This Spiced Apple Upside Down Cake is a warm, cozy dessert that perfectly captures the essence of fall. Tender cinnamon-spiced apples are nestled into a rich, buttery brown sugar glaze, layered beneath a soft and moist vanilla spice cake. With every slice, you’ll enjoy the caramelized top, aromatic spices, and satisfying crumb—an ideal dessert for chilly evenings and holiday tables alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is a classic comfort dessert that’s as beautiful as it is flavorful. The upside-down method showcases the apple slices in a stunning presentation, while the combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and sour cream gives the cake a soft, moist texture with a deep autumnal flavor. Whether served warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s a seasonal favorite that’s surprisingly easy to make.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the topping:
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2–3 apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the cake batter:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk

directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and set aside.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup butter. Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon until dissolved and smooth.
Pour the caramel mixture into the prepared pan. Arrange the sliced apples over the caramel in a circular pattern, slightly overlapping.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
Mix in the sour cream until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients in two batches, alternating with the milk, mixing just until smooth.
Gently pour the batter over the arranged apples and spread evenly with a spatula.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate.
Serve warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8 slices
Calories: 360 kcal per slice

Variations

Pear Upside Down Cake: Substitute apples with ripe pears for a more delicate twist.
Spiced Rum Caramel: Add a splash of dark rum to the topping for a more decadent flavor.
Walnut Crunch: Add chopped walnuts to the caramel layer for texture and nuttiness.
Maple-Glazed: Replace brown sugar in the topping with pure maple syrup for a richer sweetness.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–10 minutes. This cake also freezes well—wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

What type of apples are best for this cake?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples hold their shape well and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, it can be baked a day in advance. Let it cool completely, cover tightly, and store at room temperature. Warm gently before serving if desired.

How do I prevent the apples from sticking?

Ensure you generously grease the pan and evenly spread the caramel mixture before layering the apples.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, full-fat Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for similar moisture and tang.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but you can leave the peels on for a more rustic presentation.

Can I use a springform pan?

It’s not recommended, as the caramel topping may leak during baking. A standard cake pan works best.

How do I flip the cake without breaking it?

Allow it to rest for 10 minutes after baking, then place a serving plate over the pan and flip confidently in one motion.

What if the apples stick to the pan?

If some apples stick, gently remove them with a spatula and reposition them on top of the cake.

Can I use a different spice blend?

Yes, pumpkin spice or apple pie spice can replace the cinnamon and nutmeg for a seasonal variation.

Is this cake overly sweet?

The sweetness is balanced by the tart apples and spice. Reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet dessert.

Conclusion

Spiced Apple Upside Down Cake is a charming, flavorful dessert that celebrates the cozy essence of fall. With its rich caramelized topping and moist, spiced crumb, it’s a perfect centerpiece for autumn gatherings, Sunday dinners, or quiet afternoons with coffee. Elegant yet simple, this cake is destined to become a seasonal favorite in your baking collection.