Best 9 Apple Upside Down Cornmeal Cakes Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Apple upside down cornmeal cakes are a delightful Southern dessert that combines the sweetness of caramelized apples with the rustic charm of cornmeal. These cakes are perfect for a cozy fall brunch or a special occasion dessert. With their tender, moist crumb and golden-brown crust, apple upside down cornmeal cakes are sure to be a hit with everyone at your table. In this article, we'll provide you with three of the best recipes for this classic dessert, each with its unique twist on the traditional recipe. Whether you prefer a classic, simple cake or a more decadent version with a streusel topping or a hint of spices, we have a recipe that's sure to satisfy your craving for this comforting dessert.

Let's cook with our recipes!

PINEAPPLE UPSIDE-DOWN CORNMEAL CAKE



Pineapple Upside-Down Cornmeal Cake image

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     dessert

Time 1h50m

Yield 1 (10-inch) cake

Number Of Ingredients 14

3/4 cup whole milk
1 cup coarse ground cornmeal
4 ounces unsalted butter
8 ounces dark brown sugar, approximately 1 cup
6 slices canned pineapple in heavy syrup
6 maraschino cherries
1/3 cup chopped pecans, toasted
3 tablespoons juice from canned pineapple
3 whole eggs
4 3/4 ounces all-purpose flour, approximately 1 cup
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
5 3/4 ounces sugar, approximately 3/4 cup
1/2 cup canola oil

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In a microwave-proof dish, bring the milk to a boil. Remove the milk from the microwave and add the cornmeal. Stir and let soak at room temperature for 30 minutes. Set aside.
  • Melt the butter in a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the brown sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and carefully place 1 slice of pineapple in the center of the pan. Place the other 5 slices around the center slice in a circle. Place the cherries in the centers of the pineapple slices and sprinkle the nuts evenly over the fruit. Drizzle pineapple juice over top.
  • Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium mixing bowl and whisk to combine.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the sugar to the eggs and whisk to combine. Add the canola oil and whisk. Add the cornmeal and milk mixture to the egg mixture and whisk to combine. Add this to the flour and stir just until combined. Pour the batter over the fruit in the skillet and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for 30 minutes in the skillet. Set a platter on top of the skillet and carefully invert the cake. Serve.

APPLE UPSIDE-DOWN CORNMEAL CAKES



Apple Upside-Down Cornmeal Cakes image

Categories     Citrus     Egg     Fruit     Nut     Dessert     Bake     Vegetarian     Quick & Easy     Apple     Gourmet     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon pieces, plus additional for greasing
3 Gala apples
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts (1 3/4 oz)
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
3/4 cup whole milk
Accompaniment: lightly sweetened whipped cream
Special Equipment
a muffin pan with 6 (1-cup) muffin cups

Steps:

  • Put oven rack in upper third of oven and preheat oven to 425°F. Butter muffin cups. Peel and core apples, then cut into 1/3-inch dice.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat until foam subsides, then cook apples, brown sugar, and lemon juice, stirring occasionally, until liquid is reduced to a glaze and apples are tender, 5 to 6 minutes.
  • Stir in walnuts and divide apple mixture among muffin cups.
  • Pulse together flour, cornmeal, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a food processor until combined. Add remaining 4 tablespoons butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal with some small (roughly pea-size) butter lumps.
  • Whisk together egg and milk in a large bowl. Add flour mixture and whisk until just combined.
  • Divide batter among muffin cups and bake until golden and a wooden pick or skewer inserted into center of a cake comes out clean, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Run a paring knife around edge of each cake to loosen. Invert rack over muffin cups, then invert cakes onto rack. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream.

WARM APPLE-CORNMEAL UPSIDE DOWN CAKE



Warm Apple-Cornmeal Upside Down Cake image

Categories     Cake     Fruit     Dessert     Bake     Apple     Cornmeal     Winter     Simmer     Bon Appétit     Kidney Friendly     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Makes 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup plus 3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 pounds Braeburn or Golden Delicious apples (about 4 medium), peeled, quartered, cored, each quarter cut into 2 wedges
3/4 cup all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup boiling water
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup whole milk
Vanilla ice cream

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously butter 9-inch-diameter cake pan with 1 1/2-inch-high sides; line pan with 10-inch-diameter parchment paper round (parchment will come 1/2 inch up sides of pan). Butter parchment. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in 10-inch-diameter nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup sugar and cook until sugar dissolves and mixture turns deep golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 6 minutes. Add apple wedges and gently shake skillet to distribute caramel evenly. Cover and cook until apples release their juices, about 5 minutes. Uncover and cook until apples are tender and caramel thickens and coats apples, stirring occasionally, about 13 minutes. Transfer apples and caramel syrup to prepared cake pan, spreading evenly.
  • Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in small bowl to blend. Place cornmeal in large bowl; pour 1/2 cup boiling water over and stir to blend. Add 6 tablespoons butter and 3/4 cup sugar to cornmeal mixture. Using electric mixer, beat until well blended. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Beat in flour mixture alternately with milk in 2 additions each. Pour batter over apples in pan.
  • Bake cake until golden and tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Cool cake in pan 5 minutes. Run small knife between cake and pan sides to loosen cake. Carefully invert cake onto ovenproof or microwavable platter and peel off parchment. Cool 15 minutes. (Cake can be made up to 6 hours ahead. Rewarm in 350°F oven about 10 minutes or microwave on medium just until slightly warm, about 2 minutes.)
  • Cut cake into wedges, place on plates, and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

APPLE UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE



Apple Upside-Down Cake image

Topped with walnuts and caramelized tart apple slices, this apple upside-down cake is both easy and dazzling. It never fails to make tasters say, "wow!"-Linda Wetsch, Mandan, North Dakota

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 55m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/3 cup butter, melted
1 cup packed brown sugar
3 medium tart apples, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
CAKE:
3 tablespoons butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup buttermilk
3 tablespoons sour cream
1 teaspoon apple brandy or rum, optional

Steps:

  • Pour butter into an ungreased 9-in. round baking pan; sprinkle with 1/2 cup brown sugar. Arrange apples in a single layer over brown sugar; layer with walnuts and remaining brown sugar., In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon; add to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk and sour cream, beating well after each addition. Beat in brandy if desired., Spoon batter over brown sugar layer. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 444 calories, Fat 19g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 89mg cholesterol, Sodium 320mg sodium, Carbohydrate 66g carbohydrate (52g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

UPSIDE-DOWN SAUSAGE-APPLE CORNBREAD



Upside-Down Sausage-Apple Cornbread image

I got this recipe out of a local newspaper about 12 years ago. It makes a nice breakfast or brunch dish.

Provided by MA in Florida

Categories     Breads

Time 50m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/2 lb pork sausage link
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
4 small apples, peeled cored, and sliced into eighths
1 cup flour
3/4 cup yellow cornmeal
3 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg, lightly beaten
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup milk

Steps:

  • Grease bottom and sides of a 8" or 9" square baking pan.
  • Brown the sausages in a medium skillet over moderately high heat, rotating them until browned and cooked through.
  • Remove the sausage and discard all but 2 tablespoons of the drippings.
  • Add butter and brown sugar to the pan.
  • Heat, stirring until sugar is melted.
  • Add apples and saute them over moderate heat, turning occasionally, until soft (about 10 min).
  • Arrange sausages in rows across the prepared pan.
  • Insert the apple slices, round side down, between the sausages, wedging them in tightly.
  • Pour over juices from the skillet (the pan can be covered and refrigerated overnight at this point, if desired).
  • Bring to room temperature before proceeding.
  • Preheat oven to 400°F
  • To make cornbread, stir together the flour, cornmeal, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
  • Add the egg, melted butter and milk.
  • Stir with a wooden spoon until well combined.
  • Pour the batter over the sausage and apples, smoothing the top to cover well.
  • Bake for 25 minutes or until cake tester inserted in middle comes out clean.
  • Remove from oven.
  • Immediately invert onto a serving dish.
  • Cut into squares and serve.

CARAMEL APPLE UPSIDE-DOWN CORNMEAL CAKE



Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cornmeal Cake image

Make and share this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cornmeal Cake recipe from Food.com.

Provided by east coast nellie

Categories     Breakfast

Time 50m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

6 tablespoons butter
4 medium apples, peeled, cored and sliced
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup dried cranberries
3/4 cup flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup cornmeal
1 cup hot water
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F
  • Melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a 10 inch oven-proof skillet. Add apples and stir 5 minutes until tender. Remove from skillet.
  • In same skillet, combine remaining butter and brown sugar. Cook and stir over medium heat until butter melts. Bring to boiling.
  • Remove from heat. Stir in milk.
  • Sprinkle with pecans and cranberries. Arrange apple slices on top.
  • In bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine cornmeal, water, and 1/4 cup melted butter. Stir in eggs and vanilla.
  • Combine with flour mixture just until mixed. Pour over apples.
  • Bake 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Invert, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 383.6, Fat 21.3, SaturatedFat 10.1, Cholesterol 91.6, Sodium 273.4, Carbohydrate 45.8, Fiber 3.6, Sugar 24.3, Protein 4.8

CARAMEL-APPLE UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE



Caramel-Apple Upside-Down Cake image

Simple but tasty caramel-apple cake that takes little to no time to make!

Provided by Amanda Pierce

Time 1h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 cup brown sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 medium apple - peeled, cored, and sliced
¾ cup white sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon salt
¾ cup milk
2 cups all-purpose flour

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch nonstick cake pan with parchment paper.
  • Place brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon for topping in a pan over medium heat. Watch closely and stir everly 30 seconds until the mixture boils.
  • Meanwhile, place apple slices on top of the parchment paper in the cake pan. As soon as the topping boils, remove it from the heat, pour over the apple slices, and spread it out evenly.
  • Mix sugar and butter for cake in a large bowl with an electric mixer until fluffy. Mix in eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until completely combined. Mix in baking powder, baking soda, and 1/3 of the milk. Add remaining ingredients as follows, mixing briefly after each addition: 1/2 of the flour, 1/2 of the remaining milk, remaining flour, and remaining milk. Pour batter into the pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 35 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes. Run a butter knife along the sides of the cake to separate it from the cake pan. Cut off the top of the cake with a serrated knife to flatten it. Invert on a cake plate and release cake. Serve hot or cold.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 449.8 calories, Carbohydrate 64.3 g, Cholesterol 94.1 mg, Fat 19.3 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 5.8 g, SaturatedFat 11.7 g, Sodium 471.4 mg, Sugar 39.4 g

CARAMEL APPLE UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE



Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake image

This is truly a wonderful fall treat! It is warmly spiced, not overly sweet, and those tender, buttery caramel apples on top are a lovely touch. Serve this lightly warmed with vanilla ice cream, or call it a coffee cake and serve it for breakfast-your choice!

Provided by Rebekah Rose Hills

Categories     Upside-Down Cake

Time 2h5m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 13

nonstick cooking spray
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup brown sugar
2 medium apples, cored and thinly sliced
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
½ cup white sugar
½ cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Spray an 8- or 9-inch round cake pan with nonstick spray.
  • Combine butter and brown sugar for topping in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until butter has melted and mixture begins to simmer gently, 3 to 4 minutes. Don't let the caramel mixture come to a boil; just allow it to bubble gently for a couple of minutes so it can thicken slightly.
  • Pour into the prepared cake pan, then arrange apple slices all around the pan as desired. Place in the refrigerator so the topping can set while you prepare the cake.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Whisk flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl.
  • Beat butter, sugar, and brown sugar in a separate bowl with an electric mixer until light in color and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes, scraping down the bottom and sides as needed. Blend in eggs, incorporating slowly and scraping down the sides again, as needed. Mix in vanilla. Add in dry ingredients on low speed, blending just until combined; batter will be thick.
  • Remove the cake pan from the refrigerator. Gently spread the thick batter over the topping, trying not to disturb the apples too much.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and set on a cooling rack for 15 minutes.
  • Place a plate over the top of the pan, then carefully invert it, allowing the cake to release from the pan onto the plate. Let cake cool completely to room temperature, 45 minutes to an hour; the top can be fairly soft and may not cut cleanly while it is still warm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 292.3 calories, Carbohydrate 42 g, Cholesterol 35.6 mg, Fat 13.6 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 1.9 g, SaturatedFat 8.5 g, Sodium 165.4 mg, Sugar 28.6 g

APPLE CRANBERRY UPSIDE-DOWN CAKES



Apple Cranberry Upside-Down Cakes image

Cornmeal gives this upside-down cake a unique texture. Apples, cranberries and pecan make a delicious alternative to the typical pineapple and cherries. -Margee Berry, Trout Lake, Washington

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 40m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 medium tart apples, peeled and diced
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup chopped pecans
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1/3 cup sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup olive oil
1 large egg, room temperature
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons sour cream
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, cook the apples, brown sugar and lemon juice in butter over medium heat until apples are tender. Stir in cranberries and pecans. Divide mixture evenly and place in 3 greased 6-1/2-in. cast-iron skillets., In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. In a small bowl, whisk the buttermilk, oil and egg. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Pour over apple mixture., Bake at 400° until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 14-18 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edges of cakes to loosen. Cool for 3 minutes before inverting onto serving plates., In a small bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add sour cream and confectioners' sugar; beat until soft peaks form. Serve with warm cakes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 525 calories, Fat 27g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 66mg cholesterol, Sodium 332mg sodium, Carbohydrate 68g carbohydrate (42g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

Tips:

  • Use fresh apples. Fresh apples will give your cakes the best flavor. If you can, use a variety of apples, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady.
  • Peel and core your apples thinly. This will help them to cook evenly.
  • Use a cast iron skillet. A cast iron skillet will give your cakes a nice crispy crust.
  • Don't overcook your cakes. The cakes should be cooked through, but they should still be moist.
  • Serve your cakes warm. These cakes are best served warm, with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream.

Conclusion:

Apple upside-down cornmeal cakes are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert. They're perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With their crispy crust, moist interior, and sweet apple filling, these cakes are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.

Related Topics