If you’re craving a dessert that combines warm, comforting fall flavors with an irresistible buttery richness, then this Brown Butter Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe is your new best friend. It’s the perfect marriage of nutty browned butter, tender spiced apples, and a moist cake batter that slides straight off the pan with a glossy fruit topping. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just because, this cake guarantees smiles with every bite and a cozy feeling that wraps you right up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a key role in bringing out that classic texture, flavor, and beautiful color that make this cake unforgettable. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples — but that browned butter really takes this dessert into gourmet territory.
- Unsalted butter (for topping): Browning it brings a deep, nutty complexity that’s essential for the topping’s flavor.
- Light brown sugar (packed): Adds sweetness along with a hint of molasses that complements the apples perfectly.
- Apples (peeled, cored, thinly sliced): Firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith hold their shape and give a bit of tartness for balance.
- Unsalted butter (for batter): Browned separately, it enriches the cake with that warm, toasty aroma and moist crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a tender texture when creamed with browned butter.
- Large eggs: The binding agents that add structure and moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the cake’s base, ensuring a soft yet sturdy crumb.
- Baking powder: Gives the cake lift and lightness for perfect rise.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses the batter with a cozy, classic spice that pairs wonderfully with apples.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness flawlessly.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and richness without weighing the cake down.
How to Make Brown Butter Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Topping
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line its bottom with parchment paper for easy release later. Melt 4 tablespoons of the unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it transforms into a warm brown color and emits a nutty aroma — this usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove it from heat, stir in the packed light brown sugar, and then pour this delicious mixture evenly into your prepared pan. Arrange the sliced apples on top in a lovely circular pattern, making sure you cover the entire surface for a stunning presentation once flipped.
Step 2: Brown the Butter for the Batter
In a separate saucepan, patiently brown the remaining ½ cup of unsalted butter over medium heat until it’s fragrant and golden, then set aside to cool slightly. This step is the secret to elevating the cake’s flavor to something truly magical — that nutty richness will infuse every bite of your batter.
Step 3: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk the cooled browned butter together with granulated sugar until smooth and slightly glossy. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely hint of warmth everyone loves.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. This blend of dry ingredients balances the sweetness and adds a gentle spice that feels just perfect with the apples.
Step 5: Bring it All Together
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two portions, alternating with the whole milk. Mix gently after each addition just until everything is combined and no streaks of flour remain — overmixing can toughen the cake, so be kind to your batter!
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter carefully over the apple and brown sugar layer in the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a beautiful serving plate to reveal the glossy, caramelized apple topping.
How to Serve Brown Butter Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant finishing touch, dust the cake lightly with powdered sugar or cinnamon. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts into the warm cake beautifully, adding contrast in texture and temperature that’s simply irresistible.
Side Dishes
This delightful cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of spiced chai tea or rich coffee, making it a perfect treat for afternoon gatherings or a cozy night in. If you’re serving brunch, a slice alongside sharp cheddar cheese or a crisp green salad can create a sophisticated balance of sweet and savory.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual slices with a drizzle of caramel sauce or sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch. For a festive twist, add fresh rosemary sprigs or edible flowers on the plate to give a rustic, yet elegant vibe that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Brown Butter Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for up to four days. This keeps the cake moist and flavors well-infused without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep beautifully for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying, and you’d never know it was frozen!
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or warm in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. This restores its warmth and softness, making every bite just as delightful as the day you baked it.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fruit instead of apples?
Absolutely! Pears or peaches work wonderfully as substitutes, especially if you want to experiment with different flavors while keeping the same comforting essence of the cake.
What is the best apple variety for this cake?
Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness, making them ideal for this recipe.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend, keeping the measurements the same. Just ensure your baking powder is gluten-free to maintain the cake’s rise.
Why do you brown the butter twice in this recipe?
The browned butter in the topping creates a rich caramel base for the apples, while the browned butter in the batter boosts the cake’s flavor and moisture — it’s a double dose of nutty goodness that sets this cake apart.
Is this cake suitable for beginners?
Definitely! Though it has a few steps, each one is straightforward and gives a great result. Plus, seeing those apples arranged beautifully and flipping the cake for that glossy top is a rewarding experience every home baker should try.
Final Thoughts
I can honestly say this Brown Butter Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe has a special place in my heart — it’s a comforting classic with a sophisticated twist that anyone can master. Whether you make it for family, friends, or just as a treat for yourself, it delivers a cozy hug disguised as dessert. So grab your apples, brown that butter, and get ready for something truly delicious.
Print
Brown Butter Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Brown Butter Apple Upside-Down Cake is a delightful fall dessert featuring tender apple slices caramelized with brown sugar and nutty browned butter. The moist, spiced cake base complements the rich topping perfectly, making it an easy yet elegant treat to serve warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
Batter
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make Brown Sugar Topping: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter until it starts to brown and gives off a nutty aroma, about 4–5 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in the packed brown sugar until fully combined, then pour and spread this mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
- Arrange Apples: Place the thinly sliced apples in a circular pattern over the brown sugar mixture in the pan, creating an attractive upside-down topping.
- Bake Brown Butter: In a separate saucepan, brown the remaining ½ cup of butter over medium heat, allowing it to develop a rich flavor. Let the brown butter cool slightly before using.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the slightly cooled browned butter with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine Batter: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two batches, alternating with the milk. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Assemble Cake: Pour the batter evenly over the apple slices in the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate so the apple layer is on top. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- For added depth of flavor, incorporate a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of apple brandy into the batter.
- Choose firm apple varieties such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to ensure they hold their shape during baking.
- Pair the cake with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
