If you are craving a cozy dessert that perfectly blends sweet, buttery caramel with tender, spiced apples, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe. This cake is a delicious celebration of autumn flavors wrapped in a moist and tender crumb topped with beautifully caramelized apples that practically melt in your mouth. It’s a comforting treat that brings both nostalgia and excitement to any gathering or quiet evening at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe is incredibly rewarding because the ingredient list is straightforward, yet every component plays an important role. Each element, from buttery brown sugar to warm spices, combines to create that perfect balance of texture and flavor that makes this cake so irresistible.
- Unsalted butter, 1 stick for caramel and 1/2 cup softened: Adds richness and enhances the cake’s moist texture.
- Brown sugar, 3/4 cup: Provides deep caramel notes that complement the apples beautifully.
- Apples, 2–3 peeled and thinly sliced: The star of the cake, adding natural sweetness and fruity freshness.
- All-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups: Creates the perfect sturdy but tender cake base.
- Baking powder, 1 tsp and baking soda, 1/2 tsp: Leavening agents that help the cake rise nicely.
- Cinnamon, 1 tsp and nutmeg, 1/4 tsp: Warm spices that infuse the batter with cozy autumn flavors.
- Salt, 1/4 tsp: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- Granulated sugar, 3/4 cup: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- Eggs, 2: Bind ingredients together and add moisture and lift.
- Vanilla extract, 1 tsp: Adds a lovely aromatic hint that ties all flavors together.
- Sour cream, 1/2 cup: Keeps the cake moist and adds a slight tang that complements the sweetness.
- Milk, 1/4 cup: Provides moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
How to Make Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch cake pan thoroughly. This step ensures your cake pulls away easily after baking and sets the stage for that perfect caramel topping.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Apple Base
In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter together with the brown sugar until the mixture is bubbling and smooth. Pour this luscious caramel mixture into your greased pan, then neatly arrange the thin apple slices in a single layer over the top. This arrangement creates that stunning caramelized apple topping that’s the highlight of this delightful cake.
Step 3: Mix Your Dry and Wet Ingredients
In one bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until they are evenly combined. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Next, add the eggs one at a time and stir in the vanilla extract. Alternate adding the sour cream and milk with the dry ingredients, mixing gently until everything is fully incorporated but not overmixed. This method creates a tender crumb with just the right density.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the batter carefully over the caramel apple layer in your pan, smoothing the top lightly. Pop the cake into your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until it turns a gorgeous golden color and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma at this point is pure heaven—spiced apples and buttery caramel filling your kitchen.
Step 5: Cool and Invert
Once out of the oven, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This slight cooling allows the caramel to set just enough for easy flipping. Then place a plate over the pan and invert the cake carefully so that your beautiful caramelized apple topping is showcased perfectly. Serve while still warm or at room temperature for the best experience.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For an additional touch of indulgence, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of each slice. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans can also heighten both the presentation and flavor, making every bite feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced tea or freshly brewed coffee. If you’re serving it as part of a bigger dessert spread, consider adding a simple fruit salad or a crisp green salad with a tart vinaigrette to cut through the cake’s richness and balance the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by serving slices on rustic wooden boards or vintage dessert plates. You might drizzle a bit of warm caramel sauce over the top or add fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks alongside each slice for an inviting, festive look that your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days. Bringing it to room temperature before serving restores its lovely softness.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake either as a whole or in individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen cake can last up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven (about 300°F / 150°C) for 10 minutes. This brings back the soft texture and enhances the caramelized apple flavor beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best because they hold their shape and offer a nice balance of sweetness and tartness that complements the caramel topping.
Is it necessary to invert the cake warm?
Yes, flipping the cake while it’s still warm allows the caramel to be slightly fluid, ensuring the apple topping releases cleanly from the pan and drapes perfectly over the cake.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Sure! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend in equal amounts. Just be aware that texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
What’s the best way to slice the cake?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts to keep the caramel apple topping neat and prevent it from sticking.
How can I add more caramel flavor?
Consider drizzling extra homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the warm slices right before serving for an extra decadent touch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully comforting about making and sharing the Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe. It’s a timeless dessert that brings warmth and joy to any occasion with its inviting scents, buttery textures, and melt-in-your-mouth apples. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and enjoy that magical moment when you slice through the caramel and apples, revealing the tender cake beneath. Trust me, this one will become a treasured classic in your dessert rotation.
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Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delightful Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake featuring tender, spiced apples layered over a rich caramel base, topped with a moist, cinnamon-infused cake. This classic dessert offers a perfect balance of sweet caramel and tart apple flavors, ideal for autumn or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Caramel Topping
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2–3 apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
Cake Batter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan thoroughly to prevent the cake from sticking during baking and inversion.
- Make Caramel Base: In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 3/4 cup brown sugar over medium heat until the mixture is bubbly and smooth. Pour this caramel sauce evenly into the prepared cake pan. Arrange the peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples on top of the caramel layer in an even layer.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Set aside.
- Make Cake Batter: In a separate large bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix in 1/2 cup sour cream followed by 1/4 cup milk until combined. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients until just incorporated, avoiding overmixing.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the prepared batter evenly over the arranged apple slices in the cake pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Invert: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. While still warm, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate to reveal the caramelized apples on top. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For best results, use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance the sweetness.
- Make sure to grease the pan well to facilitate easy removal after baking.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before inverting to prevent the caramel from running.
- This cake is delicious served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
