Upside-down apple pie

Upside-down apple tart - a simple yet impressive dessert that combines the sweet and tart flavors of apples with a soft and fluffy texture, perfect for any occasion. This apple cake recipe is ideal for those who want to bring a touch of warmth to the kitchen with minimal effort. Here’s how to prepare it step by step.

Total time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 300 g sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 225 g butter (at room temperature)
- A pinch of salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 eggs
- 200 g sugar (for the batter)
- 150 g cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 4 large apples (preferably tart, like Granny Smith)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the apples: Start by peeling the apples and removing the seeds. Cut them into quarters and drizzle with lemon juice. This step will not only prevent the apples from oxidizing but will also give them a hint of freshness. Choose fresh and firm apples for a pleasant texture.

2. Preparing the pan: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Line a round 22 cm diameter pan with parchment paper. This will make the process of flipping the tart after baking easier.

3. Preparing the syrup: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, 150 g sugar, vanilla sugar, cinnamon, and ground cloves. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture becomes homogeneous. Pour this syrup into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

4. Arranging the apples: Place the apple quarters over the syrup in the pan, distributing them evenly. This step is crucial as the apples will become the visible base of the cake, giving it an attractive appearance.

5. Preparing the batter: In a large bowl, beat the butter with 200 g sugar and a pinch of salt until you achieve a fluffy and light-colored mixture. Add the lemon zest for extra flavor. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

6. Adding the dry ingredients: Sift the cornmeal and baking powder, then gradually fold them into the butter mixture. Mix gently until the ingredients are fully integrated.

7. Pouring the batter: Pour the batter over the arranged apples, ensuring they are evenly covered. This batter will form a soft and delicious layer on top of the apples.

8. Baking: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. It is important not to open the oven in the first 30 minutes of baking to avoid dropping the temperature.

9. Flipping the tart: Once the cake is baked, let it rest for 10 minutes. Then, carefully flip it onto a serving platter. The honey syrup and apples will create a delicious glaze.

10. Serving: The upside-down apple tart can be served warm or cold, plain or with a dollop of whipped cream. A delicious variation is to serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a contrast of temperature and texture.

Variation suggestion: You can add chopped nuts or almonds to the batter for a crunchy texture or experiment with other fruits, such as peaches or plums, to diversify the recipe.

This upside-down apple tart is not just a cake, but a true culinary experience that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Try it and enjoy a quick, simple, and incredibly tasty dessert!