If you’re searching for a dessert that’s as dazzling as it is delicious, look no further than this Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake. Imagine tender apples nestled in a caramelized brown sugar glaze, all crowned with a subtly spiced, buttery cake that’s rich from nutty brown butter. Every bite is pure comfort, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy treat at home. Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or sneak a slice for breakfast, this showstopper will have everyone asking for the recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how each simple ingredient works together to create layers of flavor and texture. From the apples to the brown butter, every component plays a role in transforming a classic dessert into something truly unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter: You’ll need it twice—first for creating the luscious brown butter and again for that irresistible caramelized base.
- Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar melts into the butter, forming a gooey, caramel-like topping for the apples.
- Apples: Choose crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for a tender, yet sturdy cake.
- Baking powder & baking soda: These ensure your cake rises beautifully and stays fluffy.
- Salt: Just a touch brings out the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon & ground nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the apples and give cozy, autumnal notes.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and a light crumb to the cake layer.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and give the cake its delightful structure.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, aromatic depth to the cake.
- Sour cream: Keeps the cake moist and tender, with a slight tang.
- Milk: Loosens the batter for an even, soft crumb throughout.
How to Make Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9-inch round cake pan. This ensures your cake releases effortlessly later. Taking the time to thoroughly grease the pan is key for that dramatic upside-down reveal!
Step 2: Brown the Butter
In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Watch closely and swirl often—the butter will foam, then turn golden and nutty, giving the cake its signature flavor. Once browned (about 4 minutes), immediately pour it into your prepared cake pan to stop the cooking and build your caramel base.
Step 3: Layer the Caramel and Apples
Sprinkle the packed brown sugar evenly over the warm brown butter in the pan. Next, arrange your thinly sliced apples in a beautiful circular pattern over the sugar. Don’t worry if they overlap; as the cake bakes, the apples will soften and meld into a gorgeous, glossy layer.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step ensures the leaveners and spices are evenly distributed for a consistent crumb and flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the cooled browned butter (1/2 cup), granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and light. The brown butter infuses the cake batter with a rich, toasty aroma that sets this dessert apart.
Step 6: Combine and Finish the Batter
Stir in the sour cream and milk to the wet mixture until just combined. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, mixing gently until the batter is smooth and there are no streaks of flour remaining. Be careful not to overmix, which keeps the cake tender.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Pour the batter evenly over the apples in your cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!
Step 8: Cool and Invert
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge, then carefully invert onto a serving plate while still warm. This is the magic moment when the caramel apple topping reveals itself in all its sticky, glossy glory!
How to Serve Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is all you need to make each serving of Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake truly special. The creamy coldness of ice cream is especially dreamy with the warm cake!
Side Dishes
This cake shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a hot cup of spiced chai, black coffee, or even a mug of apple cider. For a brunch spread, serve alongside crisp bacon or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking the Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake in mini ramekins for individual desserts—perfect for dinner parties! You can also drizzle with homemade caramel sauce or scatter toasted pecans for extra texture and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap the cake tightly or store slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The caramelized top keeps it moist and delicious even on day two!
Freezing
To freeze, cool the cake completely, then wrap well in plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, thaw overnight in the fridge before gently reheating or serving at room temperature.
Reheating
Warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, or reheat the whole cake in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. This refreshes the caramel and brings back that irresistible just-baked flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are favorites for their flavor and texture, you can use any firm, tart-sweet apple you love. Avoid mealy apples like Red Delicious for the best results.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
No worries—full-fat Greek yogurt makes a great substitute, keeping the cake moist and adding a similar tangy note.
Can I make Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a good 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Check that your other ingredients are gluten-free, and you’re good to go.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Generously greasing the pan and inverting the cake while it’s still warm are the two best tricks. If any apples stick, simply nudge them back into place on top—the cake will still look and taste fantastic!
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
For a large gathering, double the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may need a few extra minutes. Everyone will be thrilled with an extra-big Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake!
Final Thoughts
This Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake truly captures the heart of homemade baking—simple ingredients, bold flavors, and a stunning presentation. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new signature dessert! Give it a try, and let the warm, caramelized apples and nutty brown butter win over everyone at your table.
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Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and flavorful Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake featuring tender apple slices caramelized with brown sugar and browned butter, baked to golden perfection. This classic American dessert combines warm fall spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with the rich nuttiness of brown butter for an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Caramel Topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
Cake Batter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, browned and cooled
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup 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 and for easier inversion later.
- Make Caramel Topping: In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter over medium heat, cooking until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma, about 4 minutes. Pour this browned butter into the prepared cake pan, then evenly sprinkle 3/4 cup packed brown sugar over the butter. Arrange the thinly sliced apples over the sugar in a circular pattern for an appealing presentation after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Set aside.
- Prepare Wet Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the 1/2 cup browned and cooled unsalted butter with 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Batter: Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream and 1/4 cup milk into the wet mixture until incorporated. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until smooth and no flour pockets remain, being careful not to overmix.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the batter evenly over the arranged apple slices in the cake pan, spreading gently with a spatula to cover. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool and Invert: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen. Place a serving plate on top of the cake pan and carefully invert to transfer the cake. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a tastier apple topping, use crisp apple varieties such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
- Make sure to invert the cake while it’s still warm to ensure the caramel topping releases easily and smoothly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
