Who says you need an oven to make a delicious cake? This Stovetop Apple Upside Down Cake is proof that you can create a moist, caramelized, and flavorful dessert right on your stovetop. The buttery brown sugar glaze coats tender caramelized apples, while the soft vanilla cake bakes to perfection in a skillet.
This cake is easy to make, requires no special equipment, and is perfect for when you don’t want to turn on the oven. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an irresistible treat!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 10-inch nonstick skillet with lid
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Ingredients Overview
- Apples: Choose firm, sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for the best texture.
- Brown Sugar & Butter: Creates a rich, caramelized topping.
- Flour & Baking Powder: Forms a soft, fluffy cake base.
- Milk & Vanilla: Adds moisture and enhances flavor.
Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
For the Apple Topping
- 2 apples, peeled and sliced
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
For the Cake Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Directions
Step 1: Caramelize the Apples
In a 10-inch nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon, then add the apple slices in an even layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the apples are tender and coated in caramel. Remove from heat.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and sugar. In another bowl, beat egg, milk, vanilla, and melted butter. Gradually stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble & Cook the Cake
Pour the cake batter evenly over the caramelized apples. Cover with a lid and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 4: Flip & Serve
Run a spatula around the edges to loosen the cake. Place a large plate over the skillet and carefully invert the cake onto the plate so the apples are on top. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Nutrition (per serving, ~8 servings)
- Calories: ~220
- Fat: ~8g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Protein: ~3g
Expert Tips
- For Extra Moisture: Add ¼ cup applesauce to the batter.
- To Prevent Sticking: Grease the skillet well before adding the apples.
- Make It More Caramelized: Let the apples cook for an extra 2-3 minutes before adding the batter.
FAQs
Can I use a different fruit?
Yes! Try pears, peaches, or bananas instead of apples.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Store at room temperature for 1 day, then reheat in a skillet before serving.
What’s the best pan to use?
A nonstick skillet with a lid works best to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Storing & Freezing
- Storing: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.
Substitutions & Variations
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil instead of butter and almond milk instead of regular milk.
- Spiced Version: Add ¼ teaspoon nutmeg and a pinch of ground cloves for extra warmth.
- Chocolate Apple Cake: Stir ¼ cup mini chocolate chips into the batter.
Stovetop Apple Upside Down Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- #### **Step 1: Caramelize the Apples**
- In a **10-inch nonstick skillet**, melt **butter over medium heat**. Stir in **brown sugar and cinnamon**, then add the **apple slices** in an even layer. Cook for **3-4 minutes**, until the apples are tender and coated in caramel. Remove from heat.
- #### **Step 2: Prepare the Batter**
- In a bowl, whisk together **flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and sugar**. In another bowl, beat **egg, milk, vanilla, and melted butter**. Gradually stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until smooth.
- #### **Step 3: Assemble & Cook the Cake**
- Pour the cake batter evenly over the caramelized apples. Cover with a lid and cook on **low heat for 15-20 minutes**, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- #### **Step 4: Flip & Serve**
- Run a spatula around the edges to loosen the cake. Place a large plate over the skillet and carefully **invert the cake onto the plate** so the apples are on top. Serve warm with **whipped cream or ice cream**.
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