Description
This Vegan Upside Down Apple Cake is a delightful dairy-free dessert featuring tender apple slices caramelized with brown sugar and cinnamon, baked under a light, moist vegan cake layer. Perfectly spiced and easy to make, this cake is ideal for a cozy dessert or special occasion and pairs wonderfully with vegan ice cream or caramel sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Topping
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Cake Batter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy cake removal.
- Make the Topping: In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, melted vegan butter, and cinnamon until well combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared cake pan.
- Arrange the Apples: Lay the thinly sliced apples in an even layer over the sugar and butter mixture, covering the bottom of the pan completely to create the signature upside-down topping.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to combine the dry ingredients evenly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the unsweetened plant-based milk, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract until fully mixed.
- Combine Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender and light.
- Assemble the Cake: Carefully pour the batter over the arranged apples in the cake pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Invert: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes to set. Then carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate so the apple topping is on top.
- Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm for best flavor, optionally with vegan ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to hold their shape and provide the best texture.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to ensure a light, tender crumb in the cake.
- For extra indulgence, serve warm with a scoop of vegan ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
