Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake is a delightful fall dessert featuring tender apples caramelized in brown butter and brown sugar, layered with a spiced, fluffy cake. Perfect for cozy occasions, it combines warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors with a rich, nutty aroma from the browned butter, creating a moist and flavorful treat that’s easy to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Topping
- 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
For the Cake Batter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly to prevent sticking, then set aside.
- Make Brown Butter Topping: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of the unsalted butter. Cook it, stirring often, until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma, about 4–5 minutes. Immediately pour this browned butter into the bottom of the prepared cake pan. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the butter layer.
- Arrange Apples: Arrange the peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples in a circular pattern over the sugar and browned butter, covering the entire bottom of the pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until combined. This will give the cake its warm, spiced flavor.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, using a hand or stand mixer, cream the remaining 1/4 cup softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Batter: Alternately add the dry ingredients and the whole milk to the creamed mixture in three additions, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently after each addition until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Assemble and Bake: Carefully spoon the cake batter evenly over the arranged apples in the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake’s center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Invert: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set the topping. Then, place a serving plate over the pan and carefully invert the cake onto the plate so the caramelized apples are on top.
- Serve: Serve the cake warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Notes
- Use firm apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to maintain a pleasant texture during baking.
- For extra indulgence, serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- This cake can be made a day ahead and stored at room temperature, covered tightly to preserve freshness.
- Ensure to brown the butter carefully to avoid burning, which could cause a bitter taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
