Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

If you are looking for a dessert that combines the warmth of autumn spices with the irresistible charm of caramelized fruit, the Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful cake marries tender, cinnamon-scented apples with a luscious caramel glaze, all topped by a moist, buttery cake that’s both comforting and celebratory. Every bite offers a beautiful balance of sweet, tart, and fragrant flavors that will have you reaching for seconds (and thirds) in no time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting your hands on simple, classic ingredients is the first secret to nailing this Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tartness of the apples to the rich notes of brown sugar and the soft crumb of the cake itself, making every forkful an absolute delight.

• Granny Smith apples (4 medium-sized): Choose tart apples to balance the sweetness and hold their shape during baking.
• Unsalted butter (1 cup total): Butter provides richness and is key for the caramel and the batter.
• Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds deep molasses flavor crucial for that classic caramel taste.
• Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Brings warm spice that perfectly complements the apples.
• Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Offers just a hint of earthy warmth without overpowering.
• Salt (1 pinch + 1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors.
• All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The base that gives the cake structure with a tender crumb.
• Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Helps the cake rise beautifully and stay light.
• Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Provides sweetness and helps the cake achieve a golden crust.
• Large eggs (2, room temperature): Bind everything together and add moisture.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a sweet floral aroma that lifts the cake flavors.
• Milk (1/2 cup, whole preferred): Contributes to the cake’s moist texture.
• Sour cream (2 tablespoons): Ensures tenderness and adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.

How to Make Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your baking dish thoroughly so that the cake will release easily. Melt half a cup of butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the brown sugar. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth, bubbling slightly, and fragrant. Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to create that signature warm caramel flavor, then pour this luscious mixture into your pan, setting the stage for the apples to shine.

Step 2: Slice and Season the Apples

Peel, core, and slice the apples into quarter-inch wedges — uniform slices make for an even caramelization and gorgeous presentation. Toss the apple slices with cinnamon to infuse them with spice. Arrange these apples artfully atop the caramel, overlapping the edges slightly to form a visually stunning pattern that will dazzle when flipped.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. This combination ensures the cake achieves the perfect rise and crumb, balancing lightness with enough structure to support the apples without becoming dense.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is critical for incorporating air, which makes the cake tender and gives it its soft texture.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time to maintain the mixture’s stability and volume, then stir in the vanilla extract. This vanilla essence adds a subtle sweetness that brightens the whole cake.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the creamed butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry. This technique keeps the batter smooth without overworking it. Finally, fold in the sour cream gently to keep the batter tender and moist.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Carefully dollop the batter over the arranged apples, spreading it evenly without disturbing the beautiful pattern below. Give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to release any air bubbles that could leave holes in your finished cake.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. The smell during this time will be absolutely irresistible, filling your kitchen with all the cozy aromas of fall.

Step 9: Flip and Reveal

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for exactly 15 minutes before flipping it onto a serving plate. This step lets the caramel drizzle wonderfully over the cake and sets the perfect glossy finish, making your Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe not only delicious but stunning to present.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream is basically the perfect partner for this cake. Sprinkle a few toasted pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top to add texture and a touch of elegance.

Side Dishes

This cake shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a warm cup of spiced tea or fresh-brewed coffee. For a more festive touch, serve alongside caramel sauce or a drizzle of maple syrup to enhance the fall flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices with a small caramel apple garnish or arrange mini versions of this cake in ramekins for a charming, shareable dessert. For gatherings, slice the cake into wedges and serve on rustic wooden boards with fresh apple slices to highlight the star ingredient.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep it fresher, refrigeration is fine but bring the slices to room temperature before eating to maximize flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm slightly before serving to get that just-baked feel.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in a microwave for about 20 seconds or in a warm oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes. This will revive the cake’s softness and make the caramel gooey again without overcooking it.

FAQs

Can I use apples other than Granny Smith for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide a wonderful tartness and firm texture, you can substitute with Honeycrisp for a sweeter and slightly softer result. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will shift toward a sweeter cake.

Do I need a cast iron skillet to make this cake?

Not necessarily. A 9-inch round cake pan lined with parchment paper works perfectly fine. Cast iron just adds the benefit of even heat distribution and imparts a rustic charm, but the recipe adapts well to most oven-safe pans.

Is it okay to use salted butter?

It’s best to stick to unsalted butter so you can precisely control the amount of salt in the recipe. Using salted butter might make the cake slightly saltier than intended, which can affect the balance of flavors.

Can this cake be made gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. Just be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well to avoid any issues.

What’s the best way to avoid the apples sinking into the cake?

Arranging the apple slices over the caramel base carefully and then gently placing the batter on top helps keep the apples in place. Using a slightly thicker batter and not overmixing also ensures the apples stay beautifully arranged after baking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe that keeps everyone coming back for more. Its perfect balance of caramel richness, spiced apples, and tender cake makes it a timeless treat for any occasion. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe at home—once you do, it’s bound to become one of your favorite desserts to share with friends and family.

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