There is something utterly irresistible about a warm, ooey-gooey dessert that combines the cozy flavors of fall in every bite, and this Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe does exactly that. Imagine tender apple slices nestled in buttery caramel, all topped with a moist, cinnamon-spiced cake that turns the classic upside down cake experience into a true celebration. Whether you’re baking this for a special occasion or a comforting weekend treat, this recipe brings a wonderful harmony of flavors and textures that’s bound to become a treasured staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe is that it uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a cake that’s rich in flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the fragrant cinnamon that adds warmth to the apples’ natural sweetness, to the creamy butter that gives the cake its tender crumb and luscious caramel layer.
- Lightly packed brown sugar (3/4 cup + 1/2 cup): Brings deep caramel notes and moisture to the cake and topping.
- Butter (1/4 cup + 1/2 cup softened): Enhances richness and provides the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds an aromatic sweetness that complements the apples beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon + 2 teaspoons): Infuses the cake and caramel with that classic, warming spice.
- Pinch of kosher salt (plus 1 teaspoon in the batter): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Apples (2, peeled, cored, and sliced 1/2″ thick): Provide tender fruit layers that soften to perfection while baking.
- Cooking spray: Prevents sticking, ensuring an easy release of your gorgeous cake.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): Creates the cake’s structure and crumb.
- Baking powder (3/4 teaspoon): Gives the cake a light, tender rise.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle earthy spice to round out the flavors.
- Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cake and balances the tartness of the apples.
- Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients and add richness to the batter.
- Milk (3/4 cup): Moisturizes the batter for a soft and tender crumb.
How to Make Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Apple Layer
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray to ensure the cake releases easily after baking. Then, gently melt together brown sugar, butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat until the mixture thickens slightly—this creates the luscious caramel sauce. Pour that golden sauce into the prepared pan, and artfully arrange the apple slices in a single, even layer on top. This step is crucial because it lays the flavorful foundation that will make every slice shine.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg together to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents. In a second bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars using a hand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy—this aeration is key for a tender cake. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk into the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing and a dense cake.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cake batter evenly over the apple and caramel layer in your cake pan, spreading it smoothly so it bakes uniformly. Place the pan in the oven and bake for about one hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This slow bake allows the caramel to meld with the cake, and the apples to soften without becoming mushy.
Step 4: Cool and Invert
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This rest time helps the caramel set slightly. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a cooling rack, revealing the stunning caramel apple topping. Allow it to cool completely before slicing, so each slice holds its shape and the flavors meld even more.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
Garnishes
One of the joys of serving this Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe is adding simple garnishes that elevate its elegance. A light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream brings an irresistible finishing touch. Fresh cinnamon sticks or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans also add a wonderful texture and aroma that delight the senses.
Side Dishes
Pairing this cake with complementary sides can turn your dessert into a full experience. A cup of rich, spiced chai tea or freshly brewed coffee perfectly balances the sweetness of the caramel and fruit. For a celebratory touch, serve alongside a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a small bowl of warm custard to soak up every decadent bite.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or add a fun twist, slice the cake into mini portions and serve in small glass jars with a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top. Alternatively, make individual ramekins using the same layering and baking method for personal-sized delights. Another showstopper is stacking layers of the cake with whipped cream in between, turning it into a rustic trifle that captures all the cake’s glory in every spoonful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe, store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep the cake moist and fresh for up to 4 days, allowing the flavors to even deepen overnight. Just make sure to cover the cake well to prevent it from absorbing any other fridge odors.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later enjoyment, this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen, the cake will retain its wonderful flavor and texture for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth and gooey caramel, reheat a slice gently in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in a warm oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes. This step revives the cake’s comforting textures, making it just like you freshly baked it all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work wonderfully because they hold their shape when baked and balance sweetness with a bit of tartness. Feel free to experiment with your favorites.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples is recommended for this recipe to ensure a soft, uniform texture in the caramel layer and to avoid any tough bits that might interrupt the smooth experience.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can adapt the Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe to be gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup for cup. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure, or add some if your blend doesn’t have it.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is perfectly baked when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. The top should be golden and spring back slightly when touched.
Can I prepare this cake ahead of time for a party?
Yes, this cake is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. You can assemble and bake it a day in advance, then store it covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There is a special kind of joy in sharing a slice of warm, caramel-drizzled apple cake that brings comfort straight to the heart, and this Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe delivers that in every luscious bite. From its inviting aroma while baking to the beautiful presentation when flipped, it’s a dessert that feels like a hug on a plate. So go ahead, bake a batch, and watch it become a fast favorite for your family and friends—it’s a sweet tradition waiting to happen.
Print
Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake combines tender, spiced cake with a rich caramel apple topping, creating a comforting dessert perfect for fall or any special occasion. The buttery caramel sauce melds beautifully with cinnamon-spiced apples, all baked under a moist, fluffy cake, then inverted to reveal a glossy, flavorful crown.
Ingredients
Caramel Apple Layer
- 3/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced 1/2″ thick
- Cooking spray (for greasing)
Cake Batter
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Caramel Apple Layer: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9” round cake pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cake.
- Make Caramel Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the brown sugar, butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Stir constantly and cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 2 minutes, forming a smooth caramel sauce.
- Arrange Apples: Pour the caramel sauce into the prepared cake pan. Immediately arrange the peeled, cored, and sliced apples in a single layer on top of the caramel to ensure even coating and baking. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg evenly distributing the leavening agents and spices.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In another large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened butter along with the white and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cake texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next, followed by stirring in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined to prevent overworking the batter.
- Incorporate Milk and Remaining Dry Ingredients: Pour in the milk and mix until fully incorporated. Then add the remaining dry ingredients and stir until just combined, taking care not to overmix for a light crumb.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour the batter evenly over the caramel and apple layer in the cake pan, spreading it gently for a uniform layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool and Invert: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes to set the caramel, then carefully invert it onto a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing and serving, revealing the caramel apple topping on top.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture that holds up during baking.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
- Let the cake cool slightly before inverting to avoid breaking or burning from hot caramel.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
