Decadent Flaxseed Apple Upside Down Cake
This delightful Decadent Flaxseed Apple Upside Down Cake is a healthier twist on a classic dessert. Inspired by Cooking Light's January 2008 edition, this cake features the nutty flavor of flaxseed meal and sweet Braeburn apples, creating a perfect balance of taste and nutrition. The use of dark corn syrup and butter in the skillet creates a beautiful caramelization that complements the apples' natural sweetness. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream, and enjoy the warmth of spice with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dark corn syrup
1 tablespoon (None)
Butter
2 teaspoons (Melted)
Cooking spray
As needed (For greasing the skillet)
Brown sugar
1/2 cup, packed (Divided as needed for topping)
Pecans
2 tablespoons, chopped (Chopped)
Braeburn apples
3 cups, peeled & thinly sliced (Peeled and sliced)
Cake flour
2/3 cup (None)
Flaxseed meal
1/2 cup (None)
Baking powder
1 teaspoon (None)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Brown sugar
2/3 cup, divided (Divided for batter)
Orange rind
2 teaspoons, grated (Grated)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (None)
Large eggs
2 (None)
Large egg whites
2 (None)
Whipped cream
1/2 cup (For serving)
Ground cinnamon
To taste (For optional garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a 10-inch cast-iron skillet, melt the dark corn syrup and butter over medium-high heat until bubbly. Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/2 cup of brown sugar and chopped pecans evenly over the syrup.
3
Arrange the thinly sliced Braeburn apples in a decorative pattern over the brown sugar mixture, starting from the center and working your way outwards.
4
In a separate bowl, lightly spoon the cake flour into measuring cups and level it off with a knife. Combine the flour with the flaxseed meal, baking powder, and salt. Stir well using a whisk.
5
In another bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup of brown sugar, grated orange rind, vanilla extract, and the whole eggs until well combined.
6
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer at high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/3 cup of brown sugar, one tablespoon at a time, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
7
Carefully add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, stirring just until combined. Next, gently fold in the egg whites, taking care not to deflate them.
8
Spoon the batter evenly over the arranged apples in the skillet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
Allow the cake to cool in the skillet on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Use a knife to loosen the edges of the cake from the skillet. Invert a plate over the skillet and carefully flip the cake onto the plate.
10
Slice the cake into wedges and serve warm with whipped cream. Optionally, sprinkle with ground cinnamon for a touch of extra flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Flaxseed Apple Upside Down Cake?
It is a healthier twist on a classic dessert that features nutty flaxseed meal, sweet Braeburn apples, and a caramelized pecan topping, inspired by a 2008 Cooking Light recipe.
What kind of apples are best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for Braeburn apples because they provide a perfect balance of sweetness and hold their shape well during baking.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for the best results.
How many servings does this cake yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
What type of pan should I use?
A 10-inch cast-iron skillet is ideal as it allows you to melt the syrup and butter directly on the stovetop before baking.
What ingredients make the caramel topping?
The topping is created by melting dark corn syrup and butter, then sprinkling brown sugar and chopped pecans over it.
How do I prepare the apples?
You should peel the Braeburn apples and slice them thinly before arranging them in a decorative pattern over the sugar mixture.
How should I measure the cake flour?
Lightly spoon the cake flour into measuring cups and level it off with a knife to ensure the cake isn't too dense.
Why is flaxseed meal used in this recipe?
Flaxseed meal adds a nutty flavor and increases the nutritional profile of the cake, providing fiber and healthy fats.
How do I prepare the egg whites?
Beat the egg whites with an electric mixer at high speed until soft peaks form, then gradually add sugar until stiff peaks form.
What is the purpose of folding in the egg whites?
Gently folding in the stiff egg whites helps keep the batter light and airy, preventing the cake from becoming too heavy.
How long should the cake bake?
The cake should bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How long should I let the cake cool before inverting it?
Allow the cake to cool in the skillet on a wire rack for exactly 5 minutes before flipping.
What is the best way to invert the cake onto a plate?
Loosen the edges with a knife, place a plate over the skillet, and carefully flip it over so the apple layer is on top.
Should this cake be served warm or cold?
This cake is best served warm to enjoy the caramelized texture and spiced aroma.
What are the recommended toppings for serving?
It is delicious served with a dollop of whipped cream and an optional sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
Does the recipe include citrus?
Yes, it uses 2 teaspoons of grated orange rind in the batter for a bright, citrusy note.
Can I substitute the dark corn syrup?
While dark corn syrup provides a deep caramel flavor, you could experiment with light corn syrup or maple syrup, though the flavor profile will change.
What kind of flour is required?
This recipe uses cake flour, which has a lower protein content than all-purpose flour, resulting in a finer crumb.
Do I need to grease the skillet?
Yes, use cooking spray as needed to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
Are the pecans raw or toasted?
The recipe calls for chopped pecans, which will toast naturally in the skillet as the syrup bubbles and the cake bakes.
How many eggs are needed?
The recipe requires 2 whole large eggs and 2 large egg whites.
What spices are used in the batter?
The batter uses vanilla extract for flavor, while ground cinnamon can be added as a garnish.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is included to balance the sweetness of the apples and syrup.
What does 'stiff peaks' mean for the egg whites?
Stiff peaks mean the egg whites are firm enough that they stand straight up when the beaters are lifted, without drooping.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, walnuts or almonds would be suitable alternatives if you do not have pecans.
What is the role of baking powder?
Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, helping the cake to rise during its 30-minute bake time.
How do I know when the syrup is ready for the apples?
Melt the syrup and butter over medium-high heat until the mixture becomes bubbly before removing it from the heat.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
While it is best warm, you can bake it ahead and gently reheat it to maintain the texture of the caramel and apples.
What is the texture of the flaxseed meal in the cake?
The flaxseed meal gives the cake a slightly hearty and nutty texture that complements the soft, cooked apples.