Apple Walnut Upside-Down Cake
A warm, caramelized apple upside-down cake featuring walnuts and spices, perfect for fall gatherings or cozy desserts, topped with whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1/2 c. firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 3 medium cooking apples ⓘ
- 9 maraschino cherries ⓘ
- 1/2 c. vegetable shortening ⓘ
- 1/2 c. granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 2 c. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 tsp. baking soda ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground ginger ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 c. light molasses ⓘ
- 1/2 c. boiling water ⓘ
- 1/8 c. chopped apples ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped black walnuts
- sweetened whipped cream (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 9 x 9 x 2-inch pan, melt the butter.
- Add 1/2 cup brown sugar and blend until well combined.
- Peel and core the apples.
- Slice each apple into three medium-thick rings, making nine slices per apple.
- Chop the remaining apples and reserve about a cup.
- Arrange the apple rings on top of the brown sugar mixture in the pan.
- Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each apple ring.
- Cream the shortening and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and beat well.
- Sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
- Combine the molasses and boiling water.
- Alternately add the molasses mixture and dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing after each addition.
- Fold in the reserved chopped apples and black walnuts.
- Pour the batter over the arranged apples in the pan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake stand on a rack for 5 minutes.
- Invert the cake onto a serving plate and carefully remove the pan.
- Serve warm, optionally topped with sweetened whipped cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider using Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast against the sweetness of the brown sugar. If you don't have black walnuts, regular walnuts or pecans can be excellent substitutes. To ensure even baking, rotate the pan halfway through the baking time. Remember to let the cake cool slightly before inverting to prevent breaking.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful served warm, topped with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream for extra indulgence. It pairs beautifully with Tasty Mashed Potatoes as part of a comforting meal. For a festive touch, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside coffee for a perfect afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This helps maintain the cake's moisture and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Walnut Upside-Down Cake contains roughly 531 calories, with 6g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value) and iron (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 990mg per serving (43% 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 make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance and stored properly. Just keep it covered at room temperature. To serve, simply reheat as described above to refresh its texture and warmth.
What type of apples are best for this recipe?
For an ideal balance of sweetness and tartness, use a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Honeycrisp and Granny Smith. This will enhance the flavor and texture of the cake, making it more enjoyable.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a more natural sweetener. However, keep in mind that this may alter the cake's color and flavor slightly. Brown sugar can also be used in place of granulated sugar for a richer taste.
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).