Apple upside down cake is a dessert that screams fall in every single bite. A moist and warm spice-flavored cake that is filled with freshly sliced apples that are baked perfectly. You will find this recipe is similar to a pineapple upside down cake but with apples ground cinnamon and nutmeg.

side view of an upside down cake on a platter

I love a classic apple recipe, and this apple cake is such an incredible dessert to serve your friends and family.

Apple Upside Down Cake with a slice being lifted up

The apples caramelize and create a sweet juice that soaks into the cake, for an ultra sweet treat.

Apple Upside Down Cake on a platter on table

Reasons Why You Will Love This Recipe

Homemade cake full of warm spices – cinnamon and ground cinnamon.
This upside-down cake is made with fresh apples that are thinly sliced.
As the brown sugar and butter bake into the apples it creates a decadent glaze.
Easy to make and full of sweet flavor in each bite.
Feel free to make this cake a day ahead of time for when you plan to serve it up.

If you are looking for more easy apple desserts I have a few more for you to check out. Serve up this apple crumble cheesecake pie, Cracker Barrel fried apples, or even this popular Dutch apple pie.

overhead shot of ingredients for an apple upside down cake in bowls on table

Ingredients Needed

Butter – You will use real butter for the recipe. You will melt the butter for this recipe.

Sugar – Brown sugar and granulated sugar are both used for this recipe. It will add sweetness to the dessert.

Apples – Fresh peeled and sliced apples are going to be the stand-out flavor of the cake. I prefer to use Granny Smith apples as they are nice and tart.

Flour – Reach for all-purpose flour. Scoop the flour into the measuring cup and then level it off.

Baking Powder – This is the leavening agent to the cake that will allow the cake to rise and become nice and fluffy.

Spices – Ground nutmeg and cinnamon are both used for adding warm spiced flavor to each cake.

Salt – Salt is used to help boost the flavors in the cake. If you skip the salt you will find it lacks flavor.

Eggs – Eggs are the binder in the batter. As it will provide some great texture to the cake.

Vanilla – A splash of vanilla is going to add an aromatic and sweet element to the cake.

Applesauce – You will also use applesauce to help keep the cake nice and moist.

Variations To Recipe

Change up the fruit used for this recipe. Sliced pears, peaches, pineapple slices, fresh berries, or frozen berries. etc.
Add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top of the butter and brown sugar mixture.
Mix in some ginger and ground cloves for even more flavor to the cake.
Instead of the homemade cake, you can use a boxed cake mix if you want. Just use a 9×13 pan or two round pans to make two cakes.
Add in some orange zest for a twist of citrus flavor.
Sprinkle some dried cranberries on top of the apples for a seasonal addition.

bite taken out of apple spice cake on plate with whipped cream on top

Tips for Success

Picking Apples

Tart apples like a Granny Smith is going to help give some tartness to the apple cake and balance out all the sweetness. If you don’t want to use a tart apple any baking apple will work well.

Arranging Apples

I made a pattern with the apples when I arranged them in the pan. It is going to give your cake the best look and each bite will have bits of apple in it.

slice of cake on spatula above the baking pan

Prep Pan

Make sure to grease your baking cake pan. I used a 9-inch diameter to make this easy cake.

Don’t Overmix Cake Batter

Make sure to not overmix the cake batter or it can cause the cake to become a bit dense. Scrape the sides of the bowl and mix until combined.

cake on a platter with a slice of cake on spatula

Preheat Oven

Making sure you place the cake in a preheated oven is going to ensure the cake bakes up nicely and rises. If you find that the oven is not preheated it won’t rise near as much.

a slice of the cake on a white plate with whipped cream on top

Flipping Cake Upside Down

Make sure to place your plate or platter on top of the pan. Then once the cake cools a bit you will carefully flip over the cake with the platter over. It will then showcase the apples on the top of the cake.

side view of cake slices on plates on table

Serve Cake Warm

You will find that this cake is delicious and served warm. Just let it cool slightly before you flip it over, and then slice and serve.

Storing

Allow your apple upside-down cake to cool and then place it in a sealed container. Place the cake in the fridge and store for 3-4 days.

You can also freeze the cake if you would like. Freeze for 4-5 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight or defrost in the microwave for a quick thaw.

overhead view of cake on tray with slice lifting up off tray

FAQs

Can I use canned apple pie filling for this cake?

If you would like to have the upside fruit appearance you would want to use fresh apples, not pie filling. The pie filling will not have the same overall appearance.

How do I know when my cake is done baking?

Take a toothpick and place it in the center of the cake and if it comes out clean of wet cake batter the cake is done. If it still has wet batter then bake the cake for a few more minutes.

Can I make a gluten-free apple upside-down cake?

Your cake can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour. You will find the cake will bake up very similar compared to a classic all-purpose flour.