Warm, gooey apples nestled in a rich, buttery syrup, all crowning a tender, sweet cake, baked to perfection upside down in a trusty cast-iron skillet. This is more than just a dessert; it’s the quintessential embrace of autumn, a delicious invitation to the season of cozy comforts.

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Classic Apple Upside Down Cake: A Timeless Fall Favorite Baked in a Cast Iron Skillet

There are some recipes that simply stand the test of time, becoming beloved traditions passed down through generations. Our Apple Upside Down Cake, baked in a cast-iron skillet, is precisely one of those cherished, old-fashioned apple desserts. Imagine sinking your fork into a slice of this scrumptious cake, where every bite is bathed in the warmth of sweet, syrupy apples. It’s an irresistible treat that truly shines when served warm with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. It’s the perfect ending to any fall meal or a delightful afternoon indulgence.

As the vibrant leaves begin to change and a crisp coolness fills the air, our kitchens beckon us to create comforting flavors. While the #FallFlavors week might be drawing to a close, my passion for autumn baking certainly isn’t! You know me—I’m absolutely brimming with fantastically fall-flavored deliciousness that I’ll be sharing with you all the way through Thanksgiving and beyond. My absolute favorite ingredients to bake with are apples and pumpkin, so keep your senses keen and your noses ready for more delightful aromas coming your way!

This post features products from Taylor and Colledge, provided in collaboration with the #FallFlavors recipe week. My opinions and love for these ingredients are genuinely my own.

Please note: This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Services LLC Associates Program participant and affiliate for other brands, I may earn a small commission on purchases made through these links. Rest assured, I only promote products and brands that I genuinely love and believe you will find value in. For a complete understanding of my disclosure policy, please CLICK HERE.

More Fall Flavors Inspiration: Delicious Recipes from This Week

Curious about other delightful recipes I’ve shared this week as part of our Fall Flavors celebration? If you missed them, be sure to check out these fantastic creations: a comforting Caramel Apple Tea Cake, wonderfully crispy Baked Sweet Potato Chips, and a bonus crowd-pleaser—a rich Savory Pumpkin Dip with Bacon, which, by the way, pairs absolutely exquisitely with those sweet potato chips!

Craving This Cake? Pin it for Later!

If you’re already dreaming of whipping up this incredible old-fashioned apple upside down cake, make sure you don’t lose track of this fantastic recipe! Take a moment to pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board right now so it’s always ready when that apple craving hits!

Why This Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe Will Become Your New Go-To

Beyond its undeniably gorgeous appearance—just look at that soft, inviting cake and luscious apple topping!—there are countless compelling reasons to adore this Apple Upside Down Cake. It’s more than just a pretty face; it’s a recipe designed for convenience, flavor, and pure baking joy. Here are just a few of the things that make this cake truly special:

Effortlessly Simple: Forget complex techniques or exotic ingredients. This recipe prides itself on its simplicity, calling for nothing more than basic pantry staples you likely already have on hand. It’s approachable for bakers of all skill levels, ensuring a stress-free baking experience.
Remarkably Quick & Versatile: One of the biggest time-savers? No tedious apple peeling or slicing required! This recipe cleverly utilizes canned apple pie filling, drastically cutting down on prep time. This ingenious shortcut also makes the cake incredibly adaptable: you can easily swap in other fruit pie fillings—peach, cherry, or blueberry—to create a variety of delicious upside-down cakes using the same simple method. The possibilities are endless!
The Cast-Iron Skillet Charm: This is your perfect excuse to dust off that beloved cast-iron skillet that might be tucked away in your oven! While any heavy, oven-safe skillet will do the job beautifully, there’s something uniquely charming and authentic about baking this cake the good old-fashioned way in cast iron. Its even heat distribution ensures a perfectly caramelized topping and a uniformly baked cake every time. Just be sure to use a skillet that’s approximately 10 to 12 inches in diameter. A larger pan might result in a cake that’s too thin, while a smaller one could cause the batter to overflow during baking.
A Delicious Excuse for Toppings: As if the cake itself wasn’t enough, it provides the ultimate justification to indulge in luxurious toppings. Whether you prefer a cloud of freshly whipped cream, a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of warm caramel sauce, this apple upside down cake is the ideal canvas for your favorite sweet accompaniments. It elevates an already delightful dessert into an unforgettable experience.

Step-by-Step Directions: Crafting This Simple Apple Upside Down Cake

Creating this delightful Apple Upside Down Cake is surprisingly straightforward, and the results are consistently spectacular. Follow these easy steps to bring this fall favorite to life in your kitchen:

Prepare Your Base: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt 6 tablespoons of butter until smooth. This melted butter will be crucial for both the cake batter and the caramelized topping.
Whisk the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, the remaining butter (if any, ensure it’s softened or melted as per the recipe), eggs, vanilla paste (or extract), baking powder, sugar, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and salt. Gradually whisk in the milk until all ingredients are well incorporated and you have a smooth, pourable cake batter. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until lumps disappear.
Create the Caramelized Apple Topping: On your stovetop, in a 10-12 inch cast iron skillet (or other oven-safe skillet), melt the remaining butter (if any) and 4 tablespoons of brown sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is bubbly and fragrant, forming a rich, buttery caramel base.
Arrange the Apples: Carefully pour the entire can of apple pie filling into the skillet, spreading it evenly over the melted butter and brown sugar mixture. Make sure the apples cover the bottom of the pan in a single, consistent layer for the best presentation once flipped.
Add the Cake Batter: Gently pour the prepared cake batter over the apple pie filling. Use a spatula to carefully smooth out the batter so it covers the apples completely and reaches the edges of the skillet.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 35 to 40 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back slightly when lightly touched.
The Grand Reveal: This is the exciting part! Immediately upon removing the cake from the oven, place a large serving platter upside down over the skillet. Carefully, but quickly, invert the cake onto the platter. The hot fruit and caramel will release easily from the pan. Be extremely cautious, as the fruit and syrup will be very hot!
Serve and Enjoy: Allow the cake to cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the caramel set just a bit, preventing it from being too runny. Serve warm, topped with a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream. The combination of warm, spiced apples and tender cake is simply divine.

Ta-Da! A truly impressive, yet incredibly easy, fall dessert ready to be savored!

Discover More Delightful Upside Down Cake Recipes to Love

Upside down cakes have graced dessert tables for decades, cherished for their beautiful presentation and irresistible flavor. The most iconic, of course, is the classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake, a retro favorite that never goes out of style. But the world of upside down cakes extends far beyond pineapple! Why not try a decadent Pumpkin Praline Upside Down Cake for a truly autumnal twist, or an exquisite Upside Down Peach Cake with a luscious warm rum sauce? For special occasions or holiday mornings, this Upside Down Blueberry Sweet Roll recipe is perfect for either breakfast or dessert, offering a burst of fruity sweetness. And you absolutely can’t miss this vibrant and flavorful Cranberry Upside Down Cake, ideal for adding a festive touch to your table.

Enter to WIN Amazing Prizes from Our #FallFlavors Sponsors!

We’re thrilled to announce that our incredible #FallFlavors sponsors have generously donated some fantastic prizes for our readers to win! In partnership with our participating bloggers and event hosts—Family Around the Table, A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures, and Hezzi D’s Books and Cooks—we invite you to participate in our exciting giveaway. There are many opportunities to enter, so be sure to check them all!

The Republic of Tea is offering a stunning Red Dancing Leaves Teapot paired with a tin of their comforting Hot Apple Cider Tea. Imagine brewing a warm pot and savoring its flavors on a chilly autumn day—pure bliss!

Torani is giving away a delicious duo: a bottle of their vibrant Green Apple Puremade Syrup and their rich Caramel Puremade Sauce. These versatile syrups and sauces are perfect for enhancing your baking creations or crafting a wide array of gourmet beverages.

Dixie Crystals Sugar wants to ensure your baking is always wonderfully sweet. They are generously providing a set of premium OXO Good Grips 3-piece Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls, an essential for any kitchen.

Elevate your baked goods with Taylor and Colledge, who are giving away a delightful variety of their exquisite baking pastes. Your fall and holiday treats will undoubtedly impress your family and guests with these high-quality flavor enhancers.

Take your culinary adventures to an entirely new level with a diverse box of fresh, vibrant produce from Melissa’s. This is a fantastic opportunity to experiment with unique fruits and vegetables you might not typically find at your local market.

One fortunate winner will receive a delightful goodie box packed with a variety of Nairn’s gluten-free products. Enjoy these wholesome treats as a quick snack or get creative by incorporating them into your favorite meals and desserts.

Please read the giveaway rules carefully: This giveaway will have multiple winners. It is open exclusively to US residents who are 18 years of age and older. All entries will be thoroughly checked and verified to ensure fairness. By participating, you grant permission for your name and likeness to be used in connection with the giveaway. The chances of winning are determined by the total number of eligible entries received. Six (6) winners will be selected. Prize packages will be shipped directly from the respective giveaway sponsors. The #FallFlavors Week Bloggers, including myself, are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members residing in their households are not eligible to enter or win. No purchase is necessary to enter or win. This promotion is void where prohibited by law. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or any other social media channel mentioned in the #FallFlavors Week posts or entry forms.

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway Here!

For even more autumnal culinary inspiration, be sure to follow the official Fall Flavors Pinterest board!

Now, let’s get right to the heart of the matter – the full recipe for this wonderfully simple and utterly delicious Apple Upside Down Cake! Happy baking, my friends.

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Overhead view of Apple Upside Down Cake on wooden platter

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Print Recipe

Apple Upside Down Cake

Gooey apples in a buttery spiced syrup over a moist, not too sweet cake, baked upside down in a cast iron skillet. The perfect warm welcome to fall.

Prep Time10 minutes

Cook Time35 minutes

Total Time45 minutes

Cuisine: American

Keyword: apple, cake, canned pie filling, cast iron skillet, easy, Grandma’s recipe, old fashioned, pie filling, upside down cake

Servings: 10 “-12” cast iron cake

Calories: 251kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 stick unsalted butter (1/2 cup), divided
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup + 4 Tablespoons light brown sugar divided
1 20 ounce can of apple pie filling
1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Prepare your ingredients, melting 6 tablespoons of butter for the topping and batter.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, the remaining butter (if using any as part of the total 1 stick for the batter), eggs, vanilla paste (or extract), baking powder, granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, salt, and milk. Mix until just combined and smooth, taking care not to overmix.
On your stovetop, in a 10-12 inch cast iron skillet, melt the 6 tablespoons of butter and 4 tablespoons of brown sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and forms a bubbly, syrupy mixture. Evenly spread the entire can of apple pie filling over this caramel base.
Carefully pour the prepared cake batter over the apple pie filling, using a spatula to gently spread and smooth it out to cover the apples completely.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Immediately upon removing from the oven, place a large serving platter upside down over the skillet. Carefully and quickly invert the cake onto the platter to release it. Exercise extreme caution, as the fruit and syrup will be very hot!
Allow the cake to cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes before serving warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream. Enjoy your delicious fall treat!

Nutrition

Friday’s Delicious Fall Flavors Recipes:

Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Fries by Daily Dish Recipes
Almond Apple Galette by Kate’s Recipe Box
Amish Pear Crumb Pie Recipe by Blogghetti
Apple Cider Dip by Cheese Curd In Paradise
Apple Upside Down Cake by An Affair from the Heart
Caramel Apple Whiskey Sour by Cookaholic Wife
Caramel Apple Pancakes by Lemon Blossoms
Caramel Apple Sangria by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Caramel Apple-Tea-Ni by Sweet Beginnings
Fluffy Pumpkin Dip by Take Two Tapas
Garlic and Thyme Smashed Sunchokes by Savory Moments
Gluten Free Caramel Apple Cheesecake by Frugal & Fit
Harvest Vegetable Fritters with Shrimp by Art of Natural Living
Meyer Lemon-Lavender Vodka Martini by Books n’ Cooks
Oaxacon Daisy by A Day in the Life on the Farm
Pear Fennel Sunchoke Salad by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Pear Scones with Caramel Glaze by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
Pistachio and Marmalade Crusted Brie with Figs by Palatable Pastime
Roasted Chicken with Sunchokes and Lemon by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
Roasted Potatoes with Lemon and Garlic by Family Around the Table
Scrumptious Caramel Iced Apple Cinnamon Rolls Easy Recipe by Intelligent Domestications
Tea Infused Apple Cider Chicken by Simple and Savory
Vegan Almond Scones by That Recipe