Irresistible Apple Upside Down Cake: A Cast Iron Skillet Fall Favorite
Welcome the crisp embrace of autumn with a truly heartwarming dessert: a delightful Apple Upside Down Cake. Imagine tender, caramelized apples swimming in a rich, buttery syrup, all baked atop a perfectly moist and sweet cake. Crafted in a classic cast-iron skillet, this treat is designed to be flipped, revealing a glistening, golden-brown apple topping that promises a cozy indulgence with every bite. It’s the quintessential fall dessert, and an absolute must-have for your seasonal baking repertoire, offering a comforting aroma that fills your home.
Baking an Apple Upside Down Cake in a trusty cast-iron skillet isn’t just a method; it’s a timeless tradition that yields an old-fashioned apple dessert standing strong against the test of time. There’s an undeniable charm to the warm, syrupy apples that perfectly complement the tender cake, creating a symphony of flavors and textures. The beauty of this easy apple cake recipe lies in its simplicity and the spectacular results it delivers. For the ultimate experience, a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a cloud of freshly whipped cream elevates this scrumptious cake into a truly special treat, making it an unforgettable ending to any autumn meal or a perfect gathering with loved ones.
Celebrating Fall Flavors with Classic Apple Desserts
The autumn season brings with it a delightful array of culinary opportunities, especially for baking enthusiasts. As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, our kitchens fill with the comforting aromas of warm spices, pumpkin, and of course, apples. Apples are truly one of nature’s most versatile fruits, transforming into countless sweet and savory dishes. From a simple snack to an elaborate dessert, their crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor are the essence of fall. This Apple Upside Down Cake perfectly embodies that seasonal spirit, offering a taste of nostalgia and warmth with every forkful. It’s a celebration of all things cozy and delicious that autumn inspires.
While this particular apple cake recipe is a highlight, my passion for fall baking extends far beyond, bringing you a continuous stream of fantastically autumnal deliciousness all the way through Thanksgiving. From pumpkin pies to spiced ciders, you can always count on finding new ways to celebrate the season with delicious food. Keep your senses ready for more delightful recipes featuring my favorite fall ingredients: apples and pumpkins! They are truly the stars of the season, and you’ll want to keep your eyes (and noses!) open for what’s coming next.
Disclosure: Some products mentioned were provided by Taylor and Colledge in conjunction with the #FallFlavors recipe event in exchange for this post. Please note that this post may also contain affiliate links. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. I am also an affiliate for other reputable brands. However, rest assured that I only promote things that I genuinely love and believe you will find valuable and enjoy. For my entire disclosure policy, please click here.
More Delicious Fall Flavors from Our Kitchen
If you’re curious about other seasonal delights I’ve shared that perfectly capture the essence of autumn, here are some delicious recipes you might have missed. These fall-inspired treats and snacks are perfect for expanding your repertoire beyond this fantastic apple cake:
- Caramel Apple Tea Cake – a light and flavorful apple dessert.
- Baked Sweet Potato Chips – a surprisingly addictive and healthy savory snack.
- Savory Pumpkin Dip with Bacon – an excellent bonus recipe that pairs exquisitely with those homemade sweet potato chips, creating a perfect appetizer combination!
Don’t Miss Out! Pin This Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe for Later
Are you already envisioning that luscious, caramelized apple topping? If you can’t wait to make this old-fashioned, easy apple upside down cake, make sure you save this delicious recipe! Don’t let it get lost in the digital abyss – pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go! This way, it will be waiting for you whenever you’re ready to create this beautiful and comforting fall dessert.
Why You’ll Absolutely Adore This Easy Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
Beyond its undeniable beauty – just look at that gorgeously soft, apple-laden cake! – there are countless reasons why this particular Apple Upside Down Cake will become a beloved staple in your kitchen. This isn’t just any apple cake; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. Here are just a few of the many compelling reasons to give this homemade apple cake a try this fall:
- **Effortlessly Simple & Accessible Ingredients:** This recipe is incredibly straightforward, utilizing basic pantry ingredients you likely already have on hand. You won’t need to hunt for exotic spices or specialty flours; just wholesome staples like flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and milk that combine to form a magnificent dessert. It’s perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros looking for a quick yet impressive treat.
- **Quick Prep & Highly Adaptable:** One of the best time-saving hacks here is the clever use of canned apple pie filling. This completely eliminates the need for tedious peeling, coring, and slicing apples, significantly cutting down on your prep time. But the magic doesn’t stop there: this clever shortcut also makes the recipe highly adaptable! Imagine substituting with cherry, peach, or even a mixed berry pie filling for a completely different yet equally delicious upside-down cake. The method remains the same, opening up a world of seasonal fruit flavor possibilities with minimal effort.
- **The Magic of Your Cast Iron Skillet:** This recipe offers the ideal excuse to pull out that trusty cast-iron skillet, perhaps tucked away in your oven or cabinet. Cast iron is absolutely fantastic for this cake because it provides superior and even heat distribution, which is crucial for achieving that beautifully caramelized apple topping and a uniformly baked, moist cake. While a cast iron skillet lends that authentic, old-fashioned touch and rustic charm, any heavy, ovenproof skillet of similar size (approximately 10″-12″ in diameter) will work wonderfully. Just be mindful of the size: too large, and your cake might be too thin and dry; too small, and the batter could bake over the sides, creating a messy situation.
- **The Ultimate Excuse for Decadent Toppings:** As if the cake itself wasn’t enough of a delight, it provides the perfect justification for indulging in luxurious toppings. A dollop of freshly whipped cream, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of extra caramel sauce melts wonderfully into the warm, syrupy apples. This creates an extra layer of decadence that is simply irresistible, transforming a wonderful cake into an unforgettable dessert experience.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Simple Apple Upside Down Cake
Making this delicious and easy Apple Upside Down Cake is a breeze when you follow these clear, step-by-step directions. The process is designed to be straightforward, ensuring a perfect result every time, even for beginner bakers! You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can put together this show-stopping dessert.
Here’s a quick overview of the simple steps involved in bringing this delightful apple dessert to life:
- Begin by combining the softened butter, eggs, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, and salt – to the wet mixture, mixing until just incorporated.
- Gently mix in the milk, ensuring the batter is smooth but not overmixed.
- Stir in the vanilla bean paste (or extract) for that essential aromatic warmth.
- In your 10-12 inch cast iron skillet, add the remaining butter and a generous portion of brown sugar.
- Melt these two ingredients together directly on the stovetop over medium heat to create the luscious caramel base.
- Carefully pour and evenly spread the canned apple pie filling over the melted butter and brown sugar layer in the skillet.
- Gently pour the prepared cake batter over the apple layer, smoothing it out carefully to cover the fruit entirely before transferring to the preheated oven to bake.
- Once baked to golden perfection, immediately and carefully flip the skillet onto a serving platter to release the cake, revealing its stunning caramelized top!
And there you have it – a magnificent Apple Upside Down Cake, ready to impress and delight everyone at your table!
Explore More Delicious Upside Down Cake Recipes
Upside down cakes have been cherished for decades, even centuries, a testament to their simple elegance and consistently delicious results. The magic lies in the caramelized fruit topping that’s revealed when the cake is inverted, creating a show-stopping presentation with minimal effort. While the classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake often comes to mind as the quintessential version, the concept extends far beyond, inviting a world of fruity and flavorful variations. If you’ve enjoyed making and eating this apple version, you’ll love exploring these other incredible upside down cake recipes from our kitchens and those of fellow bakers:
- A timeless Pineapple Upside Down Cake from scratch, for those who love the original and crave its tropical sweetness.
- For a unique autumnal twist that combines beloved fall flavors, try a Pumpkin Praline Upside Down Cake – a true showstopper for Thanksgiving.
- Indulge in a sweet and succulent Upside Down Peach Cake with warm rum sauce, perfect for summer or a cozy treat.
- Perfect for breakfast or dessert during the holidays, these Upside Down Blueberry Sweet Rolls are a must-try for a sweet start to your day.
- And for a vibrant, festive treat that’s both tart and sweet, you simply can’t beat this stunning Cranberry Upside Down Cake!
Time to WIN Some Amazing Prizes from Our Generous Sponsors!
We’re incredibly thrilled to offer our readers a chance to win some fantastic prizes generously donated by the wonderful sponsors of our #FallFlavors event! These incredible companies have contributed amazing products to enhance your kitchen and culinary adventures. In collaboration with our participating bloggers and event hosts – Family Around the Table, A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures, and Hezzi D’s Books and Cooks – we invite you to enter the giveaway via the widget below. There are numerous opportunities to win, so be sure to explore all entry methods and maximize your chances!
**Featured Prizes Include:**
- **The Republic of Tea:** A stunning Red Dancing Leaves Teapot and a tin of their comforting Hot Apple Cider Tea. This pairing is ideal for brewing a soothing pot and enjoying it on a cool, blustery fall day.
- **Torani:** A bottle of their versatile Green Apple Puremade Syrup and a bottle of their luscious Caramel Puremade Sauce. These premium syrups are perfect for baking, crafting gourmet coffee drinks, or creating unique cocktails.
- **Dixie Crystals Sugar:** Elevate your baking endeavors with a fantastic set of OXO Good Grips 3-piece Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls, essential for any home baker.
- **Taylor and Colledge:** Transform your fall and holiday baked goods with a delightful variety of their premium gourmet baking pastes. Your creations will be infused with rich, natural flavors that will undoubtedly wow your family and guests.
- **Melissa’s:** Experience the joy of fresh, exciting produce with a diverse variety box from Melissa’s. This is a wonderful opportunity to try new fruits and vegetables you might not otherwise have access to in your local market.
- **Nairn’s:** One fortunate winner will receive a goodie box filled with a diverse range of Nairn’s gluten-free products. These wholesome oatcakes and biscuits are fantastic for healthy snacking or for use in creative meals and desserts.
This giveaway will feature multiple winners, increasing your chances to win! The giveaway is open to residents of the United States who are 18 years of age or older. All entries for the selected winners will be meticulously checked and verified to ensure fairness. By entering, you grant us the right to use your name and likeness for winner announcement purposes. The number of eligible entries received ultimately determines the odds of winning. Six (6) lucky winners will be selected in total. All prize packages will be sent directly from the respective giveaway sponsors. Please be aware that the #FallFlavors Week Bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages once dispatched. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members residing in their household are unfortunately not eligible to enter or win the giveaway. No purchase is necessary to enter. This promotion is void where prohibited by law. It is important to note that this promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or any other social channel mentioned in the #FallFlavors Week posts or the entry process.
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For a continuous stream of autumnal recipe inspiration and to discover even more seasonal delights, be sure to follow the Fall Flavors Pinterest board!
Without further ado, let’s dive into the full recipe for this incredibly simple and absolutely delicious Apple Upside Down Cake that will surely become a cherished fall tradition in your home!
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Print Recipe
Apple Upside Down Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 stick butter divided (1/2 cup)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup + 4 Tablespoons brown sugar divided
- 1 20 ounce can of apple pie filling
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Melt 6 Tablespoons butter.
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In a bowl whisk together: flour, butter, eggs, vanilla paste, baking powder, sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, salt and milk.
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In a 10″-12″ cast iron skillet on the stove, melt butter and 4 Tablespoons brown sugar. Pour in can of apple pie filling, and spread to cover bottom evenly.
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Pour batter over the top and carefully smooth it out.
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Bake for 35-40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Immediately invert cake onto a platter to release cake. Be careful, the fruit will be very hot!
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Cool slightly and serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Nutrition
Discover More Friday Fall Flavors Recipes
Beyond our delectable Apple Upside Down Cake, the #FallFlavors event showcased an incredible variety of seasonal dishes from talented bloggers across the culinary world. We encourage you to explore these other fantastic fall-inspired recipes, perfect for expanding your autumn menu and discovering new favorites:
- Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Fries by Daily Dish Recipes
- Almond Apple Galette by Kate’s Recipe Box
- Amish Pear Crumb Pie Recipe by Blogghetti
- Apple Cider Dip by Cheese Curd In Paradise
- Apple Upside Down Cake by An Affair from the Heart
- Caramel Apple Whiskey Sour by Cookaholic Wife
- Caramel Apple Pancakes by Lemon Blossoms
- Caramel Apple Sangria by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Caramel Apple-Tea-Ni by Sweet Beginnings
- Fluffy Pumpkin Dip by Take Two Tapas
- Garlic and Thyme Smashed Sunchokes by Savory Moments
- Gluten Free Caramel Apple Cheesecake by Frugal & Fit
- Harvest Vegetable Fritters with Shrimp by Art of Natural Living
- Meyer Lemon-Lavender Vodka Martini by Books n’ Cooks
- Oaxacon Daisy by A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Pear Fennel Sunchoke Salad by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Pear Scones with Caramel Glaze by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
- Pistachio and Marmalade Crusted Brie with Figs by Palatable Pastime
- Roasted Chicken with Sunchokes and Lemon by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Roasted Potatoes with Lemon and Garlic by Family Around the Table
- Scrumptious Caramel Iced Apple Cinnamon Rolls Easy Recipe by Intelligent Domestications
- Tea Infused Apple Cider Chicken by Simple and Savory
- Vegan Almond Scones by That Recipe