Delicious Apple Walnut Upside Down Spice Cake: A Recipe & Story of Transformation

Imagine a dessert that’s both comforting and exciting, a warm hug of cinnamon spice cake that, with a simple flip, reveals a stunning masterpiece. This isn’t just any cake; it’s our Apple Walnut Upside Down Spice Cake, a truly irresistible treat featuring a luscious, gooey topping of caramelized apples and crunchy walnuts. Every slice is a testament to hidden delights, much like life’s own unexpected turns.

Two years ago last month (how is it October already?!), a pivotal moment in my life unfolded – a decision that mirrored the transformation of this very cake. It was a choice that turned my world ‘upside down,’ a necessary step to leave behind a period of immense personal struggle and emotional turmoil. I often wonder if the person involved truly understood the depth of my reasons, the profound need to walk away from overwhelming drama.

The nights were often filled with tears instead of laughter, a heavy cloak of solitude intensified by the newness of everything – a new job, a new town, all faced alone. This wasn’t the kind of loneliness one expects after college, where new adventures typically bring new connections. This was a profound isolation that seeped into every corner of my existence. I had always been independent, comfortable exploring places and engaging in activities by myself. But this was different. Moving to a small town after graduation, far from the familiar embrace of family and friends, thrust me into an environment where I felt utterly disconnected.

A Journey of Solitude and Finding My Path

My workplace, while professional, offered little solace. Most colleagues were older, settled in their lives with marriages and children, deeply rooted in the community. They had grown up together, knew each other’s families, and had years of shared history. I, on the other hand, was the youngest, the only female in my department, and a complete outsider. My days were spent working largely alone, struggling to find common ground or forge meaningful connections. For a full year, I navigated this challenging landscape, feeling unseen and unheard, until a group of other coworkers made me feel truly unwanted, pushing me further into despair.

I was on the brink of falling apart, and the escalating drama in my personal life was the absolute last thing I needed. Gathering the courage took months, an agonizing internal battle, but one evening, I reached my breaking point. I made the decisive choice to walk away, a choice I have never regretted since. It’s natural to wonder, “What does any of this have to do with an upside-down cake?” Well, sometimes, things happen for a profound reason. That difficult decision, that moment of stepping away from what was holding me back, set me on an unexpected path to recovery and self-discovery.

From Despair to Delicious Discoveries: My Blogging Transformation

It was a dark, long road initially, fraught with uncertainty and lingering pain. However, it was this very journey that ultimately led me to where I am today, dedicated to this blog. While I had dabbled in blogging before these events, it was never a serious pursuit. Instead of succumbing to loneliness and self-pity, I channeled all my energy, my frustration, and my hopes into building this creative outlet. Blogging became more than just a hobby; it became a lifeline, a platform for expression, and a source of unexpected joy.

Through blogging, I discovered not only a deep passion and a hidden talent but also a vibrant community of ‘crazy people’ – kindred spirits who understood and shared my enthusiasm. Today, if you asked me who my closest friends are, a significant majority would be fellow bloggers. Some I’ve had the joy of meeting in person at events, while with others, plans for future meet-ups are already brewing. This platform, born from a period of profound change, became my bridge to connection, creativity, and fulfillment, proving that even in the most challenging times, new doors can open to incredible opportunities.

This Apple Walnut Upside Down Spice Cake serves as a delicious, tangible reminder of how far I’ve come. It prompts a reflective question: would I be blogging with such dedication and purpose today if I hadn’t made that courageous decision to walk away? It took just one choice to turn everything ‘upside down.’ And while that initial ‘upside down’ phase felt chaotic and beyond my control, it ultimately revealed something magical. It showed me that when the dust settles, and the chaos subsides, a beautiful transformation, a hidden delight, is often waiting to be unveiled. Just like this cake, what seems plain and ordinary on the surface can reveal extraordinary beauty when given a chance to flip.

The Ultimate Apple Walnut Upside Down Spice Cake Recipe

Indulge in the comforting flavors of fall with this exquisite Apple Walnut Upside Down Spice Cake. It’s a delightful blend of tender, aromatic spice cake and a glistening, caramelized topping of sweet apples and crunchy walnuts. This cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience, perfect for cozy evenings, holiday gatherings, or simply when you crave a taste of homemade warmth. The secret lies in the rich, buttery topping that becomes a sticky, sweet glaze when the cake is inverted, creating a show-stopping presentation and an unforgettable taste.

Apple Walnut Upside Down Spice Cake

Yield:
8-10 servings

Warm cinnamon spice cake flipped upside down to reveal a gooey delicious topping of caramelized apples and walnuts.

Ingredients

Cake

• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp clove
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2/3 cup sour cream

Topping

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp clove
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1 cup apple slices (peeling optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Put 2 tablespoons butter into an 8-inch round pan and place into the oven. Heat until butter is melted then remove from oven. Brush the melted butter around the bottom and sides of the pan. Set aside.
2. For the cake: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and clove.
3. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until pale and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then beat for 1 minute until well combined. Gently beat in the dry flour mixture alternately with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Be careful not to overbeat the batter.
5. For the topping: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, cinnamon, clove, and chopped walnuts. Sprinkle this mixture evenly into the prepared pan over the melted butter. Arrange the apple slices on top of the nut mixture in a single, attractive layer. Spoon the cake batter carefully over the apples and spread evenly with a spatula.
6. Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean. Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes before running a knife around the edge to loosen it. Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate. Serve warm for the best experience.

Did you make this recipe?

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Tips for a Perfect Apple Walnut Upside Down Cake

• Choose the Right Apples: For a balance of sweetness and tartness, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work wonderfully. A mix of two varieties can also add depth of flavor. Slice them thinly and uniformly for even cooking.
• Don’t Skip the Rest: Allowing the cake to rest for 10 minutes in the pan after baking is crucial. This helps the caramelized topping to set properly, preventing it from sticking to the pan and ensuring a clean, beautiful flip.
• Enhance the Caramelization: Ensure the initial 2 tablespoons of butter are fully melted and brushed thoroughly around the pan. This creates a rich, non-stick base for the caramel.
• Serving Suggestions: This cake is best served warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.
• Nut Variations: While walnuts provide a classic flavor, feel free to experiment with other nuts like pecans or even omit nuts entirely if preferred.
• Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of cinnamon and clove to your taste. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a more complex spice profile, especially during the autumn months.
• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave or oven for that fresh-baked warmth.

Source: Adapted from Joy The Baker

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