Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

If you’re looking to wow your friends or just treat yourself to a cozy, irresistible dessert, this Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender apples caramelized in brown sugar, contrasted with the deep, nutty richness of brown butter baked into a moist, golden cake—it’s a perfect harmony of flavors that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Every bite brings a little bit of fall magic to your table, and trust me, this cake will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients make for the most comforting desserts, and each component here plays a key role in achieving the perfect texture, flavor, and presentation of this cake.

• 3-4 medium apples: Peeled and sliced, they provide juicy sweetness and a beautiful caramelized topping.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Used for melting with brown sugar to create that signature gooey base.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds warm, molasses-rich caramel notes to the topping.
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional): A dash of spice that complements the apples perfectly.
• Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), browned: The secret ingredient that gives the cake its nutty depth and moisture.
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure that holds this cake together.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise and stay fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Adds extra lift and tenderness.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses sweet aromatic notes that marry the ingredients beautifully.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake batter for a balanced finish.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk): Contributes moisture and a slight tang for tenderness.

How to Make Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper—this trick makes flipping your cake a breeze and ensures it won’t stick.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a medium saucepan, melt the full cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Keep stirring gently until the butter turns a gorgeous golden brown and releases that irresistible nutty aroma, usually about 5-7 minutes. This simple step locks in an incredible flavor boost for your cake. Set the browned butter aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Topping

Next, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a small pan over medium heat. Stir in the packed brown sugar, cinnamon if you’re using it, and a pinch of salt. Heat until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture looks silky smooth—this creates the luscious caramel layer the apples will sit on.

Step 4: Arrange the Apples

Pour the warm brown sugar mixture into the prepared cake pan. Arrange those beautiful apple slices in a circular pattern right on top, covering the entire base. This not only looks stunning once flipped but ensures every bite has that sweet, cinnamon-kissed apple goodness.

Step 5: Make the Cake Batter

In one bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and that extra hit of cinnamon if you like. In another larger bowl, blend the browned butter with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Then, add eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry. Stir just until everything comes together—overmixing can make your cake tough, and we want this masterpiece soft and tender.

Step 7: Pour and Bake

Pour the cake batter gently over the arranged apples, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. The cake should turn a lovely golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center will come out clean when it’s perfectly done.

Step 8: Cool and Flip

Once baked, let the cake cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. This resting period helps the caramel set slightly so it doesn’t run everywhere. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate, removing the parchment paper if you used it. Prepare yourself for a stunning, glossy top of caramelized apples!

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

This cake tastes divine warm or at room temperature. Each bite delivers the unmatched combo of caramelized apple sweetness and that luscious brown butter richness baked right through the crumb. It’s like autumn comfort with a sophisticated twist!

How to Serve Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top or add a dollop of freshly whipped cream for extra indulgence. A pinch of chopped toasted pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate the texture and sweetness even further.

Side Dishes

This cake shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of tangy Greek yogurt to balance the sweetness. A cup of hot coffee or spiced chai complements the warm flavors just right.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fancy twist, serve individual slices with a drizzle of crème fraîche and a sprinkle of cinnamon powder. You can also layer smaller apple slices between cake layers for a rustic, less traditional approach that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap your cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days—just bring it back to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, keeping it safe in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, and you’ll still enjoy that incredible brown butter flavor with almost no difference in texture.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm them in a low oven (300°F) for 10-15 minutes. This melts the caramel slightly again and revives the moistness of the cake, making it taste freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! Varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith work wonderfully. They hold their shape well and offer a balance of sweet and tart that complements the rich cake perfectly.

What if I don’t have buttermilk? Can I substitute it?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle. This mimics buttermilk’s acidity, which helps the cake rise and keeps it tender.

Is it important to brown the butter?

It’s totally worth the extra step! Browning the butter adds a nutty, caramel-like depth that plain melted butter can’t replicate. It transforms this cake from delicious to unforgettable.

Can I make this cake in a different pan size?

While a 9-inch round pan is ideal for even cooking and presentation, you can use an 8-inch pan but expect the cake to be thicker, so you might need to increase baking time slightly.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The best test is to insert a toothpick into the center: it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The cake should also be golden brown and starting to pull away slightly from the pan edges.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe. It’s a showstopper with relatively simple ingredients and steps, but the flavors and textures come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re baking for a casual family get-together or a festive celebration, this cake will bring those warm, cozy feels we all crave. I can’t wait for you to make it and share it with those you love!

Print