Vegan Upside Down Cake: A Deliciously Easy Recipe

Vegan Upside Down Cake? Yes, you read that right! This recipe proves that you don’t need eggs or dairy to create a stunning and flavorful dessert. Get ready for a delightful combination of caramelized fruit and fluffy cake, perfect for any occasion.

What Makes This Vegan Upside Down Cake So Special?

This recipe is special for a few reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make. Even if you’re a baking novice, you can achieve fantastic results. Second, it’s bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. And finally, it’s completely plant-based, making it a great option for those following a vegan lifestyle or simply looking for delicious and compassionate dessert options.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the topping:

• 1/4 cup vegan butter
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1 (15 ounce) can sliced pineapple, drained well

For the cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat work well)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Vegan upside down cake ingredients

Let’s Get Baking:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.

2. Make the topping: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the vegan butter. Stir in the brown sugar and cook until melted and bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped walnuts (if using). Pour the mixture into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Arrange the pineapple slices over the caramel mixture.

   Melting butter and sugar for vegan upside down cake topping.

3. Prepare the cake batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

4. Make the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, plant-based milk, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar.

5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

   Whisking together ingredients for the vegan upside down cake batter.

6. Pour and bake: Carefully pour the batter over the pineapple slices in the cake pan. Spread evenly.

7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

   Vegan upside down cake baking in the oven.

8. Cool and invert: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. Be careful, as the caramel will be hot.

   “The key to a beautiful upside down cake is to let it cool slightly in the pan before inverting. This allows the caramel to set and prevents it from sticking to the pan.” – Chef Amelia Greene

9. Serve warm and enjoy!

A slice of delicious vegan upside down cake on a plate.

FAQs about Vegan Upside Down Cake:

Can I use a different fruit for the topping?

Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully with various fruits. Peaches, plums, nectarines, or berries are all fantastic options. Simply adjust the baking time as needed depending on the fruit you choose.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You certainly can. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend. Be sure to check that all your other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

How do I store leftover cake?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap the unbaked cake (in the pan) tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Bake straight from frozen, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time. If freezing after baking, cool the cake completely and wrap it well before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I make this recipe in a different sized pan?

While a 9-inch pan is recommended, you can use an 8-inch pan. Keep in mind that the cake will be thicker and may require a slightly longer baking time.

This vegan upside down cake is sure to impress your family and friends. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a satisfyingly moist and fluffy texture. So go ahead, preheat your ovens and whip up this delightful treat – your taste buds will thank you!