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This isn’t your ordinary upside-down cake. What makes this version special is the rich brown sugar and pecan streusel topping that bakes into the top and then becomes the crust when flipped—giving it the perfect sweet crunch to contrast the tender apple layer.
Golden Delicious and Granny Smith apples work well here, offering a balance of sweetness and tartness. The cake itself is soft and moist, and the topping creates a buttery, caramelized finish. Serve warm with a scoop of butter pecan or vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert.
Why You’ll Love It
Crunchy brown sugar crust. The streusel bakes right into the top and becomes the crust when inverted.
Delicious fall flavors. Apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, and pecans bring cozy flavor to every bite.
Easy prep and big payoff. No need for fancy layers or frosting—this cake shines on its own.
Perfect for entertaining. It’s a beautiful dessert to slice and serve warm with ice cream.
Ingredient Notes
- Apples: Golden Delicious and Granny Smith both hold their shape and balance the sweet topping.
- Butter: Used in the apple layer, cake, and streusel—adds richness and moisture.
- Pecans: Bring crunch and buttery flavor—walnuts work too.
- Cinnamon: Just enough to warm up the streusel topping.
- Brown sugar: Adds deep flavor and caramelizes into a crisp crust.
- Milk and egg: Bind the cake and keep it tender.
Steps to Make Apple Upside-Down Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F while you prep the apples. Peel, core, and slice them into thin wedges.
- Add butter to a square baking pan and let it melt in the oven. Sprinkle with brown sugar and arrange the apples evenly on top.
- Mix up the cake batter by combining the dry ingredients with softened butter, milk, and the egg. Beat until smooth, then gently spread it over the apples.
- Make the streusel by mixing brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and pecans with softened butter until crumbly. Sprinkle it over the batter.
- Bake the cake until golden and a tester comes out clean. As soon as it’s done, invert it onto a serving platter and lift off the pan. If any apples stick, scrape them back onto the cake.
Recipe Variations
- Try different nuts. Walnuts or slivered almonds can replace the pecans for a twist.
- Add more spice. Mix a pinch of nutmeg or cloves into the streusel for a warmer flavor.
- Use pears instead. Thinly sliced pears make a great seasonal swap for apples.
- Make it in a round pan. A 9-inch round cake pan works just as well if that’s what you have.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with butter pecan or vanilla ice cream.
- Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Pair with coffee or spiced tea for a cozy dessert.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze? Not recommended, as the apple layer and streusel may become soggy.
To Reheat: Warm slices in the microwave or a low oven until just heated through.
Apple Upside-Down Cake
Ingredients
Apple Layer
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 medium apples
Cake Layer
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
Streusel
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
Apple Layer
- Heat the oven to 350°F.
- Peel and core the apples. Slice the apples into thin wedges.3 medium apples
- Put the 1/4 cup of butter in a 9-inch square pan. Put it in the oven until the butter has melted. Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the butter with 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Arrange apple slices evenly over the butter and brown sugar layer.1/4 cup unsalted butter | 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
Cake Layer
- Combine the 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 5 tablespoons of softened butter, 1 cup of milk, and the egg in a large mixing bowl. Beat on low speed with an electric mixer until combined. Increase to medium speed and beat for about 2 minutes longer. Scrape the sides of the bowl occasionally. Spoon the batter evenly over the apples and then gently spread to cover.2 cups all-purpose flour | 1 cup granulated sugar | 1 tbsp baking powder | 1 tsp salt | 5 tbsp unsalted butter (softened) | 1 cup milk | 1 large egg
Top and Bake
- In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup of brown sugar with the pecans or walnuts, 1/4 cup of flour, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix the 3 tablespoons of softened butter with a fork or your fingers until crumbs form. Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the top of the batter.1/2 cup packed light brown sugar | 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts | 1/4 cup all-purpose flour | 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon | 3 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- Bake the apple upside-down cake for about 45 to 50 minutes, until a wooden pick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Immediately invert the cake onto a large plate, platter, or pan and let stand for 1 minute. Remove the baking pan. If any apples stick to the pan, scrape them out and arrange them on the cake.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
