The Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake combines the nostalgic comfort of a classic upside down cake with the extra depth and nuttiness of browned butter. Thinly sliced apples get caramelized under a glossy layer of brown sugar, while the tender, spiced cake above soaks up all the goodness as it bakes. Each bite is bursting with warm apple flavor, buttery richness, and just the right hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. Simple enough for a casual weekend bake, but dazzling enough to impress for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a beloved centerpiece at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This list is pure autumn magic—no fancy ingredients, just honest pantry staples and crisp apples coming together to work their best. Each item plays a role in creating layers of flavor, gorgeous color, and that irresistible moist crumb that makes Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake shine.
- Unsalted butter: The star of the cake, with some reserved for browning and some for that sticky, toffee-like topping.
- Brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes to both the topping and the batter—don’t skip it!
- Apples: Any crisp variety works—choose your favorites for a juicy, tart-sweet finish on top.
- Granulated sugar: Gives just enough sweetness to keep the flavors balanced.
- Eggs: Hold everything together and help the cake rise up soft and light.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and complexity to every bite.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base for a tender but structured crumb.
- Baking powder: Ensures the cake lifts beautifully in the oven.
- Salt: Brings out all the other flavors and prevents the cake from tasting flat.
- Cinnamon: That essential cozy spice—pairs perfectly with apples and brown butter.
- Nutmeg: Just a dash brings extra warmth and aroma to the cake.
- Whole milk: The secret to a wonderfully moist, rich crumb.
How to Make Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper. This step ensures a drama-free cake flip and guarantees every bit of the sticky apple topping releases effortlessly.
Step 2: Make the Apple Topping
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in 1/2 cup of brown sugar and cook for a minute or two until the sugar melts and the mixture turns glossy and caramel-like. Pour this luscious topping into your prepared cake pan, then arrange the apple slices over it in a beautiful fan or circular pattern. This is your chance to get creative—the prettier the ring, the more stunning the final Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake!
Step 3: Brown the Butter
Place 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Let it melt, then keep stirring as it foams and sizzles, turning golden with a nutty aroma (about 5 minutes). Watch closely so it doesn’t burn. As soon as it’s ready, remove from the heat and let it cool slightly—this brown butter gives the cake its signature flavor boost.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the browned butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup brown sugar. Once smooth, add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking again until the mixture is silky and light. This blend creates the rich, flavorful base for your cake batter.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures the leavening and spices are evenly distributed, preventing any surprise clumps or uneven flavors in your Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake.
Step 6: Mix the Batter
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two or three batches, alternating with the whole milk. Stir gently just until everything is combined. The batter should be thick but smooth—avoid over-mixing, which can make the cake tough.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Carefully spread the cake batter over the apples in your prepared pan, smoothing the top gently. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake springs back lightly to the touch.
Step 8: Cool and Unmold
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes—just enough time to let the topping set but not get too sticky. Run a knife around the edges, invert the pan onto your serving plate, and gently peel away the parchment. Marvel at your glossy apple-topped masterpiece!
How to Serve Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake
Garnishes
Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake is a showstopper on its own, but a dollop of softly whipped cream or a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream truly takes it over the top. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a little snowfall effect, while a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts brings delicious crunch and visual flair.
Side Dishes
Pair each slice with a piping hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or mulled cider for peak autumn vibes. If you’re serving as part of a brunch spread, a simple fruit salad or tangy Greek yogurt on the side balances the sweetness and keeps things feeling fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cake into generous wedges and plate each slice with a small pool of warm caramel sauce for restaurant-style flair. For a holiday table, bake the Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake in individual ramekins and flip them out for adorable, single-serve desserts. Even a rustic presentation, served family-style straight from the pan, gives off all the cozy, homemade feels.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have extra cake, just cover the pan or transfer slices to an airtight container. Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake keeps deliciously moist for up to two days at room temperature. For longer storage, pop it in the fridge—just let it come back to room temp or gently rewarm before serving.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual slices snugly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe container. The cake will hold its flavor and texture for about two months. When the craving strikes, thaw overnight in the fridge and let come to room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, microwave a slice for about 15–20 seconds, or pop it in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes. The apples and caramel will become glossy again, making your leftover Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake taste almost as fresh as the day it was baked.
FAQs
What kind of apples work best for Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake?
Use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. Their robust texture keeps its shape during baking and delivers a flavorful, juicy layer on top. Mix and match varieties for even more depth!
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
If salted butter is all you have, go ahead and use it—just reduce the added salt in the recipe to keep flavors balanced. The brown butter process will still work its magic, so you won’t miss out on that signature nuttiness.
Can I make Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake gluten free?
Yes, swap the all-purpose flour with a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Check that your other ingredients are gluten free and proceed as usual—your cake should still come out moist and flavorful.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking when I flip it out?
Lining the pan with parchment is your best friend. Make sure to let the cake cool for exactly ten minutes, then invert it onto a plate. If it resists, tap gently or use a thin spatula to help release any stubborn apples.
Is it necessary to brown the butter, or can I skip that step?
The browned butter brings a nutty richness that really sets Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake apart from standard apple cakes. While you could use plain melted butter, you’d be missing out on a layer of depth that makes this recipe so special.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find every excuse to bake this Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake, whether for a cozy afternoon treat, a festive gathering, or just because apples are calling your name from the fruit bowl. There’s something blissfully simple yet sensational about flipping out a cake to reveal a glossy, caramelized apple crown. Give it a try, share a slice, and allow yourself a moment to savor every warm, buttery bite!
Print
Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of brown butter and sweet apples with this delightful Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake. Perfect for fall gatherings or a special dessert any time of year!
Ingredients
For the topping:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
For the cake:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Make the topping: Melt 3 tablespoons of butter with brown sugar, then pour into the pan and arrange apple slices on top.
- Prepare the cake batter: Brown butter, mix with sugars, eggs, and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients and milk, then add to the wet mixture.
- Bake: Pour batter over apples and bake for 40–45 minutes. Invert onto a plate after cooling for 10 minutes.
Notes
- Best served fresh or store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Pair with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
