Name: Vegan Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup vegan butter; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 medium apples, peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch slices; 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup melted vegan butter or oil; 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1/4 cup unsweetened soy milk; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 8 reviews

If you are on the hunt for a dessert that feels like a warm hug in cake form, then this Vegan Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite. Imagine tender apple slices glazed in a luscious vegan caramel sauce, resting atop a fluffy, spiced cake that’s bursting with cozy fall flavors. It’s an inviting twist on a classic dessert that’s entirely plant-based, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family who appreciate wholesome, comforting sweets. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A small stainless steel saucepan filled with a smooth brown sauce, with a wooden-handled whisk resting inside the pan, its metal wires partially submerged in the sauce. The saucepan is placed on a soft beige cloth with folds and creases, which lies on a white marbled surface. The lighting softly highlights the glossy texture of the sauce and the slightly worn wood of the whisk handle. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Vegan Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Every component plays a vital role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors, from the fragrant spices to the velvety vegan butter that enriches both the topping and the cake.

Vegan butter: Provides a rich, creamy base for the caramel sauce and moistens the cake perfectly.
Brown sugar: Adds deep sweetness and helps create that gorgeous caramel coating on the apples.
Ground cinnamon: Infuses the cake and topping with warm, spicy notes essential for that comforting flavor.
Pure vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its sweet, aromatic essence.
Apples: The star of the show, peeled and sliced thin for tender, juicy layers in the topping.
All purpose flour: Forms the sturdy yet fluffy cake base.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake batter to complement the caramelized topping.
Baking powder: Gives the cake a light, airy texture.
Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, nutty warmth that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the flavors.
Unsweetened applesauce: Acts as a moistening agent and egg substitute, keeping the cake vegan and tender.
Unsweetened soy milk: Provides moisture while keeping the cake dairy-free.

How to Make Vegan Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease the sides of a 9-inch cake pan with vegan butter, but don’t bother with the bottom – the caramel sauce will naturally prevent sticking here. Setting this up carefully lays the groundwork for that perfect upside down flip later.

Step 2: Make the Apple Topping

In a small saucepan, melt the vegan butter and brown sugar together over medium heat, whisking constantly for about a minute. This creates a silky caramel sauce that will soak into the apples beautifully. Once off the heat, stir in the cinnamon and vanilla extract, mixing until aromatic and smooth. Pour this luscious sauce into the prepared pan and arrange the apple slices evenly on top, creating a visually stunning base that will transform the cake once flipped.

Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until thoroughly combined. Then, incorporate the melted vegan butter, applesauce, soy milk, and vanilla extract. Stir the wet and dry ingredients gently until just combined – overmixing is the enemy of a fluffy cake. Pour this batter over the apple slices in the pan carefully to keep the layers even.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the cake pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. As it bakes, your kitchen will fill with incredible spicy-sweet aromas that only a Vegan Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe can deliver. Let the cake cool for about 5 minutes before the crucial step — the flip!

Step 5: Invert and Serve

After the short cooling period, place a serving dish over the cake pan and carefully flip it over. The apple topping will now be gloriously displayed on top, glazed and bubbly. This moment is always a bit magical, revealing the beautifully caramelized fruit layered above the soft, spiced cake beneath.

How to Serve Vegan Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

A round upside-down apple cake sits on a white speckled plate with a slice taken out and held slightly away by a metal spatula. The top layer shows glistening caramelized apple slices arranged in a circular pattern with a shiny, sticky brown caramel glaze over them. Below the apples is a thick, light brown cake layer with a moist texture. The background features a white marbled surface with part of a red apple visible in the corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While this cake shines on its own, a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream makes it truly decadent. Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon on top or add a few toasted pecans for an extra crunchy contrast that’s both pretty and delicious.

Side Dishes

Serve this Vegan Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe alongside a hot cup of spiced chai tea or freshly brewed coffee to enhance the cozy flavors. For a more substantial dessert spread, fresh fruit or a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can balance the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re throwing a party or want to impress friends, try presenting individual slices topped with a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce and a sprig of fresh mint. You can even bake mini versions in ramekins for single servings, elevating the charm and portion control for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Vegan Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe keeps beautifully for up to three days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making leftovers just as delightful as when freshly baked.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead, slicing the cake and freezing individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil works great. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for a ready-to-enjoy treat any time with minimal effort.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, use a microwave on medium power for 30-60 seconds or reheat in a low oven (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit) until heated through. This refreshes the softness and warms the caramel topping, bringing the cake back to its former glory.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples in this Vegan Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smiths offer great contrast, sweeter varieties such as Fuji or Honeycrisp will add a different flavor dimension. Just be sure your apples are firm to avoid them turning mushy during baking.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Many blends work well, but one with xanthan gum helps maintain the structure and texture you’re aiming for.

What can I substitute for soy milk in the recipe?

Feel free to substitute any other plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk. Just use unsweetened versions to keep the cake’s sweetness balanced.

Does this cake need to be refrigerated?

Since it contains apples and vegan butter, it’s best to refrigerate the cake if you’re not eating it within a day or two. This keeps the topping fresh and prevents any spoilage.

Can I add nuts or other fruits to the topping?

Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a handful of dried cranberries can add wonderful texture and flavor that complement the apple topping perfectly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a delightful, comforting dessert with that perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and tender, this Vegan Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s simple to make, irresistibly delicious, and sure to become a cherished addition to your baking repertoire. Warm from the oven or enjoyed as leftovers, this cake always brings joy with every bite. Give it a go and share the love with your favorite people – I promise they’ll thank you!