Apple Pie Upside Down Cake Recipe | Easy Homemade Fall Dessert
If you love pineapple upside down cake, you'll fall in love with this Apple Pie Upside Down Cake. Tender cinnamon apples caramelize in a buttery brown sugar glaze before being topped with a soft, moist apple cider cake. Once flipped, the apples become a beautiful golden topping that tastes just like homemade apple pie.
This cozy fall dessert is perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings, weekend baking, or whenever you're craving warm apple pie flavors in an easy homemade cake.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Beautiful caramelized apple topping
Moist apple cider cake
Warm cinnamon and brown sugar flavors
Easy one-pan dessert
Perfect for Thanksgiving
Tastes like apple pie and cake combined
Delicious served warm with vanilla ice cream
Ingredients
Apple Pie Topping
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
3 large Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced ¼-inch thick
Apple Cider Cake
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1½ teaspoons cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup apple cider
½ cup sour cream
Optional Brown Butter Apple Cider Glaze
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons apple cider
¾ cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla
Pinch cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or nonstick baking spray.
Pour the melted butter into the bottom of the pan.
In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Spread this mixture evenly over the melted butter.
Step 2: Arrange the Apples
Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin ¼-inch slices.
Arrange them in overlapping circles over the brown sugar mixture, slightly overlapping each slice like shingles.
Fill the center with a few smaller slices.
The tighter the pattern, the prettier the finished cake.
Step 3: Make the Cake Batter
In a medium bowl whisk together:
Flour, Baking powder, Baking soda, Salt, Cinnamon, and Nutmeg.
Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
Beat in the eggs one at a time.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients with the apple cider and sour cream, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
Mix just until combined.
Do not overmix.
Step 4: Bake
Carefully spread the batter over the arranged apples.
Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
If the top begins browning too quickly, loosely tent with foil during the last 10 minutes.
Step 5: Flip the Cake
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes.
Run a butter knife around the edges.
Place a serving plate upside down over the cake pan.
Holding both firmly, carefully flip the cake onto the serving platter.
Lift the pan away.
Allow the caramelized apples to settle over the cake.
Step 6: Make the Brown Butter Glaze (Optional)
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Cook until golden brown and fragrant.
Remove from the heat.
Whisk in:
Apple cider, Powdered sugar, Vanilla, and Cinnamon.
Drizzle lightly over the warm cake.
Tips for the Best Apple Pie Upside Down Cake
Use Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples because they hold their shape while baking.
Thin, even apple slices create the prettiest presentation.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the brown sugar layer for extra crunch.
A springform pan is not recommended because the caramel may leak.
Variations
Salted Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake
Drizzle warm salted caramel sauce over the finished cake.
Apple Pecan Upside Down Cake
Sprinkle chopped pecans over the brown sugar layer before adding the apples.
Maple Apple Cake
Replace half of the apple cider with pure maple syrup.
Bourbon Apple Cake
Add 1 tablespoon bourbon to the brown sugar mixture.
What to Serve with Apple Pie Upside Down Cake
Vanilla bean ice cream
Cinnamon whipped cream
Salted caramel sauce
Hot apple cider
Pumpkin spice latte
Coffee
Vanilla custard
Storage
Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Warm slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds before serving.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What apples work best?
Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Fuji, and Braeburn all work well.
Can I use apple pie filling?
Fresh apples are recommended because they hold their shape and caramelize better than canned pie filling.
Why didn't my cake release?
The cake likely cooled too long. Flip it while it's still warm, about 10–15 minutes after baking.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Bake it one day in advance and gently warm slices before serving.
Do I need the glaze?
No, but the brown butter apple cider glaze adds extra richness and enhances the apple pie flavor.
Nutrition Information
Estimated Per Slice (12 servings)
Calories: 365
Carbohydrates: 53g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 68mg
Sodium: 210mg
Potassium: 145mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 34g
Vitamin A: 9% DV
Vitamin C: 4% DV
Calcium: 6% DV
Iron: 8% DV
Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutrition information is automatically estimated and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Final Notes
If you love pineapple upside down cake, you'll fall in love with this Apple Pie Upside Down Cake. Tender cinnamon apples caramelize in a buttery brown sugar glaze before being topped with a soft, moist apple cider cake. Once flipped, the apples become a beautiful golden topping that tastes just like homemade apple pie.