Harvest Upside-Down Cake π
This delightful Harvest Upside-Down Cake recipe from lovewithrecipes.com brings together the cozy flavors of apples, raisins, and warm spices, creating a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight treat or a special gathering with loved ones. π°β¨
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 8-inch cake
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boiling water | 1/2 cup |
| Raisins | 1/4 cup |
| Cake flour | 1 1/2 cups |
| Baking powder | 2 tsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 tsp |
| Ground nutmeg | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Brown sugar | 2/3 cup |
| Brown sugar (for sprinkling) | 1/2 cup |
| Vegetable shortening | 1/4 cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Dark molasses | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Butter | 1/4 cup |
| Corn syrup | 2 tbsp |
| Maraschino cherries | 12 |
| Walnuts | 2 tbsp |
| Granny Smith apples | 2, sliced |
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). π‘οΈ
- In a small bowl, combine the boiling water with the raisins. Let this mixture stand for about 10 minutes, allowing the raisins to plump up. Drain the raisins and set them aside for later use. π
- Butter an 8-inch square baking pan, ensuring all sides are coated evenly to prevent sticking. π§
- In a separate bowl, combine the cake flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for now, letting the flavors meld together. πΎ
- Using a mixer at medium-high speed, beat together 2/3 cup of brown sugar with the vegetable shortening until the mixture is creamy and smooth. This usually takes about 2 minutes. π₯
- Add in the egg and continue beating until it is fully incorporated. Next, beat in the milk, dark molasses, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. π₯π₯
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, incorporating it 1/2 cup at a time. Be careful not to overmix; you want the batter to just come together. π₯
- Drizzle the melted butter over the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of brown sugar evenly over the butter, creating a sweet and gooey base for your cake. π―
- Drizzle the corn syrup over the sugar layer, creating a lovely caramelization as the cake bakes. Sprinkle the cherries, walnuts, and the reserved plump raisins over the syrup. ππ°
- Arrange the sliced Granny Smith apples over this mixture, overlapping the slices slightly to create a beautiful pattern. π
- Pour the cake batter evenly over the arranged apples, ensuring it spreads to cover all the fruit and nutty goodness below. π₯§
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the apples are tender and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. π
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This gives it time to set slightly before you transfer it. π°
- Using a knife, carefully run it around the edges of the cake to loosen it from the pan. π‘οΈ
- Invert a serving plate over the top of the pan, then flip the pan over onto the plate. The cake should release easily, revealing the beautiful upside-down design. π
- Serve this delicious Harvest Upside-Down Cake warm, either on its own or with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat! π¨β¨
This cake is a wonderful combination of sweet, tart apples, plump raisins, crunchy walnuts, and the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg. Each bite is a delightful taste of autumn, perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. So, whether you’re looking for a cozy dessert to enjoy on a chilly evening or a show-stopping treat for a gathering, this Harvest Upside-Down Cake is sure to impress! ππ°
