Apple Upside Down Cake

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons (3 ounces/ 85 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup (160 grams) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons (39 grams) corn syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt, OR 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 medium apples, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch slices
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 5 tablespoons (70 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 6 tablespoons (75 grams) granulated sugar, divided
• 1/4 cup (53 grams) dark or light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• The zest from one medium orange
• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons (135 grams) all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons (21 grams) cornstarch
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon table salt, OR 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 6 ounces (about 2/3 cup/ 170 grams) unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) buttermilk, at room temperature

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare an 8 or 9-inch round cake pan...: Prepare an 8 or 9-inch round cake pan that is at least 3-inches deep: Smear the inside of the pan with softened butter or vegetable shortening. Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the pan and press it into the pan. Smear the parchment with butter or vegetable shortening. Shake a tablespoon or two of flour around inside the pan until the bottom and sides are coated. Turn the pan over and tap out the excess flour. (Photos for how to prepare a cake pan so the cake will not stick.)

2. 2

   Add all the glaze ingredients except the apples to a...: Add all the glaze ingredients except the apples to a mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer on medium high speed for 4-5 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. Stop a few times to scrape down the inside of the bowl with a rubber spatula.

3. 3

   Spread the glaze into an even layer across...: Spread the glaze into an even layer across the bottom of the pan. Layer the apple slices over the glaze, setting them in a circular pattern. (*see photos above for reference)

4. 4

   Heat the oven to 350 degrees F (176...: Heat the oven to 350 degrees F (176 degrees F).

5. 5

   Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Place...: Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Place the yolks in a small bowl and the whites in a medium size mixing bowl.

6. 6

   Add the butter, 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons/ 50...: Add the butter, 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons/ 50 grams) granulated sugar, and the brown sugar to the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat on high speed for 4-5 minutes, stopping several times to scrape down the sides of the bowl, until the mixture is light and fluffy.

7. 7

   Add the egg yolks and beat on medium...: Add the egg yolks and beat on medium speed for 1-2 minutes, until they are completely incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the vanilla, orange zest, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves and beat for another minute, until well incorporated.

8. 8

   In a separate bowl, add the flour, cornstarch,...: In a separate bowl, add the flour, cornstarch, baking powder and mix with a wire whisk to combine.

9. 9

   Stir the applesauce into the buttermilk.

10. 10

    Add the flour mixture in 3 alternating additions...: Add the flour mixture in 3 alternating additions with the buttermilk, scraping down the bowl and beating on low after each addition just long enough to incorporate: Flour, buttermilk, flour, buttermilk, flour.

11. 11

    Beat the egg whites with an electric mixer...: Beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until frothy. With the mixer running, gently sprinkle in the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and beat until the egg whites are glossy and form peaks that hold their shape if you lift the beater from the egg whites.

12. 12

    Using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, gently...: Using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter, stirring just until incorporated. It’s ok if there are still some white streaks.

13. 13

    Scoop the batter into the cake pan, spreading...: Scoop the batter into the cake pan, spreading it over the apples into an even layer.

14. 14

    Line a baking sheet (preferably a rimmed baking...: Line a baking sheet (preferably a rimmed baking sheet) with parchment paper. This will save your oven if any of the glaze manages to bubble up and over the side of the pan while baking. Place the cake on the parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes - 1 hour and 30 minutes - until a toothpick inserted into the center of one of the cakes come out without evidence of raw batter.

15. 15

    Remove the cake from the oven and allow...: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. With a gloved hand or a towel to protect your hands from the hot pan, place a serving plate over the top of the pan and then flip the whole thing over. Let rest 5 minutes to allow the glaze to settle onto the cake then gently lift the cake pan from the cake.