Apple Upside-Down Cake(16 Servings)
A warm, caramelized apple upside-down cake with tender apples and a buttery topping, perfect for fall gatherings or a comforting dessert for family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sliced, peeled apples, 1 cup sugar, butter, and cinnamon in a saucepan.
- Cook until apples are tender, stirring frequently.
- Pour the apple mixture into a well-greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Sprinkle broken nuts over the apple mixture in the pan.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream together shortening and 1 cup sugar.
- Blend in eggs.
- Beat well.
- Combine milk and vanilla; add alternately with dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
- Spread the batter over the apples in the pan.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until done.
- Remove from oven.
- Turn the cake upside-down onto a large serving plate.
- Let stand a few minutes, then remove the pan.
- Serve warm with whipped cream if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with unsalted butter for a richer taste. Use a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, to enhance the cake's complexity. Sifting the dry ingredients helps create a lighter batter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. This cake pairs beautifully with a side of Mandarin-Pineapple Fruit Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a cozy gathering, consider serving it alongside a cup of spiced cider or tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in a microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, ensuring it remains moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Upside-Down Cake(16 Servings) contains roughly 301 calories, with 5g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 632mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of fruit?
Yes, you can substitute apples with other fruits like pears or peaches, but you may need to adjust the sugar based on the fruit’s sweetness. Ensure the fruit is firm to prevent excess moisture in the cake.
What can I do if I don’t have a 13 x 9-inch pan?
If you don't have the specified pan, you can use two 9-inch round cake pans. Just make sure to adjust the baking time, checking for doneness a few minutes earlier than the original recipe.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown, and the cake should spring back when lightly pressed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).