It’s apple cider time! I think I run this post every year, but this cake is seriously that good and we make it all the time. Since it is apple season here in Michigan and I am breaking out the tested and delicious apple recipes from my collection, I thought I would remind everyone how good and easy this cake really is and I decided to revive it again from the archives. Enjoy!
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, 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.
AuthorRetroRuth
From Apple Kitchen Cook Book by Demetria Taylor, 1966
Tested Recipe!
[cooked-sharing]
Pare and core apples, slice thin. Simmer in cider 5 mins, or until just tender. Drain, reserving cider.
Combine 2 T cider, brown sugar, walnuts and butter on the bottom of a 13x9 pan. Set in 350-degree oven for 5 mins; then remove from oven.
Prepare cake mix, using rest of reserved cider plus any additional water needed for water portion for cake mix.
Arrange apple slices over brown sugar mixture in pan. Pour batter over apples, and bake at 350 degrees for 40 mins, or until done. Invert, and let stand one minute, remove pan.
Ingredients
Directions
Pare and core apples, slice thin. Simmer in cider 5 mins, or until just tender. Drain, reserving cider.
Combine 2 T cider, brown sugar, walnuts and butter on the bottom of a 13x9 pan. Set in 350-degree oven for 5 mins; then remove from oven.
Prepare cake mix, using rest of reserved cider plus any additional water needed for water portion for cake mix.
Arrange apple slices over brown sugar mixture in pan. Pour batter over apples, and bake at 350 degrees for 40 mins, or until done. Invert, and let stand one minute, remove pan.
Notes
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 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
I’m not sure how I stumbled onto your website but boy am I glad I did. You are so witty and funny and Tom is great. I used to make this recipe 20 years ago! Delicious! Sadly I no longer can eat gluten and wondering if I could substitute a gluten free cake for the spice cake? Thoughts? Hugs, Sandra
Yes i would think that gluten free would work w/ this. Make one w/ a good crumb.
Hi Sandra! So glad that you are enjoying the site! I would think that a gluten free cake mix would be just fine. You could probably even get a plain one and add spices and cider to it to make it a spice cake! Good luck. 🙂
I made this cake after seeing your post the last time and it was so good!
Yesss! I am so glad you posted this again. I saw this a couple of months ago when I was going through your older posts, and neglected to bookmark it. It was during the height of summer, and alas, no apple cider to be had. Now I have a giant jug in the fridge which will be put to delicious use.
This cake sounds divine and would be pefect for birthdays