Description
This Apple Upside Down Cake is a delightful vegan dessert featuring a caramelized apple topping over a moist cinnamon-spiced cake. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, this dairy-free cake is easy to prepare and ideal for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Topping
- 1/2 cup vegan butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples, peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch slices
Cake
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup melted vegan butter or oil
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup unsweetened soy milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven and grease pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter the sides of a 9-inch cake pan, but there’s no need to butter the bottom. Set the pan aside for later.
- Prepare the apple topping: In a small saucepan, combine the vegan butter and brown sugar. Heat over medium, whisking occasionally until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth, about one minute. Remove from heat and whisk in the ground cinnamon and pure vanilla extract. Pour this caramel sauce evenly into the bottom of the prepared cake pan. Arrange the sliced apples neatly on top of the sauce, covering the surface.
- Make the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour in the melted vegan butter (or oil), unsweetened applesauce, unsweetened soy milk, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until just combined, ensuring not to overmix the batter.
- Combine and bake: Pour the prepared batter evenly over the arranged apples in the cake pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean.
- Cool and invert: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Run a knife around the edges if needed, then invert the cake carefully onto a serving plate, so the caramelized apples become the top layer.
- Serve and store: Serve the apple upside down cake warm or at room temperature. For an extra treat, pair with dairy-free vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Store any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- For a gluten free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten free all-purpose flour.
- You can vary the fruit topping by using pear slices or other firm fruits if desired.
- This cake is vegan and dairy free, suitable for those avoiding animal products.
- Ensure apples are sliced uniformly for even caramelization and baking.
- To enhance flavor, you can add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the cake batter if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
