When it comes to baking, having a go-to dessert recipe that is sure to impress can be a lifesaver. One recipe that always wows guests and leaves them begging for more is the apple pecan upside down cake. This delicious cake is a twist on the classic pineapple upside down cake, but instead of pineapples, it features tender apples and crunchy pecans suspended in a layer of sticky caramel.
Ingredients:
To make this delectable dessert, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
- 2 medium-sized apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup
Steps:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and ginger. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Add half of the flour mixture to the large bowl and mix until just combined. Add buttermilk and vanilla extract, and mix until just combined. Add the rest of the flour mixture and mix until just combined.
5. Spread the chopped pecans evenly over the bottom of the prepared cake pan. Arrange the sliced apples on top of the pecans, making sure they are evenly distributed.
6. In a small saucepan, combine light brown sugar, unsalted butter, and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. Pour the mixture over the sliced apples.
7. Spoon the batter over the top of the apple mixture and spread it evenly with a spatula.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
9. Allow the cake to cool for 5 minutes before flipping it over onto a cake plate. Remove the parchment paper and let the cake cool for another 10-15 minutes before serving.
Conclusion:
The apple pecan upside down cake is a scrumptious dessert that is perfect for any occasion. It combines the sweetness of caramelized fruit with the earthy crunch of pecans and the fluffy texture of cake. This dessert recipe is easy to follow and will surely make you the star of any party. So go ahead and try it out! Your taste buds will thank you.
Apple pecan upside down cake is a delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The cake is moist, sweet, and has a rich texture that makes it irresistible. Making this cake requires some skill, but with some tips, you can get it right. Here are valuable tips to keep in mind when making apple pecan upside down cake.
Tip #1: Choosing the Right Apples
The type of apples you use will affect the texture and flavor of your cake. You need to choose apples that can hold their shape even after baking. Apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady are ideal for this cake. These apples have a tart taste that balances well with the sweetness of the cake. They also have a firm texture that doesn't get mushy after baking.
Tip #2: Preparing the Apples
Before adding the apples to the cake, you need to prepare them properly. Peel and slice the apples into thin pieces. Make sure the apple slices are of the same thickness to ensure even baking.
Tip #2.1: Coat the Apples with Lemon Juice
Coating the apple slices with lemon juice will prevent them from turning brown. This step will also add a tangy flavor to the apples, which complements the cake.
Tip #2.2: Caramelize the Apples
To create a caramel-like flavor, you can caramelize the apples. In a saucepan, melt butter and add brown sugar. Cook the mixture until it dissolves and bubbles. Add the apple slices to the caramel sauce and stir well. Cook the apples for five minutes or until they are soft.
Tip #3: Preparing the Cake Batter
Making the cake batter is easy, but you need to add the ingredients in the correct order to get a smooth texture.
Tip #3.1: Sift the Dry Ingredients
Sifting the dry ingredients will ensure that there are no lumps in the cake batter. You can use a fine-mesh strainer or a sifter to sift the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Tip #3.2: Room Temperature Ingredients
Make sure that the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before making the cake batter. This step will ensure that all the ingredients combine well, and the cake has a uniform texture.
Tip #3.3: Alternate the Wet and Dry Ingredients
When adding the dry ingredients, alternate with the wet ingredients to ensure that the batter doesn't get too thick. Start by adding a third of the dry mixture, followed by half of the wet ingredients. Keep alternating until you have added all the ingredients.
Tip #3.4: Mix the Batter Slowly
When mixing the batter, do it slowly to avoid overmixing. Overmixing can make the cake dense and tough. Use a spatula to fold the ingredients until they are well combined.
Tip #4: Assembling the Cake
Assembling the cake requires some attention to detail. Incorrect assembly can result in an uneven cake or unpleasant texture.
Tip #4.1: Arrange the Apples Carefully
When arranging the apples, ensure they are evenly distributed. You can arrange them in circles or rows. Ensure that every slice is touching the pan to prevent air pockets.
Tip #4.2: Pecans on Top
Once you have arranged the apples, sprinkle pecans on top. The pecans add a crunchy texture to the cake, making it even more delicious.
Tip #4.3: Pour the Batter Carefully
When pouring the batter on top of the apples, do it slowly to avoid disturbing the arrangement. Ensure that the batter covers all the apples.
Tip #5: Baking the Cake
Baking the cake to perfection requires some patience and accuracy. Follow the instructions to get it right.
Tip #5.1: Position the Oven Rack Correctly
Position the oven rack in the middle of the oven. This will ensure that the cake bakes evenly.
Tip #5.2: Check the Cake with a Toothpick
After 45-50 minutes of baking, insert a toothpick in the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If there are crumbs on the toothpick, bake for another five minutes and check again.
Tip #5.3: Cool the Cake before Inverting it
After baking, allow the cake to cool for at least 10 minutes before inverting it. Inverting the cake too soon can cause the topping to fall off.
Conclusion
Making apple pecan upside down cake is not as difficult as it may seem. With these tips, you can avoid common mistakes and make a delicious cake. Remember to use high-quality ingredients and follow the instructions carefully. Once you have mastered the recipe, you can experiment with other ingredients to make your own unique version of this classic dessert.
