If you’re searching for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe. It combines the irresistible caramelized apples with the rich, nutty depth of brown butter, creating a cake that’s moist, flavorful, and brimming with cozy autumn vibes. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, this cake delivers comforting sweetness and a spectacular presentation that turns simple ingredients into pure magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each adding a unique note that builds the rich flavor and moist texture of the cake. From the buttery apples to the fluffy buttermilk batter, every component plays a crucial role in crafting this delightful dessert.
- 3-4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced: Choose crisp apples that hold their shape well and provide a sweet, tart balance.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Used to caramelize the brown sugar and apples, creating that signature glossy topping.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds rich caramel notes and enhances the natural sweetness of the apples.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional): A warm spice that perfectly complements the apple and brown sugar mixture.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and brings depth to the flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), browned: The star ingredient that infuses a nutty richness to the cake batter.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure for a tender, moist crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise just right for a light texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside the buttermilk for a perfect crumb and slight tang.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the batter.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aromatic layer to the cake.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and balances the brown butter’s richness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the cake together and add moisture.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk): Keeps the cake tender and adds a subtle tanginess.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional): Sprinkled in the batter for an extra hint of spice.
How to Make Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line it with parchment paper to ensure a smooth flip later on. This little prep tip guarantees that your stunning apple topping won’t stick and your cake releases perfectly every time.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
Place 1 cup of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat and watch as it gently melts and transforms. Stir occasionally until your butter turns a gorgeous golden brown and emits that irresistible nutty aroma—this step is pure magic and truly what makes this recipe special. Once browned, remove from heat and let it cool slightly before mixing into the batter.
Step 3: Create the Caramel Apple Base
In a separate small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter on medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth and glistening. Pour this luscious caramel blend into your prepared cake pan. This forms the sticky-sweet base on which your apple slices will shine.
Step 4: Arrange the Apple Slices
Neatly layer the peeled, cored, and sliced apples in a circular pattern over the caramel mixture, covering the pan’s bottom completely. This careful arrangement not only looks beautiful once flipped but ensures every bite has that decadent caramelized apple flavor.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon in a large bowl. This blend of leavening and spices sets up the perfect structure and flavor base for the cake batter.
Step 6: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the browned butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated—this ensures a tender crumb and consistent texture in the final cake.
Step 7: Blend the Batter
Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk into the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix just until combined; overmixing can toughen the cake, so keep it gentle and watch the batter come together beautifully.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter over the arranged apples in your cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and pop it into the oven. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes—or until a toothpick inserted at the center comes out clean and the top boasts a golden brown hue.
Step 9: Flip and Cool
Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes in the pan to allow the caramel to set. When ready, carefully flip the cake onto a serving plate. Remove the parchment paper if used, and admire your masterpiece—a glossy, caramel apple topping crowned on a moist, brown butter-infused cake.
How to Serve Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to balance the rich sweetness. A sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts adds delightful crunch and nutty contrast. Dusting a hint of cinnamon on top can also elevate the warm, spiced flavor profile perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair this cake with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee or a chai latte to complement the warm brown butter and apple spices. For an extra indulgent touch, serve alongside a creamy custard sauce or a drizzle of caramel sauce to delight your guests’ palates.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe as individual mini cakes in ramekins for an elegant touch at dinner parties. Alternatively, present it with a rustic flair by slicing thick wedges and stacking them on vintage plates, garnished with fresh apple slices and a sprig of mint for a pop of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to maintain moisture and flavor. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy this comforting dessert a little longer.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe later, slice it into individual portions and wrap each piece well before freezing. Properly stored in the freezer, it keeps wonderfully for up to 2 months without losing its delicious texture or flavor.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-baked warmth, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This quick reheating revives the rich brown butter aroma and soft, tender crumb you fell in love with.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this cake?
Absolutely! While crisp and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best because they hold their shape and balance sweetness, you can experiment with varieties like Fuji or Gala depending on your taste preference.
Is it necessary to brown the butter?
Yes! Browning the butter is key to this recipe’s flavor—it adds a deep, nutty richness that elevates the whole cake. Skip this step, and you miss out on the signature depth that makes this Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe so special.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to help the cake maintain structure.
Do I have to use buttermilk?
Buttermilk adds wonderful tenderness and a slight tang, but if you don’t have any, regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar works well as a substitute. Let it sit a few minutes before use to mimic buttermilk’s acidity.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The best test is a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Also, the cake’s edges will pull slightly away from the pan, and the top will develop a nice golden brown color.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like the comforting aroma and delightful flavors of this Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe fresh from the oven. It’s a dessert that feels lovingly homemade yet sure to impress anyone lucky enough to taste it. I encourage you to give it a try—it’s simple enough for a weeknight treat but special enough for holidays and gatherings. Enjoy every warm, caramelized bite!
Print
Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delightful Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake featuring caramelized apple slices atop a moist, nutty-flavored cake made with browned butter. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting dessert, this cake combines the sweetness of brown sugar and apples with warm cinnamon spices and a tender crumb.
Ingredients
Apple Topping
- 3–4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Cake Batter
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), browned
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the cake.
- Browning the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue cooking and stirring occasionally until the butter turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Make Caramelized Apple Base: In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt. Heat until sugar dissolves and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and pour this mixture into the bottom of the prepared cake pan.
- Arrange Apples: Arrange the peeled, cored, and sliced apples in a circular pattern over the brown sugar mixture, covering the base completely. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using) to combine evenly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the browned butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Combine Batter: Alternately add the dry flour mixture and the buttermilk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the batter carefully over the arranged apples in the cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Invert: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate, removing the parchment paper if used.
- Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature for the best taste and enjoy the rich flavors of caramelized apples and nutty browned butter.
Notes
- You can use buttermilk or regular milk; buttermilk adds extra tenderness and slight tang.
- The cinnamon is optional but adds a wonderful warm spice flavor; feel free to adjust according to your preferences.
- Make sure to brown the butter carefully over medium heat to avoid burning and bringing out the nutty flavor.
- Use a 9-inch cake pan to ensure the cake bakes evenly.
- Let the cake cool slightly before flipping to prevent the topping from sticking or breaking.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with an appropriate gluten-free flour blend.
