Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe

Introduction

Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake is a cozy dessert that combines tender apples with a rich caramel topping and a moist spiced cake. This comforting cake is perfect for autumn or any time you crave a sweet, fruity treat.

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2–3 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
• ¼ cup milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or a deep pie dish to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Make the caramel topping by melting 3 tablespoons unsalted butter and ½ cup brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat until bubbly and smooth, about 2–3 minutes. Pour this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Step 3: Arrange the peeled, cored, and sliced apples on top of the caramel in a circular pattern for an attractive presentation.
4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 1½ cups flour, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg.
5. Step 5: In a separate large bowl, cream ½ cup softened butter with ½ cup brown sugar and ¼ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the 2 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
6. Step 6: Mix in ½ cup sour cream (or plain yogurt) and ¼ cup milk until just combined, then gently fold in the dry ingredients without overmixing.
7. Step 7: Spread the batter evenly over the arranged apples and caramel in the pan.
8. Step 8: Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for 10–15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a serving plate.
9. Step 9: Serve warm, ideally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for balance, or sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp for a milder flavor.
• Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist and added protein.
• For extra texture, sprinkle chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) over the caramel before adding the apples.
• If you prefer a dairy-free option, use coconut yogurt and a milk alternative like almond milk.

Storage

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave or oven before serving, especially if enjoying with ice cream or whipped cream.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake a day before serving. Keep it covered at room temperature or refrigerated, and reheat gently to serve warm.

What type of pan works best for this recipe?

A 9-inch round cake pan or a deep pie dish works best to hold the caramel and apples while baking and to allow easy inversion onto a serving plate.

Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 141 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake combines the warm, rich flavors of caramelized brown sugar and tender apples with a moist, spiced cake base. Featuring a buttery caramel topping paired with cinnamon and nutmeg-spiced cake, this comforting dessert is perfect for fall or any time you crave a cozy treat. The apples caramelize beautifully on the bottom during baking, creating a luscious, sticky topping when inverted.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Caramel Topping

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2–3 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)

Cake Batter

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
• ¼ cup milk

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or a deep pie dish thoroughly to ensure easy removal of the cake later.
2. Make the Caramel Topping: In a small saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter with ½ cup brown sugar over medium heat. Stir gently until the mixture is bubbly and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Pour this caramel evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Arrange the peeled, cored, and sliced apples on top of the caramel in a circular pattern to cover the surface attractively.
3. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1½ cups all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg. Set aside.
4. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, cream together ½ cup softened unsalted butter, ½ cup brown sugar, and ¼ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
6. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Mix in ½ cup sour cream (or plain yogurt) and ¼ cup milk until just combined, creating a smooth batter.
7. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet batter until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake light and tender.
8. Assemble and Bake: Gently spread the cake batter evenly over the arranged apple slices and caramel in the pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and Invert: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. Then carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate so the apple caramel topping is on top.
10. Serve: Serve the cake warm, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Notes

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balanced sweetness and firm texture.
• Ensure your pan is well-greased to prevent sticking when inverting the cake.
• Sour cream or plain yogurt adds moisture and tang; you can substitute for buttermilk if preferred.
• Do not overmix the batter to maintain a light cake texture.
• Serve the cake warm for best flavor and texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: caramel apple cake, upside-down cake, apple dessert, fall cake, spiced cake, caramel dessert