FRESH APPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE

Fresh Apple Upside Down Cake image

Provided by Debbie Thurmond

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 9

3/4 c butter, softened and divided
2 c sugar, divided
3 large granny smith apples , peeled and cut into ½ inch thick slices
1 c chopped pecans, divided
2 large eggs
1 1/2 c all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 c milk

Steps:

1. Melt ¼ cup butter in a 10 inch cast iron skillet over medium to medium high heat.
2. Add 1 cup sugar and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes or until sugar is melted and begins to turn golden brown.
3. Add apple slices, and continue to cook, stirring constantly for 5 minutes or until apples have softened and juices are thickened and syrupy.
4. Remove from heat and sprinkle the apple mixture with ½ cups of pecans. Set aside.
5. Beat the remaining ½ cup of butter at medium speed until creamy. Gradually add the remaining sugar, beating until smooth.
6. Add eggs one at a time, beating until just blended with each additions.
7. In another bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Add to butter / sugar mixture alternating with milk, beating on low until well blended, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
8. Gently stir in the remaining ½ cup of chopped pecans. Spoon batter evenly over the apple mixture in the skillet.
9. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the skillet for 5 minutes. Invert cake onto a serving plate.
10. This is awesome served warm, topped with ice cream and drizzled with caramel sauce.