Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the leaves turn to rich shades of amber and crimson, it’s time to elevate your dessert game with something that captures the essence of cozy fall evenings. Enter the Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake—an irresistible twist on classic comfort food that combines the tartness of Granny Smith apples with the nutty warmth of brown butter. Not only is this cake a delightful showstopper for your Thanksgiving table, but it also comes together quickly and can be made ahead, making it a hassle-free option for gatherings. The caramelized apple topping adds a gooey sweetness that pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Intrigued? Let’s dive into this simple yet stunning autumn treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends! Why is this cake a fall essential? Cozy Comfort: This Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake embodies the warmth of fall with its luscious flavors and inviting aroma that evoke memories of family gatherings. Gooey Delight: The caramelized apple topping introduces a delightful sweetness that harmonizes perfectly with the nutty tones of brown butter, creating a taste sensation that’s simply irresistible. Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can enjoy making this dessert, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones. Versatile Serving: Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled with a dollop of whipped cream, this cake impresses any way you slice it. For a unique twist, you might also enjoy it alongside a slice of Salted Caramel Apple Pie Parfaits. Seasonal Favorite: Perfect for Thanksgiving or any autumn occasion, this cake is bound to become a staple in your recipe collection, elevating your dessert repertoire through the cozy months ahead! Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake Ingredients • To create this delicious fall dessert, gather the following ingredients for the perfect blend of flavors! For the Cake Unsalted Butter (8 tbsp / 1 stick) – Adds richness and moisture; ensure it’s browned for enhanced flavor. Granny Smith Apples (1.5-2 lbs) – Provides tartness and texture; peel and slice into 1/4 inch pieces for even cooking. All Purpose Flour (1 cup + 1 tbsp) – Provides structure; ensure it is spooned and leveled for accurate measurement. Baking Powder (1 tsp) – Acts as a leavening agent to give the cake lift and lightness. Salt (1/2 tsp) – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor. Dark Brown Sugar (1/4 cup + 3/4 cup) – Adds moistness and a deep caramel flavor; optional light brown sugar can be used as a substitute. White Sugar (3/4 cup) – Sweetens the cake; can be reduced for lower sweetness. Large Eggs (2) – Provides structure and moisture; use room-temperature eggs for better emulsification. Vanilla Extract (2 tsp) – Enhances flavor; use pure extract for best results. Sour Cream (1/4 cup) – Adds moisture and tanginess; can substitute with yogurt if desired. For the Topping Additional Unsalted Butter (4 tbsp) – Used for the caramel topping, ensures glossy finish when melted with sugar. For the Spice Cinnamon (1 tsp) – Enhances flavor and adds a warm aromatic note to the apples; substitute with nutmeg for variety. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake Step 1: Brown Butter & Cook Apples In a medium skillet over medium-low heat, melt 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter, stirring frequently until it turns golden brown and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat. In the same skillet, add your prepared 1.5-2 lbs of peeled and sliced Granny Smith apples along with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Cook for about 7-10 minutes until the apples are just softened, then set aside. Step 2: Preheat Oven Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While waiting for the oven to reach the desired temperature, grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray. This will ensure that your Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake releases easily after baking, allowing that beautiful caramelized topping to shine when flipped. Step 3: Make Cake Batter In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup and 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. In another bowl, combine the browned butter with ¼ cup + ¾ cup of dark brown sugar and ¾ cup of white sugar. Beat in 2 large eggs, ¼ cup of sour cream, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until well blended. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, avoiding overmixing. Step 4: Prepare Topping In the same skillet used for the apples, combine the remaining 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter with ¾ cup of brown sugar over medium heat. Whisk until melted and smooth. Pour this gooey caramel mixture into your prepared cake pan, ensuring even coverage. Carefully arrange the cooked apple slices on top of the caramel, creating a beautiful layer for your Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake. Step 5: Bake Cake Pour the cake batter gently over the arranged apples in the cake pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Watch for a golden top and a slight spring back when touched—a signal that your delicious cake is ready. Step 6: Cool & Flip Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial for easy flipping! Run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate. Let the warm aroma of the Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake fill your kitchen as you unveil the gorgeous apple topping. Expert Tips for Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake Perfect Butter Browning: Watch your unsalted butter closely while browning. It should reach a golden color with brown flecks—too dark means burnt flavor, which you want to avoid. Apple Preparation: Make sure to slice your Granny Smith apples evenly into 1/4-inch pieces. This ensures they cook uniformly, preventing any overly soft or chewy areas. Patience in Cooling: After baking, allow your cake to cool for at least 10-15 minutes before flipping. This patience ensures your cake maintains its shape and doesn’t break apart. Serve at Optimal Temperature: For an indulgent experience, serve your Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake warm, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream to balance the flavors. Storage Savvy: If you have leftovers, store them at room temperature for up to 3 days. To retain freshness, cover the cake to maintain its moisture, and reheat slices in the microwave for a cozy treat. Make Ahead Options These Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cakes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the caramelized apple topping and let it sit in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Slice the apples, cook them with sugar and cinnamon, and store them in an airtight container. The cake batter can be mixed and refrigerated for up to 24 hours; just remember to bring it back to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake the cake as instructed and enjoy a warm, delicious dessert that tastes just as delightful as when freshly baked! Storage Tips for Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake Room Temperature: Keep your cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days to preserve its moisture and flavor. Fridge: If you plan to keep it longer, place the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze slices of the Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving. Reheating: To enjoy your cake warm again, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or until warmed through, enhancing the delicious caramelized topping. What to Serve with Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake As you savor each delightful bite of this rich dessert, consider pairing it with complementary flavors and textures for a complete fall feast. Vanilla Ice Cream: The smooth creaminess perfectly balances the warm spices and nutty flavor of the brown butter cake. Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, a dollop of whipped cream adds a delicate touch to every slice, enhancing the sweetness of the caramelized apples. Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzle it over the top for an extra layer of decadence that harmonizes beautifully with the cake’s rich flavors. Spicy Chai Tea: The warm spice notes of chai echo the cake’s cinnamon flavor, creating a cozy, aromatic pairing perfect for cool evenings. Crisp Fall Salad: A salad with tart apples, candied pecans, and a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the cake’s sweetness. Cider or Riesling: Enjoy a glass of apple cider or a sweet Riesling to complement the cake’s flavor profile, enhancing the fall essence. Indulge in these pairings, and let the comforting warmth of autumn fill your gatherings with delight and joy! Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake Variations Feel free to customize the Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake with these fun and delicious variations that will cater to your taste buds! Sweet Apples: Substitute Granny Smith apples with Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter flavor profile. The natural sugars in these apples offer a delightful twist! Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple layer for extra crunch and a richer texture. The nuts’ roasted flavor complements the brown butter beautifully, creating a comforting harmony. Spice It Up: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or even a dash of ginger with the cinnamon for a spicier cake that adds warmth for chilly fall evenings. Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the finished cake for an indulgent sweet touch. This addition elevates each slice, making it ideal for special occasions! Dairy-Free Delight: Swap out the sour cream for a dairy-free yogurt or a non-dairy sour cream. You can still enjoy the same wonderful texture and flavor without the dairy. Bourbon Infusion: For adult gatherings, adding a splash of bourbon into the batter can deepen the flavor. The whiskey’s notes meld beautifully with the brown butter and apples. Coconut Twist: Incorporate shredded coconut into the batter or as a topping for a tropical twist. This adds a delightful chewiness that contrasts wonderfully with the moist cake. Chocolate Layer: For the chocolate lovers, consider folding in mini chocolate chips into the batter. The chocolate pairs surprisingly well with the caramelized apples and brown butter. Remember, each of these variations not only personalizes your dessert but also introduces new textures and flavors that your family will love. Enjoy experimenting! And if you’re searching for more enticing recipes, you might like the rich flavors of a Butter Pecan Cake or the sweetness of an Apple Cider Donut. Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe FAQs What type of apples are best for this cake? When making a Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake, I recommend using Granny Smith apples because they provide a perfect balance of tartness and texture. Their firmness holds up well during cooking, ensuring each bite retains that delightful apple flavor. For a sweeter alternative, Honeycrisp apples can also be used. How should I store the cake, and for how long? Absolutely! You can store the Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake at room temperature for up to 3 days. Just keep it covered to maintain moisture. If you want it to last longer, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week. Reheating is easy—just pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds! Can I freeze leftovers, and how? Yes, you can freeze your cake! To do this, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then in foil securely. This way, you can enjoy your Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake at its best for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to dig in, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the microwave as needed. What should I do if the cake sticks to the pan when flipping? To avoid sticking, make sure to grease your cake pan thoroughly before pouring in the caramel mixture and apples. If you do experience issues, gently run a knife around the edges of the cake to loosen it. Then, try inverting it again—sometimes a little patience is all it takes! Are there any allergy considerations with this cake? Yes, while the Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake recipe contains common allergens like eggs, dairy, and gluten, there are feasible substitutions available. For dairy-free options, you can replace the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. If you have egg allergies, consider using a commercial egg replacer or a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water equals one egg). Can I adjust the sweetness of the cake? Very! If you prefer a less sweet treat, you can reduce the amount of white sugar in the recipe. You can start by cutting back to half a cup and tasting the batter, adjusting as needed. Just remember, sweetness will also depend on the type of apples you use, so choose according to your personal preference. Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake for Cozy Fall Evenings Enjoy this Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake, a perfect dessert for cozy fall evenings combining caramelized apples and nutty brown butter. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 40 minutes minsCooling Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cake8 tbsp Unsalted Butter Ensure it's browned for enhanced flavor.1.5-2 lbs Granny Smith Apples Peel and slice into 1/4 inch pieces.1 cup All Purpose Flour Spoon and leveled for accurate measurement.1 tsp Baking Powder Acts as a leavening agent.1/2 tsp Salt Balances sweetness.1/4 + 3/4 cup Dark Brown Sugar Optional light brown sugar can be used.3/4 cup White Sugar Can be reduced for lower sweetness.2 large Eggs Use room-temperature for better emulsification.2 tsp Vanilla Extract Use pure extract for best results.1/4 cup Sour Cream Can substitute with yogurt.For the Topping4 tbsp Additional Unsalted Butter Used for the caramel topping.For the Spice1 tsp Cinnamon Enhances flavor; can substitute with nutmeg. Equipment Medium skillet9-inch Round Cake Panmixing bowlWhisk Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a medium skillet over medium-low heat, melt 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter, stirring frequently until it turns golden brown and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat. In the same skillet, add your prepared 1.5-2 lbs of peeled and sliced Granny Smith apples along with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Cook for about 7-10 minutes until the apples are just softened, then set aside.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While waiting for the oven to reach the desired temperature, grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray.In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup and 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. In another bowl, combine the browned butter with ¼ cup + ¾ cup of dark brown sugar and ¾ cup of white sugar. Beat in 2 large eggs, ¼ cup of sour cream, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until well blended.In the same skillet used for the apples, combine the remaining 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter with ¾ cup of brown sugar over medium heat. Whisk until melted and smooth. Pour this mixture into your prepared cake pan, ensuring even coverage. Carefully arrange the cooked apple slices on top.Pour the cake batter gently over the arranged apples in the cake pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 3gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesFor an indulgent experience, serve your cake warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Watch your unsalted butter closely while browning, and ensure even apple slices for uniform cooking. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
