Upside-down Apple Pie
{Serving suggestion only*}
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This Upside-down Apple Pie reinvents a classic with its ingenious brown sugar-walnut base that becomes a caramelized topping when inverted. Thinly sliced apples are perfumed with cinnamon, nutmeg and a hint of lemon for balanced flavor, while the unique pastry crust creates flaky texture. Served warm with the nutty caramel dripping down the sides, this showstopping dessert elevates traditional apple pie to new heights of deliciousness.
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Ingredients
Pastry:
1 1/4 c. sifted all-purpose flour
1/2 t. salt
1/3 c. shortening
1 egg
1 T. lemon juice
Caramel Topping (starts out on the bottom):
1 1/2 c. walnut halves
1/3 c. light brown sugar (firmly packed)
2 T. butter (melted)

(continued in the next column ↗️)

 
 
 
Filling:
3 apples
1/2 c. granulated sugar
2 T. flour
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. nutmeg
1/4 t. salt

Directions

Pastry:
Sift flour and salt together in bowl.
Cut in shortening until mealy.
Beat egg and lemon juice together slightly and stir into flour mixture with a fork until it holds together.
Gather pastry together into 2 balls, wrap in waxed paper and chill while filling is being prepared.


Filling:
Pare, core and slice apples.
They should measure 3 cups sliced.
Mix granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and sliced apples. 

To Assemble:
Bottom Layer:
Pour melted butter over bottom of a 9 inch pie pan.
Place walnuts, flat side up in pan, sprinkle brown sugar over nuts.
Next Layer:
Roll 1 pastry ball into thin circle about 11 inches in diameter.
Prick with fork lines and place on top of sugar and nuts.
Next Layer:
Cover with apple mixture.
Top Layer:
Now roll the second ball of pastry in a 10 inch circle and arrange on top of apples.
Crimp pastry edges to seal pie.
Prick top to allow steam to escape and bake [at normal pie baking temp*] 30 to 35 minutes or until nicely browned.

Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then invert onto serving plate and remove pan.
Serve warm.

*From Copilot:
"To bake a delicious apple pie, the recommended temperature is 425°F (220°C). At this temperature, the crust becomes golden and flaky while the apples cook thoroughly. The baking time typically ranges from 45 to 55 minutes, depending on factors like the type of apples used and your oven's efficiency.
If you're aiming for a slightly different texture, you can bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 50 minutes for a tender filling and golden crust, or at 375°F (190°C) for 30 to 40 minutes for a crispier crust."

Servings
Makes one 9-inch pie, serves 8 people
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Per Serving - Calories: 380; Total Fat: 24g (Saturated Fat: 6g); Cholesterol: 40mg; Sodium: 240mg; Total Carbohydrates: 40g (Dietary Fiber: 3g, Sugars: 24g); Protein: 6g
*Nutrition information is provided as a general estimate only. Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients, and is based on available nutrient data. Variations may occur based on ingredient brands and preparation methods.
💬 Uncle Dave says...
The original recipe didn’t have a temperature, so pick your favorite apple pie temp. Or take the advice from Copilot!
🧑‍🍳 The Cook:  Marie McNeal 🔑 Keywords: desserts, pie, apple
🗂️ Categories: 🍨 Desserts, 🥧 Pies
📚 Cookbooks: Cooking with Carl, Hugh & Your Friends, The TFR Cookbook
Upside-down Apple Pie was added on March 01, 2007 and last updated on May 28, 2025.
*Serving suggestion only. 😂 If a food photo doesn't look like it was taken by a monkey named Frank, it was most likely AI generated and not the result of Frank's minimal culinary or photographic skills. Unless you failed the "I'm not a robot" test, your recipes will probably not look like the ones in the pictures. See Creamy Turkey Veggie Soup to read more about AI images.
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