Caramel Apple Upside Down cake is a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of autumn. This dessert features a beautiful layer of caramelized apples resting atop a moist, golden cake, creating a stunning presentation that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Each bite offers a symphony of sweet and tangy flavors, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or a cozy night in. Let’s dive into how to create this impressive dish that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Upside Down
This Caramel Apple Upside Down cake has several reasons to love it. First, it combines the comfort of a homemade cake with the seasonal goodness of apples, making it a perfect fall dessert. It’s also an easy caramel apple dessert that requires minimal effort for maximum impact. With its rich caramel flavor and tender apples, it’s reminiscent of a classic caramel apple pie but with a unique twist. This cake is not only beautiful but also delicious, elevating any occasion. Lastly, it’s vegetarian-friendly, making it suitable for various diets!
Ingredients for Caramel Apple Upside Down
Gather these items:
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 4-5 medium Granny Smith apples (about 2 pounds), peeled, cored, sliced ¼-inch thick
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream (or plain full-fat yogurt/buttermilk), room temperature
- ¼ cup whole milk, room temperature
How to Make Caramel Apple Upside Down Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Pour melted butter into the pan, tilting to coat. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the butter.
- Step 2: In a bowl, toss sliced apples with cinnamon, nutmeg (optional), and lemon juice until coated.
- Step 3: Arrange spiced apple slices in a single layer over the brown sugar-butter mixture in the pan, overlapping slightly to cover the bottom.
- Step 4: In a medium bowl, whisk together sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 5: In a large mixing bowl, cream softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes, until light and fluffy.
- Step 6: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla extract until just combined.
- Step 7: With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and the sour cream/milk mixture to the creamed butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Step 8: Gently spoon and spread the cake batter evenly over the apple slices in the pan. Bake for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 9: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Place a large serving plate upside down directly on top of the cake pan. Holding the plate and pan firmly, swiftly flip them over. Let the pan sit inverted for another 5-10 minutes. Gently lift the cake pan straight up and away, then carefully peel off the parchment paper.
- Step 10: Let the cake cool for at least another 30 minutes until it’s just warm to the touch for cleaner slices. Slice into wedges and serve on its own, or with vanilla bean ice cream, whipped cream, or extra caramel sauce.
Pro Tips for the Best Caramel Apple Upside Down
Keep these in mind:
- Use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the caramel.
- Make sure the butter is melted and evenly coated in the pan to prevent sticking.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before inverting for cleaner slices.
- This recipe falls under the Baking method and is categorized as a Dessert.
Best Ways to Serve Caramel Apple Upside Down
There are many ways to enjoy this delicious dessert:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a comforting treat.
- Top with whipped cream for a light and airy contrast.
- Drizzle with extra caramel sauce for added sweetness and decadence, enhancing the upside down caramel apple dessert experience.
How to Store and Reheat Caramel Apple Upside Down
To store your cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or until warmed through. This cake is also perfect for meal prep, as it maintains its flavor and texture well.
Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Apple Upside Down
What is a caramel apple upside down cake?
A caramel apple upside down cake features a layer of caramelized apples on top of a moist cake. This dessert is inverted after baking, revealing beautifully arranged apples coated in caramel.
Can I make caramel apple upside down cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving for the best flavor.
How do I avoid common mistakes with caramel apple upside down cake?
Ensure you grease the pan well to prevent sticking, and allow the cake to cool slightly before inverting it. This will help maintain the presentation and prevent the apples from tearing.
Variations of Caramel Apple Upside Down You Can Try
There are numerous ways to put a twist on this classic recipe:
- Substitute other fruits like pears or peaches for a seasonal variation.
- Add nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture in your caramel apple cake with nuts.
- Incorporate spices such as cardamom or ginger for an extra kick.
For more delicious recipes, check out our Caramel Apple Bread Recipe or try making Salted Caramel Cookies for a sweet treat!
Additionally, you can learn more about the health benefits of apples here.
Print
Delicious Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake combines comforting autumn flavors with a show-stopping presentation. Invert the pan to reveal glistening, caramelized apples atop a golden, moist cake, offering visual delight and an explosion of comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 4–5 medium Granny Smith apples (about 2 pounds), peeled, cored, sliced ¼-inch thick
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream (or plain full-fat yogurt/buttermilk), room temperature
- ¼ cup whole milk, room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Pour melted butter into the pan, tilting to coat. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the butter.
- In a bowl, toss sliced apples with cinnamon, nutmeg (optional), and lemon juice until coated.
- Arrange spiced apple slices in a single layer over the brown sugar-butter mixture in the pan, overlapping slightly to cover the bottom.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes, until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla extract until just combined.
- With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and the sour cream/milk mixture to the creamed butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Gently spoon and spread the cake batter evenly over the apple slices in the pan. Bake for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Place a large serving plate upside down directly on top of the cake pan. Holding the plate and pan firmly, swiftly flip them over. Let the pan sit inverted for another 5-10 minutes. Gently lift the cake pan straight up and away, then carefully peel off the parchment paper.
- Let the cake cool for at least another 30 minutes until it’s just warm to the touch for cleaner slices. Slice into wedges and serve on its own, or with vanilla bean ice cream, whipped cream, or extra caramel sauce.
Notes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg