Thursday, January 27, 2011

Comforting Apple Upside-Down Spice Cake

It's hard to believe that it's almost the end of another work week...AND that next week is already February!! It's been a busy week for us...I've finally kicked the cold that I had, and now Michael is feeling under the weather. I left work early today to come home and take care of him. The best way I know how to do that is to cook. I decided to make him a pot of my homemade chicken-noodle soup and bake up something comforting this evening. 

When I think comfort, apple-based desserts always seem to come to mind. I searched online for a good recipe, and Martha Stewart's Everyday Food came to my rescue once again. I enjoyed their cranberry upside-down cake so much, so I was thrilled when I found a similar recipe using apples!! Let me tell you, this cake tastes AMAZING! Not only that, it's very pretty as well. Even a novice baker like me is guaranteed to end up with something that's almost too gorgeous to slice and serve. Almost. 

Comforting Apple Upside-Down Spice Cake
adapted from Everyday Food

Step 1:  Preheat oven to 350. In an stand mixer, beat 1 stick softened butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar until fluffy. Add 2 eggs and 1 tbs. vanilla, and beat until incorporated. Add 1.5 cups flour, 1.5 tsp. baking powder, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp. allspice. Combine on low until just combined. Add 1/2 cup milk and mix on low until smooth.


Step 2:  Set the cake batter aside. Coat the bottom and sides of a 9-inch round cake pan with 2 tbs. butter. Sprinkle 1 cup packed dark brown sugar in the bottom of the pan. Place 3 peeled and sliced Gala apples on top of the brown sugar. Sprinkle 1 tsp. cinnamon on top of the apples.


Step 3:  Pour the cake batter on top of the apples, and smooth the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes. Cool the cake for at least 30 minutes.


Step 4:  To remove from the pan, run a butter knife around the edge of the pan and invert onto a serving plate. Cut the cake into 6-8 wedges and serve.


This cake smelled so good that I couldn't resist -- I ate a piece as soon as it had cooled for precisely 30 minutes! The cake is spicy from the cinnamon and allspice, and the apple-caramel mixture is a little sweet and a little tart. Although this cake is fantastic on its own, I think that a scoop of Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla ice cream would send it into the stratosphere! 

Just a reminder...tomorrow at 11:59PM is the deadline to enter my Cookwell & Company giveaway, so be sure to scroll down and enter. Their gourmet speciality food products are really fantastic! The lucky winner will get a chance to try SIX free items of their choice, so don't miss out on your chance to win!!!

14 comments:

  1. Heaven have mercy this looks phenom! I love how the bottom caramelized just a bit. Wow!

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  2. This looks amazing! Thanks for sharing!

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  3. I could go for a big slice of this right now!

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  4. I love apples and cinnamon, so I'm bookmarking this recipe to make soon. It looks so inviting, especially with a big cup of coffee.

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  5. Yum, I love a treat like this. Lovely blog.

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  6. This looks like an interesting cake and will try it soon.

    Carolyn/A Southerners Notebook

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  7. Thanks, gals...this cake was a big hit with my sick husband. Not much better than baked apples, a caramel that makes itself, and cake to boot! I freely admit that I'm a pretty novice baker...I'm more of a cook...but this was so very simple to whip up. And even better? It's so pretty!!

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  8. Ooh that looks delicious. I love the combo of apples + caramel. I also love upside down cakes but have never tried one with apple!

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  9. Ok this sounds like the PERFECT winter dessert... and yes COMFORT food! Thanks so much for linking to Saturday Swap!!!! Have a great weekend.

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  10. Oh my..this looks fantastic! I can almost taste it:) Yummy!

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  11. I love your description of the flavors and the way they come across. Too many times, I guess from looking at the photos but it's so much better to hear if from someone who's actually eaten it. This sounds so delicious, I will have to try it. Sadly, I cannot get my beloved Blue Bell back here in California, though!

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  12. Apple desserts are one of my favorites and this cake looks amazing. I love cinnamon and apples together. Mmm I must make this! :)

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  13. Seeing that on the table deserves a round of applause. Love that caramelized topping. Thanks so much for linking up to Sweets for a Saturday. I hope you'll be able to join me again.

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