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Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/caramel-apple-upside-down-cake-recipe/