Ginger Apple Upside-Down Cake
A warm and flavorful upside-down cake featuring tender apples, spicy ginger, and a caramel-like brown sugar topping, perfect for cozy gatherings and dessert lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all dry ingredients: flour, wheat germ, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, and cinnamon. Stir well and set aside.
- Melt 1/4 cup of butter and pour it into an 8-inch square pan.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the melted butter in the pan.
- Core, peel, and halve the tart apples crosswise.
- Arrange the apple halves flat side down in the pan over the sugar mixture.
- Cream together 1/4 cup of butter, sugar, and egg until fluffy.
- Beat in molasses until well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients mixture and boiling water to the creamed mixture, mixing until just blended.
- Pour this batter over the arranged apples in the pan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Allow to cool slightly before inverting onto a serving plate.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, you can substitute the tart apples with pears or peaches. If you don't have wheat germ, you can use additional flour instead. Ensure the butter is melted, but not too hot when mixing with the sugar and egg to prevent curdling. This cake is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which complements the flavors beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Ginger Apple Upside-Down Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added richness. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, making it a delightful dessert for gatherings. For a complete meal, serve alongside a light salad or alongside dishes like Turkey And Vegetable Pot Pie.
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 about 20-30 seconds or warm it in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until heated through. Enjoy it warm for the best taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ginger Apple Upside-Down Cake contains roughly 375 calories, with 5g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of calcium (18% of the Daily Value), iron (16% of the Daily Value), and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1383mg per serving (60% 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 different types of apples for this recipe?
Yes, you can use various apples, though tart varieties like Granny Smith are ideal for balancing the sweetness. Sweet apples like Fuji or Gala can also work, but you may want to reduce the added sugar slightly to avoid an overly sweet cake.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when it is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. You can also gently press the top; it should spring back without leaving a dent.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cake a day in advance. Just store it covered at room temperature. Before serving, warm it slightly in the oven for the best texture and flavor.
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).