Best 3 Apple Walnut Upside Down Cake Recipes

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Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of our apple walnut upside-down cake, a delectable treat that combines the sweet tartness of apples, the nutty crunch of walnuts, and a hint of cinnamon spice. This classic dessert features a moist and fluffy cake base topped with a caramelized apple walnut mixture that creates a stunning visual and a burst of flavor in every bite. Our recipe includes two variations: a classic version made with all-purpose flour and a gluten-free option using almond flour, catering to various dietary preferences. Additionally, we offer a vegan alternative that uses plant-based ingredients to create a rich and satisfying cake without compromising on taste. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice cook, our detailed instructions and helpful tips will guide you through the process of making this delightful upside-down cake that is perfect for any occasion.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

APPLE-WALNUT UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE



Apple-Walnut Upside-Down Cake image

Provided by Molly O'Neill

Categories     dessert

Time 1h30m

Yield Eight to ten servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon unsalted butter, plus butter for greasing the pan
8 small apples, peeled, cored and cut into eighths
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup ground walnuts
1/2 cup whole milk

Steps:

  • For the topping, melt 1 teaspoon of the butter in a medium-size cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the apples and saute until caramelized, about 10 minutes. Combine the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and the brown sugar in a small saucepan and stir over low heat until melted and well blended. Butter a 10-inch pan with 3-inch sides and spread the brown- sugar mixture in the bottom. Arrange the apple slices in the pan in concentric circles. Set aside.
  • For the cake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time and beat until light. Mix in the vanilla. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt and walnuts. Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture alternately with the milk, mixing just to combine. Spread the batter evenly over the apples. Bake until the cake springs back when touched in the center, about 1 hour. Let stand for 10 minutes and invert onto a cake plate. Let cool. Serve slightly warm.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 431, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 62 grams, Fat 20 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 5 grams, SaturatedFat 11 grams, Sodium 190 milligrams, Sugar 40 grams, TransFat 1 gram

APPLE-WALNUT UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE



Apple-Walnut Upside-Down Cake image

Using a cast-iron skillet means you cancaramelize the apples and bake the cake all in one vessel. Plus, the remaining apple juices form the base for the caramel sauce. It's a win all the way.

Provided by Claire Saffitz

Categories     Bon Appétit     Dessert     Cake     Apple     Fall     Winter     Walnut     Butter     Bake     Nutmeg     Cinnamon     Yogurt     Peanut Free     Soy Free

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 cup raw walnuts or pecans
10 Tbsp. unsalted butter, room temperature, divided
4 small or 3 large baking apples (such as Pink Lady), peeled, halved, cored
½ cup (packed) light brown sugar, divided
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
1½ tsp. ground cinnamon, plus more for serving
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tsp. vanilla extract
½ cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt, room temperature
Lightly sweetened, softly whipped cream (for serving)

Steps:

  • Place a rack in middle of oven and preheat to 350°F. Spread out walnuts on a rimmed baking sheet and toast, tossing once, until golden brown, 10-12 minutes. Let cool.
  • Meanwhile, heat a 10" ovenproof skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium. Add 2 Tbsp. butter and swirl to coat; arrange apple halves cut sides down in a single layer in skillet. Cook apples, undisturbed, rotating skillet on burner as needed for even browning, until cut sides are golden brown, 5-10 minutes (the timing depends on the juiciness of the apples; juicier apples will take longer). Turn apples over and cook on rounded sides just until they start to release their juices and the tip of a knife slides through with slight resistance, about 5 minutes. Transfer apples to a plate, arrange cut sides up, and let cool.
  • Add ¼ cup brown sugar and 1 Tbsp. water to skillet and set over medium heat. Stir with a wooden spoon or heatproof rubber spatula until sugar is dissolved, then cook, swirling skillet occasionally (do not stir at this point), until thick and bubbling in a thin layer, about 1 minute. Let caramel cool in skillet.
  • Meanwhile, pulse toasted walnuts, flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg, and 1½ tsp. cinnamon in a food processor until combined and nuts are finely ground. Transfer walnut mixture to a medium bowl.
  • Combine granulated sugar, remaining ¼ cup brown sugar, and remaining 8 Tbsp. butter in food processor (no need to wash it) and process in long pulses until mixture is light and smooth. Add eggs and vanilla and process in long pulses, scraping down sides of processor once, until mixture is smooth. Add half of walnut mixture and pulse to combine, then add yogurt and pulse just until incorporated. Add remaining walnut mixture and pulse just to combine.
  • Arrange apple halves cut sides down over cooled caramel in skillet, spacing evenly. Fold batter a few times with spatula, scraping sides to make sure everything is well mixed. Scrape batter over apples and work into spaces around apples. Smooth surface (it's okay if there's only a thin layer of batter in places; it will rise in the oven).
  • Bake cake until it is browned across the entire surface and the center springs back when gently pressed, 30-40 minutes. Let cake cool in skillet 10 minutes, then run an offset spatula or a small knife around the sides of the pan to loosen. Set a wire rack upside down on skillet and flip over to release cake; carefully remove skillet. If any apples or cake stick to skillet, scrape them off and press back onto the top of the cake.
  • Serve cake warm or room temperature. Slice into wedges and top with dollops of whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon.
  • Do Ahead: Cake can be baked 2 days ahead. Let cool completely. Store tightly wrapped at room temperature.

APPLE WALNUT UPSIDE DOWN CAKE



APPLE WALNUT UPSIDE DOWN CAKE image

Categories     Cake     Fruit     Dessert     Bake     Quick & Easy

Yield 9 square slices

Number Of Ingredients 15

Topping
1/2 cup butter
1 cup light brown sugar
2 cups of thinly sliced apples (any baking apples will work; I used a mix of 3 kinds)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 tbsn honey
Cake
Yellow cake mix
3/4 cup butter, melted
3 eggs
1 1/4 cup water
1 small applesauce cup (personal size)
1 tspn ground cinnamon
1/2 tspn ground nutmeg
1/16 cup chopped walnuts (approx)

Steps:

  • Melt 1/2 cup butter for topping. Mix with light brown sugar until creamy. Coat on bottom of 8x8 cake pan (lightly butter or spray the sides of the pan). Sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped walnuts on mixture (more or less to your taste). Layer apples on top of mixture. The 2 cups of apples made two layers for me. Drizzle honey over apples. In mixing bowl, mix yellow cake mix, 3/4 cup melted butter, 3 eggs, and 1 1/4 cup water together until blended. Add in small applesauce packet. This made the cake very moist for me. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and the rest of the walnuts into the batter and mix thoroughly. I like a lightly spiced flavor, nothing to overwhelm the apples. You could easily add more spice if you would like it. Bake in 350 degree oven for 35-50 minutes, or until cake is done. Let cool. Place tray on top of cake and flip cake out of pan. Slice, and eat! This tastes great with a scoop of ice cream or cool whip. Hope you enjoy!

Tips:

  • Mise en Place: Before you start baking, make sure you have all your ingredients and equipment ready. This will help you stay organized and prevent any scrambling.
  • Caramelized Apples: To achieve the perfect caramelization, use a heavy-bottomed skillet and cook the apples over medium-low heat. Stir them frequently to ensure even browning.
  • Cake Batter: Use room-temperature eggs and butter for a smooth and well-emulsified batter. Mix the dry ingredients separately before combining them with the wet ingredients to avoid overmixing.
  • Baking: Bake the cake in a preheated oven to ensure even baking. Do not open the oven door during the first 30 minutes of baking, as this can cause the cake to fall.
  • Flipping the Cake: Invert the cake onto a serving plate while it is still warm, but not hot. This will prevent the caramel from sticking to the pan.

Conclusion:

The Apple Walnut Upside-Down Cake is a delightful treat that combines the flavors of sweet apples, crunchy walnuts, and a moist and fluffy cake. With its stunning presentation and irresistible taste, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through the process of creating a delicious and impressive dessert that will be enjoyed by all.

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