Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Introduction

Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, combining tender apples with rich caramel and a moist cake base. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet ending to any meal.

Ingredients

• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Step 2: In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and bubbly. Pour the caramel mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared cake pan.
3. Step 3: Arrange the apple slices in an overlapping pattern over the caramel mixture in the pan. Set aside.
4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
5. Step 5: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the remaining 1/4 cup of butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
6. Step 6: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Step 7: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
8. Step 8: Spread the cake batter evenly over the apples in the pan.
9. Step 9: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
10. Step 10: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving platter.
11. Step 11: Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance against the sweetness of the caramel.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the caramel before arranging the apples.
• If you prefer, substitute the milk with buttermilk for a richer texture.
• Make sure to cool the cake slightly before flipping to avoid breaking it.

Storage

Store any leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to enjoy the warm caramel flavor again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this cake?

It’s best to use fresh apples for the best texture and flavor. Frozen apples release more moisture, which can make the cake soggy.

What can I substitute for unsalted butter?

You can use salted butter, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to keep the flavor balanced.

Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 122 reviews

This Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake is a delightful twist on the classic upside down cake featuring tender apple slices caramelized with brown sugar and warm spices. The moist cake base with hints of vanilla and cinnamon perfectly complements the rich caramelized apples on top, making it a comforting dessert ideal for fall or any cozy occasion.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Caramel Apple Topping

• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (divided)
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Cake Batter

• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Make Caramel Mixture: In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the packed light brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. Then, pour this caramel evenly into the bottom of the prepared cake pan.
3. Arrange Apples: Arrange the thinly sliced apple pieces in an overlapping pattern directly over the caramel layer in the pan. Set aside while you prepare the batter.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening and seasoning agents.
5. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the remaining 1/4 cup of butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps to incorporate air for a tender cake.
6. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter mixture, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
7. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients alternately with the milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently to maintain a light batter without overmixing.
8. Assemble the Cake: Spread the cake batter evenly over the arranged apples in the cake pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
9. Bake: Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating doneness.
10. Cool and Invert: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set the caramel topping, then carefully invert it onto a serving platter so that the caramelized apple side is on top.
11. Serve: Serve the cake warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture. Enjoy this cozy and delicious dessert!

Notes

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance with the sweet caramel.
• Ensure the butter is fully melted and the brown sugar mixture is bubbling to achieve a smooth caramel layer.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
• Allow the cake to cool slightly before inverting to prevent the caramel from sticking to the pan.
• Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Keywords: caramel apple cake, upside down cake, apple dessert, fall dessert, caramel cake, spiced apple cake