Cherry Apple Upside-Down Cake
A delightful upside-down cake featuring tart cherries and sweet apples, topped with cinnamon sugar, perfect for family gatherings or comforting dessert cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spread peeled, cored, and sliced apples evenly into a 9 x 13-inch sprayed pan.
- Sprinkle sugar and cinnamon evenly over the apples.
- Pour cherry pie filling over the apples and cinnamon mixture.
- Prepare yellow or white cake mix according to package instructions.
- Pour the prepared cake batter over the cherry and apple layer.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 45 minutes or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before inverting onto a serving platter to reveal the cherry and apple topping.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cake batter for extra flavor. If you're short on time, you can use a pre-made cake mix. For a healthier option, substitute half of the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. You can also try using a gluten-free cake mix to cater to dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert experience. It also pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a fruity twist, consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or alongside dishes like Sugar-Free Apple Cobbler for a varied dessert table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain the cake's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Apple Upside-Down Cake contains roughly 379 calories, with 4g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 16g fat.
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 fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just pit and slice about 2 cups of fresh cherries, and mix them with a little sugar and cornstarch to create a similar filling. This will give your cake a fresher taste and a more natural sweetness.
What type of apples work best for this cake?
For the best flavor and texture, use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This combination balances sweetness with a bit of tartness, enhancing the overall flavor of the cake.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Just be sure to reheat it gently before serving to enjoy the flavors at their best.
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).