There’s something magical about an apple upside-down cake. Juicy, caramelized apple slices glisten on top of a soft, buttery cake, filling your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon and caramel.

This recipe is a celebration of autumn flavors, but it’s a treat you’ll want to enjoy year-round. It’s simple to make, stunning to serve, and even better to eat.

I made this cake for a cozy weekend dinner with friends, and it quickly became the centerpiece of the evening. The rich caramel sauce and tender apples pair so beautifully with the lightly spiced cake.

What makes it truly special is how the apples bake into the top layer, creating a picture-perfect finish every time.

Serve this cake warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert or pair it with a glass of spiced mulled wine for a cozy, festive treat.

Whether for a special occasion or a comforting family dessert, this cake always impresses.

I’d love to hear how yours turns out—don’t forget to share your twists on this classic recipe!

Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)

"The cake is being flipped onto a serving dish on the white marble cooktop, unveiling a caramelized apple topping. A spatula helps lift and guide the cake, and a few neatly sliced pieces are ready to serve

Simple Elegance: The caramelized apple topping makes this cake look like it came from a bakery.
Warm, Cozy Flavors: The combination of apples, caramel, and cinnamon is irresistibly comforting.
Perfect for Sharing: This cake is a showstopper at family dinners and gatherings.
One-Pan Wonder: The recipe is simple and requires minimal cleanup, making it as easy as it is delicious.

Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe

This Apple Upside-Down Cake is a deliciously moist dessert with layers of spiced apples and fluffy cake. The perfect balance of cinnamon and apple flavor makes it a cozy, comforting treat!

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 45

Additional Time 20

Total Time 1 25

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 20

Calories 534 kcal

Equipment

10×15-inch baking pan
Stand mixer with paddle attachment
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula
Knife and peeler
Toothpick (for testing doneness)
Large serving dish

Ingredients

1 ½ cups brown sugar or more to taste
3 tablespoons ground cinnamon divided
5 medium apples – peeled cored, and sliced
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups unsweetened apple juice
1 ½ cups white sugar
1 cup butter softened
4 eggs
½ cup milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Sprinkle brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of cinnamon in a 10×15-inch baking pan. Layer apple slices on top.
In a stand mixer, combine flour, apple juice, white sugar, butter, eggs, milk, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, vanilla, baking powder, and salt until smooth (5–10 minutes).
Pour the batter over the apples, ensuring even coverage.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool the cake for 20–30 minutes.
Place a serving dish over the pan and carefully flip the cake over.
Serve and enjoy!