Name: Spiced Upside-Down Apple Pie
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4–5 apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/8 tsp ground cloves; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/8 tsp salt

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This spiced upside-down apple pie offers the perfect blend of sweet and spice with a gorgeous presentation that requires minimal effort. The caramelized topping gives it a rich, decadent flavor, while the warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves evoke that nostalgic autumn aroma. It’s a fun, fuss-free alternative to traditional pies that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or texture. Best of all, you don’t need a fancy topping—just flip and serve.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Unsalted butter
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Ground cloves
Lemon juice
All-purpose flour
Pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Vanilla extract
Salt

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a pie dish or round baking pan and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar over medium heat until it forms a smooth caramel. Pour this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Arrange apple slices over the caramel in a circular pattern.
In a separate bowl, combine granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt. Toss this mixture with the remaining apples along with a splash of lemon juice and vanilla extract.
Layer the spiced apples on top of the arranged slices in the pan.
Roll out the pie crust and place it over the apples, tucking in the edges. Cut a few slits in the crust to allow steam to escape.
Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
Allow the pie to cool for about 10–15 minutes, then place a large plate over the pan and carefully flip the pie onto the plate.
Let it rest for a few more minutes before serving warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8 people.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Cooling time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

Use pears instead of apples for a fall-inspired twist.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the caramel layer for added crunch.
Incorporate a splash of bourbon or rum into the caramel for extra depth.
Substitute the pie crust with puff pastry for a flakier finish.
Add dried cranberries or raisins for a burst of tartness.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover pie in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place a slice in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. For best results, avoid reheating the entire pie in the microwave to maintain the crust’s texture.

FAQs

What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp hold up well during baking and provide a nice flavor balance.

Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Yes, a pre-made pie crust works great and saves time, but you can use homemade if you prefer.

How do I keep the caramel from hardening too much?

Allow the pie to rest for a few minutes before flipping, and serve while still slightly warm for the best texture.

Can I make this pie in advance?

Yes, you can bake it the day before and reheat gently before serving.

Will the crust get soggy on the bottom?

No, since it’s on top during baking, the crust stays crisp and golden.

Can I freeze this pie?

Yes, once cooled completely, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Do I have to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but you can leave the skins on if you prefer a more rustic feel.

What can I serve with this pie?

It pairs beautifully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

How do I flip the pie without making a mess?

Let the pie rest for 10–15 minutes after baking, then use a large plate and invert it carefully. Use oven mitts to avoid burns.

Can I make this in a cast iron skillet?

Absolutely. A well-seasoned cast iron skillet works wonderfully and helps caramelize the apples beautifully.

Conclusion

Spiced upside-down apple pie is a beautiful and flavorful dessert that combines the richness of caramelized apples with the warmth of seasonal spices. Easy to prepare and stunning to serve, this pie is the perfect centerpiece for any gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this recipe is sure to impress with every delicious, spiced bite.