If you’re craving something that feels like a cozy celebration in every bite, this Delicious Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a stunning balance of sweet caramel, tender apples, and a moist, buttery cake that turns a classic dessert into a showstopper. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or just treating yourself, this cake is packed with warmth and nostalgia, perfect for sharing smiles around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll find that this cake comes together with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each bring something special to the party. From the richness of butter to the spicy-sweet apple slices, every component plays a crucial role in creating that perfect texture and flavor harmony.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, divided): Used for both the caramel layer and the cake batter, it adds richness and helps create that irresistible moist crumb.
- Brown sugar (3/4 cup): The key to luscious caramel, it gives a deep molasses flavor and beautiful color.
- Apples (2 to 3 medium, peeled and thinly sliced): The star fruit here, apples provide juicy sweetness and a tender bite after baking.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cake batter while helping it rise to a nice golden finish.
- Large eggs (2): They bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s fluffy texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A small touch that lifts all the flavors and adds warm complexity.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The base of the cake, providing just the right structure to hold the juicy apples and caramel.
- Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Helps the cake rise perfectly light and airy.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet notes and balances the overall taste.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and tenderness to the batter for that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
How to Make Delicious Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing the 9-inch round cake pan with butter and lining it with parchment paper will ensure your cake won’t stick, making it easier to flip later without losing a single caramelized apple slice.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Base
Melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cook until bubbly and glossy. This luscious caramel becomes the golden foundation of your cake, so pour it evenly into your prepared pan.
Step 3: Arrange the Apple Slices
Here’s your chance to get a little artistic! Neatly arrange the thinly sliced apples on top of the caramel. Their tender texture and natural sweetness will soak into the caramel during baking, creating a stunning mosaic once flipped.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together the remaining butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the eggs and vanilla extract, blending everything until smooth and airy—this forms the fluffy base of your cake.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Then, alternate adding the dry mixture and whole milk into your creamed butter mixture, mixing gently but thoroughly to form a smooth, balanced batter that will bake up soft and moist.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter over the arranged apples in the pan, spreading it evenly. Slide your pan into the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma during this time is simply irresistible!
Step 7: Cool and Flip to Serve
After baking, allow the cake to cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Then carefully invert it onto a serving plate so that those caramelized apples are proudly displayed on top. This final step reveals the magic of your Delicious Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe.
How to Serve Delicious Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To highlight the sticky-sweet allure of this cake, consider a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon can also add an extra layer of flavor and texture that will elevate every bite.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of spiced chai or a robust coffee to balance the sweetness. For a brunch spread, serve alongside creamy mascarpone or ricotta cheese and fresh fruit to complement the rich caramel and aromatic apples.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning centerpiece, serve slices on rustic wooden boards with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce on top. You can also make mini versions using muffin tins for individual servings that are perfect for parties or as charming gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, maintaining that moist texture and caramel goodness.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your Delicious Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe at a later date, wrap it well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it slowly overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
To revive the just-baked taste, warm slices gently in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This brings back the gooey caramel and soft apples just as if it was freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this cake?
Absolutely! Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith work beautifully, but you can also use Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for a sweeter, softer finish. Just ensure they’re sliced thinly for even cooking.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
Greasing the cake pan generously with butter and dusting it lightly with flour can help prevent sticking, but parchment paper guarantees an easier release, especially for delicate cakes like this one.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Baking powder should be gluten-free as well, but double-check the label to be safe.
Is this cake suitable for a crowd?
Definitely! This recipe yields about 8 to 8 servings, making it perfect for sharing at family dinners, potlucks, or holiday celebrations where everyone will want a second slice.
How can I add a bit more spice to the cake?
Try adding a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients. These warm spices complement the apples and caramel beautifully while adding depth to the flavor.
Final Thoughts
With its captivating combination of sweet caramel and tender apples, the Delicious Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe is truly a timeless treat to have in your baking repertoire. It’s more than just dessert — it’s a warm hug on a plate that’s guaranteed to bring joy at any occasion. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy this wonderful cake that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.
Print
Delicious Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 to 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 to 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delightful caramel apple upside down cake featuring a luscious caramel layer topped with tender baked apples and a moist vanilla-flavored cake. Perfect for a cozy dessert or special occasion, this cake combines the rich flavors of brown sugar caramel and fresh apples in an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Caramel Layer
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 to 3 medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced
Cake Batter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make Caramel Layer: Melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cook until the mixture becomes bubbly and caramel-like. Immediately pour this caramel mixture evenly into the prepared cake pan.
- Arrange Apples: Neatly arrange the thinly sliced peeled apples on top of the caramel layer in the cake pan, covering the surface evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the remaining 1/4 cup unsalted butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps incorporate air for a tender cake texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to distribute the leavening and seasoning evenly.
- Mix Batter: Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and whole milk to the creamed butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined without overmixing to maintain cake tenderness.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter carefully over the arranged apples in the cake pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Invert: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes. Then carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate so the caramel and apples are on top, creating the classic upside-down effect.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Ensure apples are sliced uniformly for even baking.
- Allow cake to cool slightly before inverting to prevent the caramel from sticking or running.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner presentation.
