Vegan Upside Down Apple Cake: I Swear It Tastes BETTER Than Grandma's! (Recipe Inside!)

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Vegan Upside Down Apple Cake: A Delightful Dessert Everyone Will Love

Introduction: Sweet Success with a Vegan Twist

Craving a comforting dessert that's both delicious and kind to animals? Look no further! This vegan upside down apple cake recipe is a true showstopper, perfect for fall gatherings, holiday celebrations, or a simple weeknight treat. We've taken the classic comfort food and given it a delightful vegan makeover, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this warmly spiced and beautifully presented apple cake. This recipe is easy to follow, guarantees a moist and flavorful result, and will have your friends and family begging for seconds. Get ready to impress with a stunning dessert that's as beautiful as it is delicious! This is the ultimate vegan dessert you've been searching for!

Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Apple Perfection

Here’s everything you'll need to create this scrumptious vegan upside down apple cake. Gather these ingredients, and let the baking adventure begin!

For the Apple Topping:

• 3 large, firm apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced (about 1/4-inch thick)
• 1/4 cup vegan butter, melted
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon water

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other plant-based milk)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (helps the cake rise)

Instructions: Step-by-Step to Baking Bliss

Follow these easy steps to create your stunning vegan upside down apple cake. Patience and precision are key to achieving the perfect result!

Preparing the Apple Topping:

1. Melt the Vegan Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the vegan butter.
2. Combine the Sugars and Spices: Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water to the melted vegan butter. Stir constantly until the brown sugar has dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
3. Prepare the Pan: Pour the brown sugar mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan. Ensure the mixture evenly coats the bottom of the pan.
4. Arrange the Apples: Arrange the apple slices in a decorative pattern on top of the brown sugar mixture. You can create concentric circles, overlapping the slices slightly. Pack them in tightly to ensure a beautiful presentation after baking. Set the prepared pan aside.

Making the Vegan Cake Batter:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the sides of the cake pan.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, applesauce, almond milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to a tough cake. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.

Baking and Assembling the Cake:

1. Pour the Batter: Gently pour the cake batter over the arranged apples in the cake pan. Spread the batter evenly, ensuring it reaches all edges.
2. Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes on a wire rack. This short cooling period allows the cake to set slightly before inverting.
4. Invert: Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate. Use oven mitts or pot holders as the pan may still be hot. Gently lift the pan to reveal the beautiful vegan upside down apple cake. Allow the cake to cool completely.

Essential Information

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 40-50 minutes
• Servings: 8-10 slices

Helpful Tips and Recipe Variations

Perfect Apples:

• Apple Selection: The choice of apples can significantly impact the flavor of your vegan upside down apple cake. Using a mix of apples with different textures and flavors, like Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness, offers the best results. Avoid overly soft varieties that might disintegrate during baking.

Variations:

• Spiced Up: For extra depth of flavor, add a pinch of cloves or cardamom to the apple topping.
• Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter or sprinkle them over the apples before baking for added texture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum for optimal results.
• Citrus Zest: A teaspoon of orange zest in the cake batter can provide a refreshing burst of citrus flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serving: Serve the vegan upside down apple cake warm or at room temperature. It is delicious on its own.
• Pairing: Pair with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of vegan whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce adds an extra touch of decadence.

Storage Instructions:

• Countertop: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze slices of the cake individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.

Conclusion: Share the Sweetness

There you have it—a simple, delicious, and beautifully presented vegan upside down apple cake recipe that is sure to impress. The combination of tender cake, caramelized apples, and warm spices makes this dessert a truly irresistible treat. Now it's your turn! Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating this delightful dessert. Don't forget to share your vegan baking journey with us by posting your creations and tagging us. We can't wait to see your delicious results. Happy baking! We hope this apple cake brings joy to your kitchen. Enjoy your vegan upside down apple cake!