Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
Rich, buttery caramel meeting tender spiced apples and a golden vanilla cake—few things say “cozy” quite like Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake. This comforting dessert is an irresistible marriage of sticky-sweet caramel, tart apples, and a soft, fluffy base that flips beautifully to reveal its glossy, jewel-toned crown. Whether you’re reminiscing about fall days or just craving an easy showstopper, this cake delivers warmth, nostalgia, and unforgettable flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long shopping list to create magic; each ingredient here plays a starring role in making this Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake taste and look exceptional. Simple pantry staples work together to create rich caramel, moist crumb, and the prettiest apple spiral on top.
- Unsalted butter (for topping & cake): Supplies richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture—use fresh, high-quality butter for best results.
- Light brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and a gorgeous, sticky top layer.
- Apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith): Firm apples hold their shape and provide a crisp-tart contrast to the sweet caramel.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone of the cake, giving it soft structure without weighing it down.
- Baking powder and baking soda: A tag-team that ensures your cake rises light and even every single time.
- Salt: A pinch balances sweetness and brings out the flavor of the apples and caramel.
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: These warming spices are what give this cake its classic, cozy “autumn in a bite” flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the crumb while keeping it clean and light—a perfect counterpoint to the brown sugar caramel.
- Eggs: Provide structure, lift, and a tender crumb—make sure they’re at room temperature for the best texture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors, letting the apples and spices sing.
- Sour cream: Makes the cake super moist and gives a subtle tang that sets off the caramel beautifully.
- Milk: Loosens up the batter for a soft, slightly airy cake that doesn’t dry out.
How to Make Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent any sticking—the caramel is delicious but can be clingy! Line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure a smooth, worry-free flip later on. Getting your pan ready now sets you up for that dramatic upside-down reveal.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Topping
Combine 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Let the butter melt and stir frequently as the mixture bubbles and transforms into a glossy caramel, about 2–3 minutes. As soon as it looks smooth and combined, pour it quickly into the prepared pan—it’ll start to set fast!
Step 3: Arrange the Apples
Fan your thinly sliced apples (about 2 large Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) over the warm caramel. Get creative: you can layer them in pretty concentric circles, overlap them for a shingled look, or make a playful pattern. The apples won’t just taste incredible; they’ll turn golden and glisten beautifully when the cake is flipped.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together 1 and 1/2 cups flour, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg in a medium bowl. This only takes a minute but is crucial to ensure every bite of your Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake is perfectly tender and evenly spiced.
Step 5: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is what gives the cake its airy crumb—take your time and beat well! Add in the eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each. Stir in the vanilla extract for a hit of cozy aroma.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Fold in the sour cream to the creamed butter mixture, then add the milk for extra moisture. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix—keeping the batter tender is the secret to a soft, dreamy Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Carefully spoon or spread the batter over the arranged apples and caramel, smoothing to the edges without disturbing your pristine fruit arrangement. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. When golden and a toothpick comes out clean, your cake is ready!
Step 8: Cool and Invert
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes—just enough time for the caramel to slightly thicken but not harden. Place your serving plate over the pan and swiftly invert. Peel off the parchment to reveal that luscious, caramel-glazed apple crown. Serve while still warm, or let cool to room temperature for a sliceable treat.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake
Garnishes
Take your Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake from wonderful to downright irresistible with simple touches—a cloud of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting gently over the warm caramel, or even a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch. A dusting of cinnamon never hurts for that extra whisper of spice.
Side Dishes
Pair each slice with hot apple cider, chai tea, or strong coffee for peak comfort. Light fruit salads, a bowl of autumn berries, or a salted caramel drizzle on the side add a gourmet touch without overpowering the cake’s apple-forward flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch buffet, cut the Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake into elegant wedges and display them on a rustic wooden board. Bake in individual ramekins for adorable single servings, or prepare minis in a muffin tin for a grab-and-go dessert at potlucks. The stunning top makes every presentation effortless and impressive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake tightly or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The caramel keeps everything moist, but after a couple of days, move it to the refrigerator if you have any left (which is rare!).
Freezing
Want to save a slice (or three) for later? This cake freezes surprisingly well. Once completely cooled, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to one month. Allow to thaw at room temperature or give a quick warm-up before serving.
Reheating
To rekindle that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, gently reheat slices in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds. You can also use a low oven if reheating several pieces at once. The caramel will soften and the apples will taste just as delicious as day one.
FAQs
Which apple variety is best for Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal—they maintain their shape under the caramel and keep the cake from becoming overly sweet. Softer varieties may turn mushy or blend too much with the caramel during baking.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making my own?
While it’s tempting, the homemade caramel topping provides a richer, more buttery flavor and a perfect sticky backdrop for the apples. Store-bought sauce might not set as nicely, but it can work for a shortcut in a pinch.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking when flipping?
Greasing the pan generously and using a parchment paper liner are your best defenses. Don’t forget to let the cake cool for 10–15 minutes before inverting—this allows the caramel to set up just enough for a clean, beautiful flip.
Can I make Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just be sure your blend includes xanthan gum or a similar binder to prevent a crumbly texture.
Is it okay to make this cake a day ahead?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. For peak flavor and texture, store covered at room temperature and gently warm before serving to reawaken that luscious caramel and soften the apples.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that tastes like warm hugs and happy memories, bake this Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake at least once. It’s a dessert that impresses without stress, and every bite is packed with the simple joy of apples, caramel, and home-baked goodness. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love with how easy and unforgettable it is to make and share.
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Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of fall with this delicious Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake. A moist and flavorful cake topped with caramelized apples, this dessert is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
For the cake:
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Make the topping: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the 1/2 cup butter and stir in the brown sugar. Cook for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and combined. Pour the caramel into the prepared pan and arrange the sliced apples over it in a circular pattern.
- Prepare the cake batter: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla. Mix in the sour cream, followed by the milk. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Assemble and bake: Gently spread the batter over the apples in the pan. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Best served the day it’s made, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
- Use firm apples that hold their shape when baked.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
