Okay, okay. I know. Apple cider AND desserts two weeks in a row. It’s unheard of here on the Mid-Century Menu, where everything is supposed to be scary all the time. But, it’s Apple Month, so I couldn’t help myself!  I was so disappointed with the lack of cider flavor in last week’s Cider Eggnog Pie that I had to try again this week. I mean, you understand, right? It’s all for legitimate scientific testing. I set out to find a mid-century recipe full of cider flavor, and I need to find it.

Plus, I wanted Tom to buy me more cider.

I am happy to say that I succeeded on both counts.

This is Apple Cider Upside-Down Cake. And it is delicious.

This is another fun recipe brought to you by our friends at the Apple Kitchen Cook Book, from 1966.

What can I say? ‘Tis the season for apples!

I have to admit though, this sucker is kind of an ugly cake. But what it lacks in good looks, it makes up for in sheer cider flavor.

I think my favorite part was when I got to cook the apples in cider for that double apple flavor that makes us all crazy.

Except I have to admit I cheated a little bit on this one, which I normally don’t do. I took the cider drained off from the apples and, instead of guzzling it down like I wanted to, I substituted it for the water in the cake mix. And I am not sorry.

Not. At. All.

Especially when it gets this kind of reaction from Tom:

Rarrrrr!

The Verdict: Really yummy and very easy. Normally I don’t use cake mixes for cakes, but this one was really good with a cake mix. But you could probably sub your favorite spice cake recipe or even gingerbread….oh…wait. That was just a really good idea.  I know what I am making later this week, after we scarf our way through this whole cake. Apple Cider Upside-Down Gingerbread!

*If you make this recipe, be aware that my cake was done WAY earlier than 55 mins. It took about 40. Check your cake for doneness according to the package directions!