Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
If you love the cozy flavors of fall and crave a dessert that’s as stunning to look at as it is delicious, this Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine tender, cinnamon-spiced apple slices nestled in a buttery caramel glaze, crowned by a soft, moist cake that’s perfectly balanced between sweet and warmly spiced. Every bite is a nostalgic embrace of autumn’s best, and the way the caramel and apples caramelize during baking makes this cake irresistibly rich without being heavy. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this treat promises to delight all your senses.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need for this Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe are simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture, moistness, and that irresistible caramel-apple flavor you’ll savor with every bite.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup + 1/2 cup softened): Provides richness and helps create that luscious caramel sauce and tender cake crumb.
- Brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Offers deep molasses notes essential for the caramel topping’s warm sweetness.
- Apples (2 medium, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced): Choosing firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith adds texture and a pleasant tartness that balances the caramel.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The backbone of the cake structure, giving it the right crumb.
- Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Ensures the cake rises just perfectly for a light texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the cake batter for that tender crumb.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind the batter and add moisture for softness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings out the warm flavors in the cake beautifully.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and richness, contributing to the cake’s softness.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon) & ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Infuse the cake with that classic cozy spice flavor that complements the apples perfectly.
How to Make Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly. This step ensures your cake doesn’t stick when it’s time to flip it, and starting with the right oven temperature guarantees an even bake throughout.
Step 2: Make the Decadent Caramel Topping
Gently melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then stir in 3/4 cup packed brown sugar. Cook the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until it bubbles up and smooths out into a glossy caramel sauce. Pour this warm caramel evenly into the bottom of your prepared cake pan. Now for the showstopper — arrange the thinly sliced apples over the caramel in a spiral or overlapping pattern; it’s both beautiful and ensures each slice gets perfectly caramelized.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cake Batter
In a medium bowl, mix together the dry ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. In a separate large bowl, cream 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy — the secret to that tender crumb. Beat in two large eggs one at a time, then add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for depth of flavor. Incorporate the dry ingredients in three batches, alternating with 1/2 cup whole milk, starting and ending with the dry. Mix gently until just combined — overmixing can toughen your cake!
Step 4: Bake and Flip Your Masterpiece
Pour the batter carefully over the caramel-coated apples and smooth the top lightly with a spatula. Pop your pan into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes — this helps the caramel set slightly. Then, run a knife around the edges to loosen and carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate. The beautiful caramel apple topping will now be gloriously on top, ready to impress. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavors.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of softly whipped cream adds a dreamy contrast to the warm caramel and spiced apples. For a festive touch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or some toasted chopped pecans on top — it adds a tiny crunch and an extra layer of comforting flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk. If you want to make it a fuller dessert experience, a simple caramel sauce drizzle or a side of spiced custard can take the indulgence up a notch, turning your dessert into an unforgettable treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual slices on pretty plates with a caramel drizzle and a fresh mint leaf to brighten the look and flavor. You can also cut the cake into squares and serve as finger desserts for gatherings. If you’re feeling festive, top with apple chips or a sprinkle of edible gold dust for a dazzling, elegant presentation that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Stored properly, it will stay moist and flavorful for up to 3 days at room temperature, making it perfect for weekday treats or sharing with friends and family.
Freezing
This Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Slice the cake first, then wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well for up to 2 months, so you can enjoy this autumnal treat anytime you want.
Reheating
For the ultimate comforting experience, gently reheat slices in a microwave for about 20 seconds or in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. This revives the cake’s softness and awakens its luscious caramel and spice flavors, making every bite feel freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples in this recipe?
Absolutely! While firm, tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith hold up best, you can experiment with Fuji or Gala apples for a sweeter, softer twist. Just keep in mind that softer apples might result in slightly less textured topping.
Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the unsalted butter for a dairy-free alternative or coconut oil, and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk to replace whole milk. The flavor will still be delightful, though the cake might be a bit different in texture.
How do I know when my cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake after 40 minutes of baking. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked. This ensures the cake is moist but cooked through.
Can I prepare parts of the Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the caramel topping and apple arrangement the day before and refrigerate the pan. Just add the cake batter and bake when ready. This cuts down on baking day prep and lets those flavors marry nicely.
What is the best way to slice and serve this cake?
Use a serrated knife to gently slice through the cake, especially since the caramel topping can be sticky. Serving slices warm highlights the gooey apples and caramel, but it’s also delicious at room temperature for a firmer slice.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe—its combination of caramel, apple, and warm spices creates a dessert that feels like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re treating loved ones or indulging yourself, I can’t recommend making this cake enough. It’s simple, cozy, and absolutely worth every bite. Go ahead and bake one today—you won’t regret it!
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Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm, cozy Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake featuring a rich caramel topping with tender apple slices layered under a spiced, buttery cake. Perfect for fall gatherings or a comforting dessert, this American classic combines the sweetness of caramel and fruit with the fragrant spices of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Ingredients
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly and set it aside to be ready for the caramel topping.
- Make the Topping: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter. Stir in 3/4 cup packed brown sugar and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture becomes bubbly and smooth. Immediately pour the hot caramel mixture into the bottom of the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Arrange the peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apple pieces on top of the caramel in a spiral or overlapping pattern for an attractive design.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg to combine the spices and leavening with the flour.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, indicating good aeration for a tender cake.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with 1/2 cup whole milk. Start with dry ingredients, then milk, dry, milk, and finish with dry. Mix each addition just until incorporated to avoid overmixing which could toughen the cake.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cake batter evenly over the apple and caramel layer in the pan. Gently smooth the top with a spatula for even baking. Place the 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.
- Cool and Invert: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Then run a knife around the edges carefully to loosen it. Place a serving plate upside down over the pan, and carefully invert the cake onto the plate so the caramel apple topping is on top. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and balanced tartness.
- For extra indulgence, serve the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Make sure to not overmix the batter once the milk and flour are combined to maintain a tender crumb.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
