Apple Pumpkin Upside Down Cake

This cake right here? Oh, it’s fall on a plate. Warm apples, cozy pumpkin, and that gooey top… just wow.

I baked this last weekend and the house smelled so good. It’s sweet, soft, and has that spice that makes you wanna dance a little.

If you love pumpkin pie and caramel apples, then this is your new favorite. Let’s just say… you’ll wanna flip this cake again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: One reader even said, “I couldn’t stop eating it! A perfect dessert for fall!”
• Layered Flavors: The apple-pumpkin combination gives a delicious depth of flavor in every bite.
• Warm & Comforting: The mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice brings a sense of coziness that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
• Eye-catching: The caramelized apple topping gives this cake a beautiful, glossy finish, making it an impressive dessert to serve.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients, it’s easy to create a beautiful dessert without a ton of fuss.
• Great for Fall Occasions: Perfect for Thanksgiving, fall gatherings, or just enjoying the flavors of the season.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, here’s a quick checklist of the tools you’ll need to make this upside-down cake:

• 9-inch Round Cake Pan (preferably one with high sides)
• Mixing Bowls (for the batter and the apple-pumpkin layers)
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer (to cream the butter and sugar)
• Spatula (to evenly spread the cake batter and toppings)
• Saucepan (for making the caramelized apple topping)
• Cooling Rack (for letting the cake cool and prevent sogginess)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delectable dessert:

For the Caramelized Apple Topping:

• Butter: 1/4 cup, unsalted for richness.
• Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup, packed. It creates a soft, caramel-like topping that pairs perfectly with the apples.
• Cinnamon: 1 tsp, for warmth and spice.
• Apple Slices: 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thinly. Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balance of sweetness and acidity.

For the Pumpkin Cake:

• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups, sifted to ensure smooth texture.
• Baking Powder: 1 1/2 tsp, for a light, airy cake.
• Baking Soda: 1 tsp, helps the cake rise.
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg: 1 tsp cinnamon and 1/2 tsp nutmeg, providing that fall-inspired flavor.
• Pumpkin Spice: 1 tsp, for that extra cozy kick.
• Salt: 1/4 tsp, to enhance the sweetness of the cake.
• Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup, softened, for a rich base.
• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup, for sweetness and texture.
• Eggs: 2 large, for structure and moisture.
• Canned Pumpkin: 1 cup, the star of the show. Make sure you’re using pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp, for a touch of sweetness.
• Milk: 1/2 cup, to create a smooth batter. You can use any milk (dairy or plant-based).
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tsp, to react with the baking soda and make the cake fluffier.

Variations for Apple Pumpkin Upside Down Cake

• Try Different Fruits: Swap apples for pears or pears and apples together for a unique twist.
• Add Nuts: If you love a little crunch, add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the cake batter.
• Make it Vegan: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) to make this cake vegan.
• Spiced Pumpkin: Add 1-2 tbsp of maple syrup to the batter for a sweet, maple flavor, and enhance the pumpkin taste.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free treat.
• Add Chocolate: If you’re a chocolate lover, sprinkle some mini chocolate chips over the caramelized apples before adding the batter on top!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s walk through the process of making this delicious Apple Pumpkin Upside Down Cake. Trust me, it’s easier than it looks!

1. Prepare the Caramelized Apple Topping

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat.
2. Add the Brown Sugar & Spices: Stir in 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Continue to cook for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and starts to bubble.
3. Add the Apple Slices: Carefully place the apple slices in the pan, making sure they are evenly distributed. Stir to coat them in the sugar mixture.
4. Cook the Apples: Let the apples cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the caramel has thickened slightly.
5. Set Aside: Once done, remove the pan from the heat and let the apples cool while you make the cake batter.

2. Make the Pumpkin Cake Batter

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, and 1 tsp pumpkin spice. Set this aside.
3. Cream the Butter & Sugar: In a separate bowl, beat together 1/2 cup softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs and Pumpkin: Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in 1 cup of canned pumpkin and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
5. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients & Milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients in batches, alternating with 1/2 cup milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

3. Assemble and Bake the Cake

1. Assemble the Cake: Pour the caramelized apple topping into the prepared cake pan. Spread the apples evenly across the bottom. Then, pour the pumpkin cake batter on top of the apples, spreading it out evenly.
2. Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top of the cake should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
3. Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before flipping it over onto a cooling rack. Be gentle when flipping to prevent the apples from sticking.

4. Serve and Enjoy

Once the cake has cooled to room temperature, it’s ready to be served. You can garnish it with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce if you’d like! The caramelized apples and soft pumpkin cake layers will melt in your mouth.

How to Serve Apple Pumpkin Upside Down Cake

• As a Dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a cozy fall treat.
• With a Hot Beverage: Pair it with a hot cup of spiced chai, coffee, or apple cider for the ultimate autumn experience.
• For Special Occasions: This cake makes a wonderful addition to any fall gathering, Thanksgiving dinner, or even just as a sweet treat for yourself on a chilly evening.

Storing Apple Pumpkin Upside Down Cake

• At Room Temperature: The cake can be stored at room temperature for 1-2 days in an airtight container.
• In the Refrigerator: If you have leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.

Tips for Perfecting the Cake

1. Use the Right Apples

For the best texture and flavor, choose apples that hold their shape while cooking. Granny Smith apples are a great option because they balance tartness with firmness. Honeycrisp apples are another excellent choice, offering a touch of sweetness and crisp texture.

• Tip: Avoid using soft apples like Red Delicious, as they can turn mushy and lose their shape when baked.

2. Don’t Skip Sifting the Flour

Sifting the flour helps remove any lumps and ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This step also incorporates air into the flour, making your cake lighter and fluffier.

• Tip: Use a fine-mesh sieve or sifter to sift your dry ingredients, and do it directly over your mixing bowl to avoid making a mess.

3. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

For the best cake texture, make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This allows them to blend more easily and creates a smooth batter. Cold butter can result in clumpy batter that doesn’t mix well, and cold eggs can cause the butter to firm up when you’re beating it, affecting the cake’s rise.

• Tip: If you forget to take your butter out of the fridge, you can soften it quickly by cutting it into small cubes and microwaving it for 10-15 seconds.

4. Don’t Overmix the Batter

When you add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake because it activates the gluten in the flour. You want a light and airy texture, so mix gently and avoid beating the batter once the flour is added.

• Tip: If you have lumps of flour in the batter, use a spatula to gently fold it in instead of continuing to mix vigorously.

5. Layer the Caramelized Apples Evenly

When making the caramelized apple topping, make sure the apples are evenly spread across the bottom of the cake pan. This ensures that every slice of cake gets a nice layer of caramelized apples, giving you that beautiful upside-down look once the cake is flipped.

• Tip: Press the apples gently into the caramel sauce to ensure they don’t float to the top during baking, ensuring a uniform topping.

6. Check the Cake for Doneness

The bake time can vary based on your oven and the pan you’re using, so always test the cake for doneness before removing it. Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, the cake is ready. If it’s still wet, continue baking for an additional 5-7 minutes, checking every few minutes to avoid over-baking.

• Tip: If the edges of the cake begin to brown too quickly, tent the pan with aluminum foil to prevent them from burning while the center continues to bake.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even experienced bakers encounter a few bumps along the way. Here’s how to troubleshoot some common issues you might encounter when making Apple Pumpkin Upside Down Cake.

1. The Cake Sticks to the Pan

One of the most frustrating things that can happen is when your cake sticks to the pan, especially if you’ve spent time carefully arranging the apples. To prevent this:

• Tip: Grease and flour your cake pan generously before adding the caramelized apples. Alternatively, you can line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper to help it release easily after baking.

If the cake still sticks, run a butter knife around the edges of the pan to loosen it. If necessary, gently flip the pan upside down and tap it to release the cake.

2. The Cake Turns Out Dense

If your cake turns out dense rather than light and fluffy, it could be because you overmixed the batter or used too much flour. Here’s how to fix it:

• Tip: Always measure your flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife, rather than scooping the flour directly from the container. Scooping can pack the flour, resulting in too much flour and a denser cake.
• Tip: Be careful not to overmix the batter. Once the dry ingredients are incorporated, stop mixing.

3. The Apples Are Too Mushy

If your apples turn out too mushy after baking, it’s likely they were cooked for too long before being added to the cake batter or they were a variety that doesn’t hold up well in baking.

• Tip: For the best texture, cook the apples just until they start to soften but remain firm. You want them to hold their shape when baked into the cake.
• Tip: Choose apples that are known to retain their texture, like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp.

4. The Cake Doesn’t Release Properly When Flipped

If your cake doesn’t come out as beautifully as expected after flipping, it could be due to the apples sticking or the cake pan not being properly greased.

• Tip: After baking, let the cake rest for about 10 minutes before flipping it. This will give the caramel topping time to set, making the cake less likely to slide apart during the flip.
• Tip: Make sure you’re using a non-stick pan or line the pan with parchment paper to avoid this issue.

5. Cake Too Sweet or Not Sweet Enough

If your cake is too sweet or not sweet enough, adjust the sugar levels to fit your preferences. You can reduce the sugar in the cake batter by 1/4 cup or add a little extra brown sugar to the apple topping if you prefer more sweetness.

• Tip: Taste the caramelized apples before placing them in the cake pan. If they’re not sweet enough, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to get the right level of sweetness.

How to Make Apple Pumpkin Upside Down Cake Ahead of Time

Apple Pumpkin Upside Down Cake is a great dessert to make ahead of time, especially when you’re preparing for a busy fall gathering or Thanksgiving dinner. Here are a few tips on how to store and reheat the cake to ensure it stays just as delicious as when it’s first made.

1. Make It the Day Before

You can easily make the cake the day before and store it covered in the fridge. The flavors will continue to meld together, and it will be even more moist and flavorful the next day.

• Tip: When storing the cake overnight, keep it in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

2. Freezing the Cake

You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months if you want to prepare it even further in advance. After baking and cooling the cake completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to serve, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm it up in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.

• Tip: If you want to freeze just the cake layers without the apple topping, you can prepare the apple topping fresh on the day of serving.

How to Serve Apple Pumpkin Upside Down Cake

This cake is not just for special occasions—it’s the perfect treat for any time you crave something comforting and sweet with the flavors of fall. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your cake experience:

1. Serve with a Dollop of Whipped Cream

Nothing complements the soft, caramelized apples and warm spices of this cake like a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The rich creaminess contrasts wonderfully with the soft cake, adding a delightful texture.

• Tip: For an extra touch, sprinkle some ground cinnamon or nutmeg over the whipped cream to echo the flavors of the cake.

2. Pair with Ice Cream

For an indulgent dessert, serve Apple Pumpkin Upside Down Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The ice cream will melt into the warm cake, creating a luscious contrast in both texture and temperature.

• Tip: If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing it with cinnamon ice cream or even caramel ice cream for an added layer of flavor.

3. Turn It Into a Breakfast or Brunch Treat

With its blend of pumpkin and apple, this cake can easily double as a fall breakfast or brunch treat. Serve it with a cup of hot coffee or a spiced chai latte for the ultimate cozy morning experience.

• Tip: To make it a more hearty breakfast option, top it with a handful of granola for added crunch or a drizzle of maple syrup for sweetness.

4. Add a Drizzle of Caramel Sauce

If you love extra sweetness, drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the top of the cake. The buttery caramel will enhance the flavor of the apples and add a beautiful glossy finish to the cake.

• Tip: You can even serve the cake on a platter with a side of caramel sauce for dipping, allowing guests to control how much they want.

Storing Apple Pumpkin Upside Down Cake

Once you’ve made this delicious dessert, you’ll want to know how to store it properly to keep it fresh for as long as possible. Here’s how to do just that:

1. Refrigerating Leftovers

To keep your cake fresh for up to 3-4 days, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake will stay moist and delicious, thanks to the caramelized apples and pumpkin filling.

• Tip: If you’re storing it in a cake pan, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.

2. Freezing for Long-Term Storage

If you want to save your cake for longer periods, freezing it is an excellent option. Freeze the cake either whole or in individual slices. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze Apple Pumpkin Upside Down Cake for up to 3 months.

• Tip: To defrost, simply place the cake in the fridge overnight. You can then warm individual slices in the microwave or oven for a few minutes.

3. Storing the Apple Topping Separately

If you want to freeze the cake layers and topping separately, you can do so to keep things fresh. After cooking the apple topping, let it cool completely, then store it in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. When ready to serve, warm up the topping and place it on top of the cake.

• Tip: If the topping gets a little too thick after freezing, add a splash of water or apple juice while reheating to bring it back to the right consistency.

Nutrition Information

Here’s the estimated nutrition breakdown for one slice of Apple Pumpkin Upside Down Cake (based on 10 servings per cake):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	310
Total Fat	14g
Saturated Fat	8g
Cholesterol	45mg
Sodium	100mg
Total Carbohydrates	43g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Sugars	28g
Protein	3g

Apple Pumpkin Upside Down Cake Nutrition Information

One of the great things about Apple Pumpkin Upside Down Cake is that it incorporates wholesome ingredients like apples and pumpkin, making it not only a tasty treat but also a relatively nutritious one. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutrition for a serving of this cake:

Why Apple Pumpkin Upside Down Cake is a Wholesome Choice

While this cake is certainly a treat, it has some nutritional benefits that make it a great choice when you’re craving something sweet. The inclusion of pumpkin adds fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants, while the apples provide dietary fiber and vitamin C. The warm spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, not only add flavor but are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

• Tip: You can slightly adjust the sugar content if you’re looking to make the recipe lighter. Using less sugar or a natural sweetener, like maple syrup or honey, can reduce the calorie count while still preserving the cake’s delicious flavor.

Final Thoughts

Apple Pumpkin Upside Down Cake is more than just a fall treat—it’s a celebration of the season’s best flavors, combining the sweetness of caramelized apples with the comforting, spiced texture of pumpkin cake. Whether you serve it for dessert at a holiday gathering or enjoy it as a cozy breakfast, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

With the right tips, troubleshooting advice, and storing techniques, you’ll have no trouble mastering this cake and keeping it fresh for days. I hope you enjoy every bite of this warm, spiced dessert as much as I do. Happy baking, and enjoy the delicious taste of fall!