If there’s one dessert that wraps you in a hug from the very first bite, it’s Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake. Imagine glossy, caramelized apples snuggled beneath a plush, buttery crumb—everything you love about apple pie and cake united as a showstopping, old-fashioned treat! This beauty elevates a humble apple into the star of your autumn table, though honestly it’s irresistible year-round. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a generous pour of caramel, each forkful is pure magical comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a short list of kitchen staples transforms into such a stunning dessert! Each ingredient in this Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake plays a vital role, from the juicy apples and warming cinnamon to that crucial buttery base that makes the caramel topping lusciously sticky.
- Apples: Choose Honeycrisp or Gala for their balance of sweetness and tartness and beautiful texture after baking.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness to both the caramel topping and the cake, giving that melt-in-your-mouth crumb and glossy finish.
- Light brown sugar: Essential for that deep, toffee-like caramel layer that blankets the apples.
- Cinnamon: Lends cozy warmth that pairs perfectly with baked apples.
- Granulated sugar: Keeps the cake light, sweet, and complements the caramel notes.
- Eggs: Bind the batter and ensure the cake stays soft and tender.
- Vanilla extract: Adds inviting aroma and heightens the flavor of both apple and caramel.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the crumb delicate.
- Baking powder: Lifts your cake so it comes out airy and never dense.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy elements, making the overall flavor pop.
- Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and adds moisture for that just-right texture.
How to Make Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Apples
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for an even bake and a beautifully golden finish. Generously grease a 9-inch round cake pan—nobody wants their caramel apple topping to stick—and line the bottom with parchment paper for stress-free inverting later. Slice your apples thinly for that signature, fanned effect on top.
Step 2: Create the Caramel Apple Topping
Melt 1/2 cup (one stick) unsalted butter with 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar over medium heat in a small saucepan. As the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes together, stir in cinnamon for an irresistible aroma. Pour this buttery, caramel goodness into your prepared pan and arrange the apple slices over the top in a pretty pattern—they’ll be the jewel-like crown when you flip your cake!
Step 3: Whip Up the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is your ticket to an airy crumb! Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, mixing gently and just until everything comes together; overmixing is the enemy of tenderness.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Carefully spread the batter over your spiced caramel apples, smoothing out to the edges. It’s okay if it looks a bit thick—trust the process! Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake springs back when lightly touched. The kitchen will smell like pure nostalgia.
Step 5: Invert and Cool
Patience is key here! Let your Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake rest for 10 minutes when it comes out of the oven; this helps the caramel set just enough to flip without a mess. Run a knife around the edges, place your serving plate over the pan, and carefully invert the cake. Peel off the parchment to reveal that glistening, caramelized apple masterpiece. Serve slices warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a loving drizzle of extra caramel if you’re feeling indulgent.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake
Garnishes
There’s nothing like a flourish of toppings to make your Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake even more inviting. Vanilla ice cream is a classic pick, melting over the warm cake for the ultimate treat. Try a dollop of softly whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon, a drizzle of extra caramel sauce, or even toasted pecans for a little crunch.
Side Dishes
This cake steals the show but pairs well with cozy side sips like hot apple cider, spiced chai tea, or fresh-brewed coffee. If you’re serving it for a gathering, a fruit salad of oranges and berries adds a refreshing, bright counterpoint to the cake’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, serve individual slices in pretty ramekins topped with mini scoops of ice cream. You can also cut it into generous squares and serve on a rustic wooden board, garnished with apple chips or cinnamon sticks. For festive occasions, dust the cake lightly with powdered sugar or add edible flowers for a charming touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake will keep covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. The caramel may thicken a bit when chilled, but a quick warm-up revives all that gooey goodness. For best results, keep the cake in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze portions (or the whole cake) if you want to plan ahead! Wrap slices individually in parchment and then foil, or use a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently before serving so the apples regain their supple, caramel-coated sheen.
Reheating
A few seconds in the microwave will make your cake gloriously soft and bring the caramel back to life—try 15-20 seconds for a slice. If reheating a larger portion, cover with foil and place in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Always serve warm for that dreamy, just-baked experience!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Gala are my favorites for Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake, Granny Smith adds a tart kick, and Fuji or Golden Delicious bring natural sweetness. Just aim for apples that hold their shape during baking.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking when I invert it?
Be sure to generously grease the pan and add a parchment circle at the bottom before pouring in your caramel. Letting the cake cool for about 10 minutes allows the caramel to set just enough so everything releases with a gentle flip.
Can I add nuts to the cake?
Definitely! Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts can be sprinkled right onto the caramel layer before arranging apples, or gently folded into the cake batter for extra crunch and flavor.
Is it okay to use a different pan size?
A 9-inch round pan works best for even layers, but you could use an 8-inch for a thicker cake or a square pan with similar dimensions (just adjust baking time and check for doneness). Avoid using a springform pan, as the caramel might leak out.
Can I make this Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for regular flour. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or a binder to help keep the cake tender and structured.
Final Thoughts
If there’s ever a treat to bring smiles and a sense of celebration to your kitchen, it’s this Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake. With its glistening cinnamon apples, tender crumb, and nostalgic caramel flavor, it’s impossible not to love. I hope you’ll bake it soon and share it generously—the best desserts always come with a side of memories.
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Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This cozy, golden Apple Upside Down Cake is the perfect fall dessert—or a comforting treat any time of year. Caramelized apples rest atop a moist, buttery cake, all crowned with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of rich caramel sauce. Serve it warm and watch it disappear!
Ingredients
For the apple topping:
- 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Gala), thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
For the cake batter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line bottom with parchment.
- Prepare the apple topping: In a small saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir in cinnamon. Pour into prepared pan and layer sliced apples over the top.
- Make the cake batter: In a mixing bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Assemble and bake: Gently spread the batter over the apple layer. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Invert and cool: Let cake cool for 10 minutes, then run a knife around edges and carefully invert onto a serving plate. Serve warm with ice cream and caramel drizzle.
Notes
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
- Try with pears or peaches as seasonal variations.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American