Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

Craving a dessert that’s warm, indulgent, and full of fall flavors? This Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake is the perfect blend of sweet, gooey caramel, juicy apples, and a soft, fluffy cake!

Imagine tender cake baked with cinnamon-spiced apples and rich caramel, all flipped to reveal a beautiful, golden caramelized topping. Each bite combines the sweetness of apples with the buttery richness of caramel, creating a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth treat.

This cake is the ultimate fall indulgence, perfect for gatherings, cozy nights in, or when you want to impress guests with a show-stopping dessert. The caramelized apples on top make it irresistibly sweet and stunning!

Ready to bake up this delicious dessert? Let’s make this Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake and enjoy a slice of pure, fall-inspired indulgence today!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet and Cozy: The combination of warm caramelized apples and soft, buttery cake will fill your kitchen with the most irresistible scent.
• A Showstopper: This cake looks just as amazing as it tastes, with its beautiful, golden caramel topping.
• Perfect for Fall: The cozy, spiced flavors make it a great dessert for autumn gatherings or a special treat for any time of year.
• Simple Ingredients: You don’t need fancy ingredients to create this dessert; just a few pantry staples and fresh apples.
• Easy to Make: The recipe is beginner-friendly, and it’s a fun way to impress your family or guests.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Servings:
This recipe makes about 8 servings, perfect for a family or small gathering.

Difficulty:
This cake is simple to make, even for beginners. If you can melt butter and measure ingredients, you can make this cake!

Required Kitchen ToolsBefore you start baking, here’s a quick checklist of the tools you’ll need:

• 9-inch round cake pan: This is the perfect size for this recipe.
• Mixing bowls: For combining your dry and wet ingredients.
• Hand or stand mixer: To easily cream the butter and sugar for the cake.
• Spatula: To fold the batter and spread it evenly.
• Knife and cutting board: To slice the apples.
• Saucepan: For making the caramel sauce.

Ingredients for the Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

You’ll need the following ingredients to bring this delicious cake to life:

For the Apple Mixture:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup light or dark brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 medium apples, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch slices

For the Cake:

• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light or dark brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 6 tablespoons whole milk, at room temperature

How to Make Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Apple Mixture

Start by making the caramel for the upside-down layer of the cake.

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Once melted, add the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
3. Stir the mixture until it’s smooth and begins to bubble, about 2-3 minutes. Let it simmer for another minute, then remove from heat.
4. Pour the caramel sauce into the bottom of your greased 9-inch round cake pan.
5. Arrange the apple slices on top of the caramel sauce, overlapping them slightly in a circular pattern.

2. Make the Cake Batter

Now, it’s time to prepare the cake batter that will top your apple mixture.

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. You can use a hand or stand mixer for this step.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

3. Assemble the Cake

Once your apple mixture and batter are ready, it’s time to assemble the cake.

1. Spoon the batter over the apples in the cake pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly over the apples, covering them completely.
2. Smooth the top of the batter to ensure it cooks evenly.

4. Bake the Cake

Now, let the oven do the work!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the cake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

How to Serve and Store Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

1. Invert the Cake

After allowing the cake to cool slightly, it’s time to flip it over!

1. Place a large plate or serving platter over the cake pan.
2. Carefully flip the pan over to release the cake. Gently lift the pan off, revealing the beautiful caramelized apples on top. If any apples stick to the pan, you can carefully scrape them off and place them back on the cake.

2. Serving Suggestions

This caramel apple upside-down cake is perfect for any occasion. Here are a few ideas for how to serve it:

• With a scoop of vanilla ice cream: The warm cake pairs perfectly with a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Topped with whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the rich, caramel flavor.
• As a dessert on its own: Serve it plain for a simple but satisfying treat, perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.
• For breakfast: Slice it up and serve it warm as a cozy fall breakfast.

3. Storing the Cake

• Leftovers: Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: If you want to store the cake longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information (Optional)

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)	Calories: 320
Total Fat: 15g	Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg	Sodium: 100mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g	Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 32g	Protein: 2g

Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of apple for this cake?
Yes, you can use any apple variety that holds up well when baked, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. The tartness of Granny Smith apples balances the sweetness of the caramel nicely.

2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cake up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Just invert it onto a serving plate before serving.

3. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, this cake freezes well! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months, and allow it to thaw at room temperature before serving.

4. How do I prevent the apples from sinking into the batter?
To prevent the apples from sinking, make sure the batter is thick enough to support the apples. Don’t overmix the batter, as a thick consistency helps the apples stay on top while baking.

5. Can I add nuts to this cake?
Yes, you can! Chopped walnuts or pecans would make a great addition, either sprinkled on top of the apples or mixed into the batter for extra texture.

Conclusion

This Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake is a warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from fall gatherings to weeknight treats. With its sweet, gooey caramel layer and soft, spiced cake, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. Whether served as a simple dessert, with whipped cream, or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this cake will leave your taste buds craving more. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and has a beautiful presentation that will impress your family and friends. Happy baking!