upside down apple pie recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
upside down apple pie recipe
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The Best upside down apple pie recipe

I’ve always been a sucker for a good apple pie, and the upside-down version is no exception. This recipe has been a staple in my household for years, and it’s a crowd-pleaser every time I serve it.

The combination of tender apples, flaky pastry, and caramelized brown sugar is absolute perfection. I love how the apples are placed on top of the pastry, creating a beautiful presentation that’s almost too pretty to eat.

Almost. My family can’t get enough of this pie, and it’s become a regular at our family gatherings and potlucks.

It’s also a great way to use up those extra apples that are just begging to be used in the fall season. One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make, even for those who are new to baking.

The technique is straightforward, and the ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores. I’ve made this pie so many times that I’ve lost count, but it still never fails to impress my family and friends with its sweet, tangy flavor and stunning presentation.

Upside Down Apple Pie

Upside Down Apple Pie

4.9 from 1971 votes

This upside down apple pie features a caramelized apple topping that becomes the bottom when inverted. The buttery crust bakes to golden perfection over the tender spiced apples.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time50 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 20 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Topping

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
6 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/4-inch wedges

For the Crust

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
6 to 8 tablespoons ice water

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2Place a baking sheet on the lower rack to catch any drips.
3In a 9-inch round cake pan, melt the 1/2 cup butter over low heat on the stovetop, then remove from heat.
4Sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg evenly over the melted butter.
5Arrange the apple slices in concentric circles over the sugar mixture, packing them tightly.
Set aside.
6In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and granulated sugar.
7Cut the cold butter cubes into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces.
8Drizzle 6 tablespoons of ice water over the mixture and stir with a fork until the dough just comes together.
9If it is too dry, add the remaining water one tablespoon at a time.
10Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
11On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a circle about 11 inches in diameter and 1/8-inch thick.
12Carefully place the dough over the apples in the pan, tucking the edges down around the apples.
13Cut 4 to 5 small slits in the top of the crust to allow steam to escape.
14Place the pan on the prepared baking sheet.
15Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the crust is deep golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
16If the crust browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil after 30 minutes.
17Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for exactly 10 minutes.
18Place a serving plate upside down over the pan, then carefully invert the pie onto the plate.
19Let the pan sit for a few seconds before lifting it off to reveal the caramelized apple topping.
Serve warm.

🔧Equipment

9-inch round cake pan or pie dish
Mixing bowls
Pastry cutter or fork
Rolling pin
Baking sheet
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 14g❤️Cholesterol: 60mg🧂Sodium: 350mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 32g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

For best results, use a mix of tart and sweet apples. Let the pie cool for exactly 10 minutes before inverting to ensure the topping sets properly. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Watch Video Of How Upside Down Apple Pie Works

To store leftover upside down apple pie, cover the pan or plate tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to five days.

For reheating, I like to warm individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or pop the whole pie in a 300 degree oven for 10 minutes. This brings back the soft, sticky topping and makes the apples tender again.

This recipe works well for any occasion from a casual Sunday breakfast to a holiday dessert table. It is easy to transport, serves a crowd, and always looks impressive when you flip it out.

My family asks for it every Thanksgiving, and I never get tired of making it. If you want a dessert that feels special without a lot of fuss, this upside down apple pie is a solid choice.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Upside Down Apple Pie

What type of apples are best for this recipe?

The best apples for this recipe are firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Avoid using overly sweet or soft apples like Red Delicious or McIntosh.

Can I use a store-bought pastry crust?

While you can use a store-bought pastry crust as a shortcut, it’s worth making your own from scratch if you have the time and skills. Homemade pastry crust adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to the pie that you just can’t replicate with store-bought.

How do I prevent the apples from browning?

To prevent the apples from browning, simply sprinkle them with lemon juice before adding them to the pie crust. You can also try using an anti-browning agent like ascorbic acid if you’re concerned about preserving the color.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

This pie is best served fresh, but you can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until baking. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before baking for optimal results.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

No, this recipe contains eggs and dairy products, making it unsuitable for vegans. However, you can easily adapt it by substituting these ingredients with plant-based alternatives.

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