If you’ve ever wanted to transform simple fall flavors into a showstopping dessert, let me introduce you to the Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake. This cake has it all: a golden crown of caramelized apples, a tender crumb that soaks up rich brown butter, and a cozy aroma that fills your kitchen with memories. When you flip it over, magic happens—the glossy, syrupy apples nestle on top, inviting you to dig in. Every bite combines the nuttiness of browned butter with sweet, cinnamon-kissed apples, making it unforgettable for gatherings or just a quiet cup of coffee at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here is thoughtfully chosen and serves a special role in building flavor, texture, or color in your Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake. Don’t worry—none of the ingredients are complicated, but each one really pulls its weight in the final result!
- Apples: Go for firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp—their flavor and shape hold up beautifully after baking.
- Unsalted Butter: Browning the butter deepens its flavor, giving the cake that warm, nutty backbone.
- Brown Sugar: Creates that sticky, caramelized topping and adds a mellow sweetness throughout the cake.
- Granulated Sugar: Lightens and lifts the crumb, ensuring the cake isn’t overly dense.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and help the cake rise perfectly.
- All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy base of the cake, giving just the right amount of chew without being heavy.
- Baking Powder: Guarantees a soft, fluffy rise every time.
- Salt: Just a little brings out the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Milk: Adds moisture and helps unify the batter.
- Vanilla Extract: That classic, aromatic hit of warmth in every slice.
- Ground Cinnamon: Melds with the apples for comforting, autumnal notes.
- Lemon Juice: A splash keeps the apples bright and prevents browning.
How to Make Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Apples
Begin by tracing the bottom of your cake pan onto a piece of parchment paper. Cut it out, line the pan, and lightly butter the sides. Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, even segments—about a quarter-inch thick. Toss them with lemon juice and a bit of cinnamon for tartness and warmth, then lay them gracefully in concentric circles at the bottom of your prepared pan.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
This is where the magic happens! Melt your unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling frequently. It’ll foam, pop, and then develop golden flecks with an intoxicating nutty aroma. Once it’s browned, immediately remove it from the heat so it doesn’t burn. Pour a generous portion over the apples, reserving the rest for your cake batter.
Step 3: Make the Caramel Topping
Sprinkle a generous layer of brown sugar directly over the apples and browned butter. As the cake bakes, this will melt into a caramel that seeps through the fruit and creates that irresistible upside-down magic.
Step 4: Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, and a touch more cinnamon. In another bowl, combine the reserved brown butter, granulated sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla, mixing until smooth and glossy. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet, taking care not to overmix for the lightest crumb.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Gently pour the batter over your apple layer, smoothing it out so it reaches every corner. Bake in the center of a preheated oven until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean, typically 40–45 minutes. Let the cake rest in the pan for about 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edge and flip it confidently onto a serving plate. Peel off the parchment to reveal your glistening, caramelized apples.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let your Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake cool until just barely warm for the best texture and flavor. The cake becomes even more moist as it sits, making each bite deeply satisfying. If you slice too soon, the apples may slide; patience here is truly rewarded!
How to Serve Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake
Garnishes
Dress up slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce. A scatter of toasted pecans or walnuts adds delightful crunch, while a dusting of powdered sugar gives a pretty finish.
Side Dishes
Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake pairs beautifully with tangy sides like plain Greek yogurt or crème fraîche. For a full brunch spread, serve alongside crisp bacon or a bowl of mixed berries to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform it into a rustic showpiece by baking individual mini upside down cakes in ramekins—guests love the personal touch! For gatherings, slice the cake into small wedges and serve with coffee on a wooden board, or pair with mulled cider for festive flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will keep at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days—though it rarely lasts that long!
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic and then foil, or store as a whole cake. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Warm individual portions in the microwave for about 15 seconds, or reheat slices in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. This revives the caramel apple topping and is especially lovely in chilly weather.
FAQs
Can I use a different fruit?
Absolutely! Pears, peaches, or plums all work well—just adjust the spices and sugar to match the sweetness and texture of your chosen fruit.
Is it necessary to line the pan?
Yes, lining the pan with parchment ensures your Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake releases cleanly and all those lovely caramelized apples stay intact when you invert it.
Why brown the butter?
Browning butter creates a deep, toasty flavor that sets this cake apart and balances the sweetness of the apples and caramel topping.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a high-quality all-purpose gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. The result is just as delicious and tender!
What type of apple is best?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and give a lovely contrast to the sweet, caramelized topping of the Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a homemade Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake—it’s warm, nostalgic, and bursting with comforting flavors. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a birthday, or a simple weekday treat, your kitchen (and your heart) will thank you. Give it a try and let your friends and family experience this cozy classic for themselves!
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Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cake
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake is a delightful twist on a classic dessert. The rich, nutty flavor of brown butter pairs perfectly with the sweet, tart apples for a decadent treat that is sure to impress. The moist cake is topped with caramelized apples, creating a beautiful presentation that is as delicious as it looks.
Ingredients
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2–3 apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, browned
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Topping: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until the mixture is smooth. Pour the mixture into the bottom of a greased cake pan. Arrange the apple slices on top of the butter mixture.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream the browned butter and sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour the cake batter over the apples in the pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Finish and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert it onto a serving plate. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- You can use any type of apple for this recipe, but Granny Smith apples work particularly well.
- Be careful when working with the hot caramelized sugar to avoid burns.
