Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake

Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake is a stunning dessert that marries the rich nuttiness of browned butter with the sweet-tart bite of caramelized apples. Baked upside down and flipped before serving, it reveals a glossy, golden topping of tender apples and a moist, spiced cake base. Perfect for fall and winter gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleaser with comforting flavors and a dramatic presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deep, nutty flavor from browned butter
• Beautiful caramelized apple topping
• Moist, tender cake with warm spice notes
• Show-stopping appearance with easy technique
• Perfect for entertaining or a cozy dessert

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Apple Topping

• Apples, peeled and thinly sliced
• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• Optional: heavy cream or honey for richer caramel

Cake Batter

• Unsalted butter (for browning)
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger (optional for spice)

Directions

1. Brown the butter: Melt butter over medium heat. Cook until golden and nutty, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. Prepare topping: In a pan, melt butter and brown sugar until bubbly. Add cream or honey if using. Pour into the base of a greased and lined cake pan. Arrange apple slices on top.
3. Make the batter: Cream the cooled brown butter with sugars. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients and milk, alternating, until just combined. Add spices if desired.
4. Bake: Pour batter over the apples. Bake at 350°F for 45–60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Invert and serve: Let cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate. Let rest briefly before slicing.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8–10
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Bake Time: 45–60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for crunch
• Use pears or peaches instead of apples for seasonal twists
• Stir in maple syrup or bourbon into the caramel for depth
• Make it gluten-free with a 1:1 GF flour blend

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temp: Store covered for up to 2 days
• Refrigerate: Up to 4 days; bring to room temp before serving
• Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven or briefly in the microwave
• Freeze: Wrap slices and freeze for up to 1 month

FAQs

What is brown butter?

Brown butter is butter that’s cooked until the milk solids toast and turn golden, adding a nutty aroma and flavor.

Do I have to brown the butter?

While optional, it greatly enhances the flavor and richness of the cake.

What apples are best?

Tart varieties like Granny Smith or sweet-tart like Honeycrisp work beautifully.

Why bake it upside down?

This method caramelizes the fruit and gives a glossy finish when flipped.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes—bake and store at room temp, or refrigerate and gently reheat before serving.

How do I prevent sticking?

Line the pan with parchment and let the cake cool for 10–15 minutes before inverting.

Can I use other fruits?

Yes—pears, peaches, or even pineapple work well with this method.

Can I add nuts or spices?

Absolutely—try adding cinnamon, ginger, or chopped nuts to the topping or batter.

Why did my cake sink?

This may happen if the batter is too moist or underbaked—check doneness with a toothpick.

What should I serve it with?

Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce pairs perfectly.

Conclusion

Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake is a beautifully rustic and irresistibly flavorful dessert. With its caramelized apple crown and rich, buttery cake base, it’s a perfect balance of texture and taste. Whether for a holiday table or a simple fall afternoon, this cake will always impress and satisfy.

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