Name: Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 3/4 cup packed brown sugar; 2 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended); 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp cinnamon; 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

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter (can be substituted with salted butter if reducing other salt)

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

3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)

2 large apples (peeled and thinly sliced; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan generously and line the bottom with parchment paper.

Step 2: Melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 3/4 cup of brown sugar until dissolved and smooth.

Step 3: Pour the caramel mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to create a base.

Step 4: Toss the sliced apples with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to prevent browning and add warmth.

Step 5: Arrange the apple slices neatly over the caramel layer in the pan.

Step 6: In a bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Step 7: In a large bowl, cream 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in 2 eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Step 8: Alternately add the dry ingredients and 1/2 cup milk to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined.

Step 9: Pour the batter over the arranged apples, spreading it evenly to cover the fruit.

Step 10: Bake for 40-45 minutes until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 11: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate so the caramel and apples are on top.

Step 12: Allow to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts over the caramel before arranging the apples.

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet and tangy flavor, or sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp for more natural sweetness.

If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the cinnamon mixture.

Make sure the butter is softened but not melted when creaming with sugar for a fluffy cake texture.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes, pears or peaches work well as alternatives and pair nicely with the caramel topping.

How do I prevent the apples from sinking into the batter?

Arranging the apples on top of the caramel base before adding the batter helps keep them in place. Avoid stirring the batter too much after combining ingredients to maintain its thickness.