How long should I wait before flipping the brown butter apple upside-down cake out of the pan?

After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes. This resting time helps the topping set slightly, making it easier to flip the cake without breaking or losing the apples. To remove, place a serving plate upside down over the pan, then carefully invert both together. If you wait too long, the topping might stick, so avoid cooling the cake in the pan for more than 20 minutes before flipping.

Can I bake this brown butter apple upside-down cake in a cast iron skillet?

Yes, baking this cake in a cast iron skillet works well, especially if you have a 10-inch or similar sized skillet. The skillet provides even heat distribution, which helps achieve a caramelized topping. Just make sure the skillet is oven-safe and large enough to hold the batter without spilling. Adjust the baking time slightly if needed, as cast iron tends to retain heat well.

What types of apples work best for a brown butter apple upside-down cake?

Firm and tart apples like Granny Smith or Gravenstein are ideal because they hold their shape during baking and offer a nice balance to the sweetness of the cake. You can also use Fuji or Honeycrisp apples for a sweeter variation. Avoid overly soft apples, as they can become mushy and affect the texture of the topping.

Should I grease or line the pan when baking this upside-down apple cake?

It’s best not to grease or line the pan with parchment paper for this recipe. The sugar in the topping will melt and caramelize, creating a natural releasing effect that helps the cake come out cleanly when inverted. Greasing the pan may interfere with the caramelization and texture, while parchment could alter the baking or cause uneven cooking.

How can I prevent the apples from falling off when turning out the cake?

To keep the apples in place, make sure the cake isn’t overbaked, as dryness can cause the fruit to separate. Run a knife gently around the pan edges before flipping to loosen the cake without damaging the topping. Also, flipping the cake when it's warm but not hot helps the caramel stay together, holding the apple slices firmly on top.

Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake With Caramel Glaze

Ingredients

Scale

2 firm apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch wedges
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, browned
1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 to 3/4 cup milk (oat or whole milk)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brown butter in a saucepan over medium heat until golden brown, then cool slightly.
2. Line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper and grease well.
3. Arrange apple wedges in the bottom of the pan in a spiral or overlapped pattern.
4. For the caramel, melt 6 tablespoons butter in a saucepan, add honey and sugar, and boil until frothy and caramelized. Pour over apples.
5. Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
6. Combine cooled browned butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, and milk in a large bowl. Mix until smooth.
7. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
8. Pour batter over apples and smooth the top.
9. Bake 45-60 minutes, tenting with foil if top browns too fast. Check with a toothpick for doneness.
10. Cool the cake for 10-15 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.
11. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Last Step:

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Notes

🍏 Firm apples like Granny Smith hold their shape best during baking.
🥄 Brown buttery richness enhances the cake’s overall flavor.
🍯 Cool and invert carefully to avoid caramel spilling.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cooling Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 350
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 78mg