If you’re looking for a showstopping dessert that wraps up the flavors of fall into one glorious bite, the Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake is calling your name. This cake is all about cozy comfort: deeply caramelized apples, a hint of warm spice, and the magical richness that only brown butter can bring. The best part? It’s just as stunning to look at as it is to eat, with golden apple slices glistening on top of a tender, buttery crumb. Whether you’re making it for a special gathering or just to treat yourself on a chilly afternoon, this cake never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of ingredients to make this Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake, but each one has a starring role. From crisp, tart apples to the nutty aroma of brown butter, every component works together to create a cake that’s far more than the sum of its parts.
- Apples: Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for beautiful slices that hold their shape and deliver a bright, tangy flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Divided for browning and creaming, real butter is the secret to both the cake’s richness and its signature nutty topping.
- Light Brown Sugar: Creates a caramel-like layer under the apples that soaks into the cake as it bakes.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and an irresistible aroma that pairs perfectly with apples.
- Ground Nutmeg: Just a pinch gives the cake a subtle, spicy depth.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the perfect structure for a tender, moist crumb.
- Baking Powder: Ensures the cake rises beautifully in the oven.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Granulated Sugar: Creams with the butter to create a light, fluffy base for the batter.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- Whole Milk: Keeps the crumb moist and tender, with just the right amount of density.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors and brings a sweet, fragrant note to the cake.
How to Make Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9-inch round cake pan. This crucial step ensures your Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake releases effortlessly, making for a stunning presentation. Set the pan aside while you get started on the star of the show: the brown butter.
Step 2: Make the Brown Butter
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of butter. Stir often and keep a close eye as the butter foams, then turns a deep golden brown and begins to smell wonderfully nutty—this usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes. Immediately pour the brown butter into your prepared cake pan, so you capture all that flavor.
Step 3: Build the Apple Layer
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the still-warm brown butter in the pan. Arrange the apple slices in a beautiful circular pattern on top of the sugar, overlapping slightly for a pretty effect. Finish by sprinkling cinnamon and nutmeg over the apples for that classic autumnal aroma.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures the leavening and salt are evenly distributed, so your cake has a uniform rise and perfect seasoning.
Step 5: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, cream the remaining 1/4 cup butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This adds air to the batter, making the cake tender. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract for fragrance.
Step 6: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. This keeps the batter light and prevents overmixing, which can make a cake tough.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Gently spread the batter over the apples in the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake is golden and springy.
Step 8: Cool and Invert
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes—just enough time for the caramelized apple juices to settle. Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate to reveal the glistening apple topping. The aroma at this point is pure heaven!
How to Serve Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake
Garnishes
A generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is the classic finishing touch for Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake. A sprinkle of toasted pecans or a drizzle of salted caramel can take it completely over the top for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Pair this cake with a hot cup of coffee, chai, or spiced tea to enhance its cozy flavors. For a brunch spread, serve alongside a light green salad or fresh fruit to balance out the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider baking individual cakes in ramekins for a personalized touch, or serve slices with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh apple slices on the side. For an autumn gathering, serve the Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks and star anise for a charming, seasonal display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, simply cover the cake and store it at room temperature for up to one day. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for up to three days.
Freezing
You can freeze Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake by wrapping slices tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. The cake will keep its delightful flavor and texture for up to two months; just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy the cake warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, or place the whole cake in a low oven (300°F) for about 10 minutes. This brings back the softness and makes the caramelized apple topping extra gooey.
FAQs
What apples work best for Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake?
Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji are ideal because they hold their shape during baking and bring a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand, but consider reducing the added salt in the recipe slightly to keep the flavors balanced.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Greasing the pan well and pouring the brown butter directly into it helps, but letting the cake cool for just 10 minutes before inverting ensures the sugars don’t harden and stick.
Can I make Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free baking blend, and be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Is it possible to prepare this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that celebrates the season and feels like a warm hug, you have to give this Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake a try. It’s a true crowd-pleaser, and once you taste the magic of brown butter with caramelized apples, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. Don’t wait for a special occasion—bake it just because!
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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 autumn-inspired dessert combining the warm flavors of browned butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg with tender, caramelized apples baked beneath a moist, fluffy cake. Perfect for cozy gatherings, this easy-to-make cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Ingredients
For the Apple Topping
- 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Cake Batter
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Prepare Apple Topping: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma, about 4–5 minutes. Immediately pour the browned butter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the butter. Arrange the thinly sliced apples in a circular pattern over the sugar, then sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt ensuring they are well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the remaining 1/4 cup softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Batter: Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just incorporated; do not overmix.
- Assemble and Bake: Gently spread the batter over the apple layer in the cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake 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
- Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to maintain good texture after baking.
- Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream enhances the dessert experience.
- Prepare the cake a day ahead and store covered at room temperature for convenient serving the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
