How to Make the Best Vegan Upside-Down Apple Cake Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients for Vegan Upside-Down Apple Cake Recipe — A vibrant display of ingredients for the perfect vegan upside-down apple cake, including apples, coconut sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and plant-based essentials.

Apples

Choosing the right apples is crucial for the perfect vegan upside-down apple cake. Apples that hold their shape during baking and have a good balance of sweetness and tartness work best. Some of the top varieties for baking include:

Granny Smith: These tart apples provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
Honeycrisp: Known for their natural sweetness and crisp texture, Honeycrisp apples bring a juicy and flavorful bite.
Fuji: Another sweet variety, Fuji apples are great for adding a mellow, sugary flavor to the cake.
Braeburn: These apples offer a balance of sweet and tart, making them a solid choice for baking.

Vegan Butter and Coconut Sugar

The caramelized apple topping is the star of this cake, and it’s all about the right ingredients. Vegan butter (or coconut oil) helps achieve a rich, buttery flavor, while coconut sugar creates the perfect caramelized texture and adds a subtle depth of flavor. When you melt the vegan butter and combine it with coconut sugar, it forms a sweet, sticky caramel that coats the apples. As the cake bakes, the apples absorb this syrupy mixture, giving the cake a beautiful golden hue and a luscious sweetness.

Plant-Based Milk

Instead of dairy milk, you can use a variety of plant-based milks to suit your taste and dietary preferences:

Almond Milk: A mild, slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with the spices in the cake.
Oat Milk: Creamier than almond milk, oat milk gives the cake a rich texture.
Soy Milk: A neutral option that works well in most baked goods, soy milk is a good choice if you’re looking for a consistent texture.
Each of these milks will keep the cake moist while maintaining its vegan integrity.

edients, you’ll have everything you need to create a delicious and flavorful vegan upside-down apple cake.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Best Vegan Apple Cake

Prepare the other Key Ingredients

The rest of the ingredients come together to form the base of this moist cake:

Flour: All-purpose flour works best for a soft, light crumb. You can also try a gluten-free flour blend if you prefer a gluten-free option.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, adding a warm, aromatic note to the cake.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These two leavening agents help the cake rise and become fluffy.
Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon in the batter complements the spiced apple topping, adding warmth and depth to the flavor profile.

With these in Topping

Caramelize the Apples:
Start by preparing the apple topping. In a small saucepan, melt your vegan butter (or coconut oil) over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the coconut sugar and cinnamon, allowing them to dissolve and bubble slightly for a few minutes, creating a caramel-like syrup.
Arrange the Apples:
While the caramel is simmering, slice your apples into thin wedges or rings. Arrange them in a circular pattern at the bottom of your greased cake pan, ensuring they are tightly packed. Once the apples are arranged, pour the caramel mixture over them, ensuring they are well coated. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the cake batter.

Mix the Batter

Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix your plant-based milk, apple cider vinegar (which will create a vegan “buttermilk”), and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined and let it sit for 5 minutes. The vinegar will help activate the baking soda, giving your cake a light texture.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Make sure everything is evenly distributed for a smooth, lump-free batter.
Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula or whisk until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can cause the cake to be dense. The batter should be smooth, but thick enough to hold its shape when poured into the pan.

Bake and Cool

Bake the Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the cake batter gently over the prepared apples in the pan, making sure to spread it out evenly with a spatula. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cake:
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial because it helps the cake settle and makes it easier to flip.
Flip the Cake:
To flip the cake, place a cooling rack or plate on top of the cake pan. Gently turn the pan upside down and carefully lift it off. If the cake sticks to the pan, give it a little shake, or use a knife to loosen the edges before flipping again.

Now that your vegan upside-down apple cake is baked and cooled, it’s ready to serve! This cake is perfect as a dessert for any occasion, with its warm apple topping and moist, spiced crumb.

Tips for Perfect Vegan Baking

Choosing the Right Apples

The type of apples you choose can make or break your upside-down apple cake. Texture and sweetness play a vital role in achieving the perfect topping. Firm apples, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji, hold their shape during baking and offer a delightful bite. Sweet apples like Fuji or Gala bring natural sweetness, while tart varieties like Granny Smith create a balanced flavor that complements the caramelized topping. Avoid overly soft apples, as they may turn mushy during baking.

Flipping the Cake Safely

Flipping the cake can be nerve-wracking, but these steps will ensure a flawless result:

Cool Before Flipping: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. This helps the caramel set slightly, making it less likely to stick.
Use a Plate or Cooling Rack: Place a plate or wire rack on top of the pan before flipping. Ensure the plate is larger than the pan to catch any excess caramel.
Loosen the Edges: Run a knife around the edge of the cake to release it from the pan.
Flip with Confidence: Hold the plate and pan firmly together, then invert them in one quick motion. Lift the pan gently to reveal the caramelized apple topping. If any apples stick, simply peel them off the pan and place them back on the cake.

Enhancing Flavor

Take your vegan upside-down apple cake to the next level with these flavorful additions:

Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans into the caramel topping for added crunch and nuttiness.
Raisins or Dried Cranberries: Mix these into the batter for bursts of sweetness in every bite.
Spices: Enhance the warm flavors with additional spices like nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom. These spices pair beautifully with apples and cinnamon.
Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the batter for a bright, zesty note that balances the sweetness.

By following these tips, you’ll elevate your vegan baking skills and ensure your upside-down apple cake is a stunning, delicious success every time.

Serving and Storing Your Vegan Upside-Down Apple Cake

Serving Suggestions

This vegan upside-down apple cake is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate it even further:

Vegan Whipped Cream: A dollop of light and fluffy vegan whipped cream adds a creamy contrast to the rich caramelized apples.
Dairy-Free Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla, cinnamon, or caramel-flavored dairy-free ice cream for a luxurious treat.
Warm Drizzles: Add a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Tea or Coffee Pairing: This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or spiced apple cider.

Reheating Options

Reheating the cake correctly ensures it retains its moist texture and rich flavors:

Microwave: Heat individual slices for 20-30 seconds. This quick method works well for softening the caramel topping.
Oven: For a more even reheating, wrap the cake in foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Room Temperature: If you prefer not to heat it, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving to bring out its full flavors.

With these serving and storing tips, you’ll ensure your vegan upside-down apple cake is as delightful on day five as it was on day one.

Conclusion

This vegan upside-down apple cake is a simple yet incredibly delicious dessert that’s sure to impress. With its caramelized apple topping, moist and spiced cake, and entirely plant-based ingredients, it’s a treat that everyone can enjoy, no matter the occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and yields stunning results every time.

Filed Under Category: Breakfast