Quatre Quarts Aux Pommes Apple Upside Down Pound Cake
Indulge in the irresistible charm of a classic French dessert with a twist—Quatre Quarts Aux Pommes, an apple upside-down pound cake that marries buttery richness with the warmth of caramelized apples. This elegant yet simple cake is made using the traditional quatre quarts (four quarters) method, ensuring perfect balance and a moist, tender crumb. Topped with golden slices of caramelized apples infused with a hint of lemon, every bite is a delightful harmony of sweet and tangy flavors. The preparation involves creating a luscious caramel apple base before layering it with a rich vanilla-infused batter, all baked to golden perfection. Perfect for fall gatherings or an elevated tea-time treat, this show-stopping dessert can be served warm with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra touch of decadence.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 170 grams Unsalted butter (softened)
- 170 grams Granulated sugar
- 3 whole Large eggs
- 170 grams All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 2 whole Apples (firm, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 50 grams Brown sugar
- 30 grams Unsalted butter (for caramelizing apples)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Toss them with lemon juice in a bowl to prevent browning.
In a medium saucepan, melt 30 grams of butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Allow the mixture to bubble gently for 2-3 minutes, then add the apple slices. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender and caramelized. Remove from heat and arrange the apples in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared cake pan.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
Spread the batter evenly over the caramelized apples in the prepared cake pan. Smooth the surface with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen, then carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate. Peel off the parchment paper to reveal the caramelized apple topping.
Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2668 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 179.9 g | 231% | |
| Saturated Fat | 107.8 g | 539% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 996 mg | 332% | |
| Sodium | 1886 mg | 82% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 235.5 g | 86% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.5 g | 48% | |
| Total Sugars | 87.9 g | ||
| Protein | 38.3 g | 77% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.6 mcg | 28% | |
| Calcium | 214 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 11.8 mg | 66% | |
| Potassium | 912 mg | 19% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
