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Brown Butter Apple Upside Down Cake

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A caramelized apple topping, brown butter batter, and crispy edges make this cake the ultimate fall dessert.

Ingredients

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For the Cake Batter:

  • 8 tbsp (4 oz) unsalted butter, browned
  • 1.5–2 lbs Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch pieces
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 cup + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • ¾ cup white sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup sour cream, room temperature

For the Apple Caramel Topping:

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ¾ cup dark brown sugar, packed

Instructions

  • Brown the Butter and Prepare the Apples:
    In a medium skillet, cook 8 tbsp of butter over medium-low heat, stirring often, until it separates, foams, and turns golden brown with flecks. It should smell like butterscotch.
    Pour the browned butter into a bowl to cool.
    Wipe out the skillet and add the apple slices and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat for 7–10 minutes, until softened but still holding their shape. Set aside.
  • Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat the oven to 350°F.
    Grease a 9-inch cake pan (at least 2 inches deep) with butter or non-stick spray.
  • Make the Caramel Topping:
    In a small saucepan, melt 4 tbsp of butter over medium heat.
    Stir in ¾ cup dark brown sugar until dissolved and bubbly.
    Pour the caramel mixture evenly into the prepared cake pan. Arrange the cooked apple slices over the caramel in a single layer.
  • Prepare the Batter:
    In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
    In a separate large bowl, whisk the cooled browned butter, white sugar, and ¼ cup dark brown sugar until smooth.
    Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and sour cream.
    Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
  • Assemble and Bake:
    Pour the batter over the apple slices in the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
    Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Cool and Serve:
    Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate.
    Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://deliceflash.com/brown-butter-apple-upside-down-cake/