Welcome to a swoon-worthy dessert that feels like a cozy autumn afternoon: Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake. Imagine soft, cinnamon-spiced cake cradling tender apples smothered in buttery caramel, each slice a love letter to classic comfort baking. This is the ultimate treat when you’re craving nostalgia or want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen. You’ll adore the way the sweet-tart apples mingle with golden caramel, the cake crumb soaks up those rich flavors, and each bite brings joy to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Baking the perfect Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake begins with a handful of familiar but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Every one plays an important role, from creating those glossy caramelized apples to delivering a cake with melt-in-your-mouth crumb, gentle spice, and just the right level of sweetness.
- Apples: Fresh, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and give the cake a balance of tart and sweet that’s simply irresistible.
- Unsalted Butter: Rich, creamy butter anchors both the caramel layer and the tender crumb of the cake, ensuring moistness in every bite.
- Packed Brown Sugar: Deep and molasses-y, brown sugar melts with butter to form that sticky, decadent caramel topping everyone craves.
- All-Purpose Flour: Just the right base for a cake that’s light enough to contrast with the caramel, but sturdy enough to flip beautifully.
- Baking Powder: The leavening agent that gives your cake lift and beautiful fluffiness.
- Salt: A pinch wakes up all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that’s the best friend of apples in any dessert.
- Ground Nutmeg: Just a little for a subtle, nutty complexity that makes the cake taste “from scratch.”
- Granulated Sugar: For clean, sweet structure in the cake batter, highlighting the apples’ natural flavors.
- Large Eggs: Bind the batter together and give the cake body and tenderness.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth, enhancing the cake’s classic bakery aroma.
- Whole Milk: Keeps the cake batter silkily moist and rich, resulting in a soft, satisfying crumb.
How to Make Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) for even baking from the get-go. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal—trust me, this simple step means your Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake will come out picture-perfect, every time.
Step 2: Create the Caramel Base
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt half a cup of unsalted butter, then stir in the brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and bubbling—about two minutes. This process gives you that irresistibly gooey caramel. Pour the caramel into your prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly right up to the edges.
Step 3: Arrange the Sliced Apples
Now for a little creativity! Arrange the thinly sliced apples directly over the caramel in a circular pattern, overlapping each slice slightly. This not only creates a show-stopping top for your Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake but lets every slice get its fair share of apple goodness.
Step 4: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine your flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisking ensures the spices are evenly distributed and the cake bakes with a balanced, consistent crumb all the way through.
Step 5: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a large mixing bowl and electric mixer (or some energetic whisking!), cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step builds a foundation of air that translates into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cake texture.
Step 6: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until your batter smells outright irresistible.
Step 7: Combine the Wet and Dry Mixes
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk (beginning and ending with the flour mixture). This gentle process keeps the batter smooth and prevents overmixing, ensuring your Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake is perfectly soft.
Step 8: Assemble and Bake
Spread the batter evenly over the apples and caramel, reaching all the edges. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown. The transformation that happens in the oven is pure magic!
Step 9: Cooling and Unmolding
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, run a knife around the edges, place your serving plate over the pan, and swiftly flip—the most exciting moment! Gently lift off the pan and peel away the parchment to reveal cascading caramel and glossy apples.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake
Garnishes
A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing, adding a cool contrast to the warm, sticky caramel topping. For a lighter touch, a dollop of softly whipped cream infused with a pinch of cinnamon works wonders. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of toasted nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar will make your Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake look and taste extra-special.
Side Dishes
Keep it cozy by pairing slices with hot apple cider, coffee, or chai tea. Fresh berries, poached pears, or a tangy fruit compote will bring even more brightness to the table. The wholesome, spiced notes of the cake make it a wonderful end to a hearty fall meal or an afternoon treat with friends.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the cake into wedges and serve on rustic wooden boards for a farmhouse vibe, or cut into elegant squares and layer in parfait glasses with whipped cream for an eye-catching twist. You can even bake mini versions in ramekins—adorable personal Caramel Apple Upside Down Cakes perfect for dinner parties or gifting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though they disappear fast!), wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigerate it and gently bring to room temperature before serving to revive the flavors.
Freezing
Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake freezes surprisingly well. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic and then foil, or place the whole cake (well-wrapped) in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready for a slice of nostalgia, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently to bring back that just-baked magic.
Reheating
To reheat, pop slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in a low oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes. This will revive the caramel sauce and soften the apples again, making each bite luscious and comforting—almost like it’s fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely—Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are favorites for their firm texture and tartness, but feel free to try Pink Lady or Braeburn for a slightly different flavor profile. Just make sure to use fresh, crisp apples so they don’t turn mushy during baking.
What if I don’t have whole milk?
You can easily swap whole milk for 2 percent milk or even a rich plant-based milk such as oat or almond in your Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake. While the crumb may be a touch less rich, the cake will still turn out wonderfully moist and delicious.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour and proceed as directed. The results are tender and all the same flavors shine through—perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
How do I keep the apples from sticking to the pan?
Lining the pan with parchment paper after greasing is a game-changer for this recipe. When you invert the Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake, the parchment peels away effortlessly, leaving those glossy, caramel-drenched apples right where you want them.
Can this cake be made ahead for a party?
Definitely! Bake the cake a day in advance, let it cool completely, and keep it covered at room temperature. Just before serving, gently warm individual slices to bring back the caramel’s shine and aroma—the perfect make-ahead dessert for gatherings.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake, you’ll want to make it part of every autumn gathering and cozy evening in. It’s the kind of dessert that brings smiles, second helpings, and lots of happy memories to the table—so grab your apples and bake up something truly special today!
Print
Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious blend of caramel and apples with this irresistible Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake. Perfect for fall baking or any time you’re craving a sweet treat!
Ingredients
For the Caramel:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
For the Cake:
- 3 medium apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Make the caramel: In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter, add brown sugar, and cook until smooth. Pour into the prepared pan.
- Arrange the apples: Place sliced apples on top of the caramel in a circular pattern.
- Prepare the batter: Combine flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla, then mix in dry ingredients and milk.
- Bake: Spread batter over apples and caramel. Bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Finish: Cool for 10 minutes, invert the cake onto a plate, and remove the pan and parchment. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Great with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
- Best with Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
