Apple Upside Down Tres Leches Cake (Easy Fall Dessert Recipe)
If you love apple upside down cake and tres leches cake, this recipe combines the best of both desserts! This Apple Upside Down Tres Leches Cake is made with tender cinnamon apples, buttery brown sugar, fluffy vanilla cake, and a sweet three-milk mixture. It's finished with a generous layer of homemade whipped cream.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Apple Layer
2–3 medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced
½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted
½ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cake
1 box Betty Crocker White Cake Mix (or preferred cake mix)
Eggs, oil, and water according to package directions
Tres Leches Milk Mixture
⅓ cup whole milk
⅓ cup half-and-half
⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
These are suggested proportions for the approximately 1 cup of milk mixture I used.
Homemade Whipped Cream
1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
2–3 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon for topping (optional)
How to Make Apple Upside Down Tres Leches Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by peeling your apples and slicing them into thin pieces. Arrange the apple slices evenly across the bottom of your greased baking pan.
I used a heart-shaped pan for this recipe, but a regular round or rectangular cake pan works too.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Brown Sugar Butter
Place one stick of butter in a microwave-safe bowl and melt it in the microwave.
Add ½ cup brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir everything together until combined.
Pour the buttery cinnamon sugar mixture directly over the sliced apples, making sure they're evenly coated.
Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter
Prepare your boxed cake mix according to the instructions on the package.
I used Betty Crocker White Cake Mix, which worked beautifully with the cinnamon apples.
Carefully pour the prepared cake batter over the apples and spread it evenly.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Bake according to the cake mix package directions, using the recommended temperature and checking for doneness based on your pan size.
The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the cake portion comes out clean.
Remove it from the oven and allow it to cool until warm.
Step 5: Add the Tres Leches Milk Mixture
Once the cake has cooled slightly, carefully trim off the raised top of the cake to create a flatter surface.
Use a wooden skewer to poke holes throughout the cake.
In a separate bowl, combine the milk, half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, and cinnamon.
Slowly pour approximately 1 cup of the milk mixture over the cake, allowing the liquid to soak into the holes.
Let the cake absorb the mixture before moving to the next step.
Step 6: Make the Homemade Whipped Cream
Pour cold heavy whipping cream into a mixing bowl.
Using a hand mixer, begin whipping the cream until it starts to thicken.
About halfway through mixing, add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
Continue mixing until the whipped cream becomes light, fluffy, and thick enough to spread.
Step 7: Flip the Cake
Once the milk mixture has absorbed and the cake has cooled, carefully place a large serving plate over the baking pan.
Hold the plate and pan securely together and flip the cake upside down.
Slowly lift the pan to reveal the caramelized cinnamon apples.
The apples that were originally at the bottom of the pan should now be on top of the cake.
Step 8: Add the Whipped Cream and Cinnamon
Spread a generous layer of homemade whipped cream directly over the top of the flipped apple cake, covering the surface.
Use a spatula or spoon to spread the whipped cream into a soft, fluffy layer.
For an extra touch of fall flavor, lightly sprinkle ground cinnamon over the whipped cream. This step is completely optional.
Step 9: Refrigerate and Serve
Place the finished cake in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least 2–4 hours.
Chilling gives the tres leches mixture time to settle into the cake while the whipped cream firms up.
Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Apple Upside Down Tres Leches Cake
Use thinly sliced apples. Thin apple slices soften during baking and create a tender, buttery apple layer.
Choose your favorite cake mix. White cake mix works wonderfully, but vanilla, yellow, or butter cake mix can also be used.
Don't skip the holes. Poking holes into the cake allows the cinnamon milk mixture to soak into the sponge.
Allow the milk to absorb before flipping. This helps keep the cake together when you turn it onto your serving plate.
Chill before serving. Tres leches cake tastes especially delicious cold, and refrigeration allows the flavors to come together.
What Are the Best Apples for Apple Upside Down Cake?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Pink Lady apples are excellent choices for this recipe.
Granny Smith apples offer a slightly tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar and condensed milk.
Honeycrisp apples provide natural sweetness and a tender texture, while Pink Lady apples offer a delicious balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Can You Make Apple Upside Down Tres Leches Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes! This is a great make-ahead dessert because the cake benefits from time in the refrigerator.
You can prepare it the night before serving and refrigerate it until you're ready to enjoy it.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
A Delicious Twist on Two Classic Cakes
This Apple Upside Down Tres Leches Cake brings together everything delicious about fall baking: warm cinnamon, tender apples, buttery brown sugar, and a soft, creamy cake.
The combination of caramelized apples, sweet milk-soaked vanilla cake, and homemade whipped cream makes this dessert extra special.
And because it starts with boxed cake mix, it's surprisingly easy to make!
Whether you're looking for a new Thanksgiving dessert or just want to try something different with fresh apples, this recipe is definitely worth adding to your fall baking list.