If you have a soft spot for all things cozy and sweet, then this Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite in your dessert rotation. Combining tender, cinnamon-kissed apples drenched in a buttery caramel glaze with a moist, spiced cake, this dessert brings warmth to every bite. It’s a simple but show-stopping treat that captures the essence of autumn all year round and is just as delightful to bake as it is to devour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays its own special role to create a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma. From the rich, creamy butter that forms the luscious caramel base to the fragrant spices that infuse the cake, each element is essential and thoughtfully chosen.
- Unsalted butter: Used both for the caramel topping and cake batter, it adds richness and helps create a moist crumb.
- Brown sugar: Packed for caramel depth in the topping and batter, enhancing the warm sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: Introduces fragrant spice, perfectly complementing the apples throughout the cake and topping.
- Pure vanilla extract: Brings a mellow sweetness and rounds out the aromatic flavors.
- Medium apples: Peeled and thinly sliced, they lend natural sweetness and tender fruitiness that pairs perfectly with the caramel.
- All-purpose flour: The cake’s foundation, providing structure while allowing a tender crumb.
- Baking powder: Leavens the cake beautifully, giving it a light, fluffy texture.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the spice profile.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake batter and helps with texture.
- Large eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s softness.
- Whole milk: Keeps the batter moist and tender while enriching the cake’s flavor.
How to Make Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Topping
Start by melting butter and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, whisking constantly to make a smooth, thick caramel. Adding cinnamon and vanilla brings layers of irresistible aroma. Pour this golden caramel into an ungreased cake pan, then arrange the peeled apple slices neatly on top. Chilling the pan briefly helps let the topping set beautifully, so your apples hold their perfect, glossy arrangement during baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This spice mix infuses every bite with warmth and balances the sweetness from the apples and caramel. Setting these dry ingredients aside gets you ready for the next step without any rush.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using a mixer, beat softened butter on high speed until creamy. Add granulated and brown sugar, beating again until fluffy and well combined. This crucial step aerates the batter, resulting in a light, tender crumb. Scraping the bowl down ensures every bit mixes evenly for a consistent texture.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract on high speed until the batter feels smooth and silky. These ingredients enrich the flavor and help bind everything together perfectly. Don’t rush this process—getting a smooth mixture is key to a flawless cake.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk
Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet batter on low speed, alternating with the milk. This gentle folding prevents over-mixing, which can make the cake tough. The batter should come together smoothly with a slightly thick consistency and no lumps lurking at the bottom.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Simply pull the caramel-topped apple pan from the fridge and spread the cake batter evenly over the fruit. Pop it into the oven and bake for 40 to 46 minutes, tenting with foil halfway to avoid excessive browning. Test doneness with a toothpick to catch that perfect moment when the cake is set but still moist inside.
Step 7: Cool and Invert
After baking, cool the cake for 15 minutes before carefully flipping it onto a serving plate. This step reveals the stunning apple and caramel topping, dripping with juicy sweetness. For best flavor and cleaner slices, allow the cake to cool fully at room temperature—resisting the urge to refrigerate helps keep it tender and airy.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your cake’s rustic charm by adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of toasted pecans can introduce an elegant finish and a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the tender apples.
Side Dishes
Serve slices alongside a steaming cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee for an inviting afternoon treat. If you want to turn dessert into a full experience, try a simple green salad with a crisp apple vinaigrette to echo the flavors while providing a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive twist, try serving the cake in individual ramekins for personal portions while keeping the apple caramel topping spectacularly visible. You can also drizzle extra caramel sauce over each slice or add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a sophisticated sweet-salty balance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover slices tightly and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as the cake rests, making each bite even more delightful. Just be sure to bring the slices to room temperature before serving to restore their soft texture.
Freezing
This Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe is best frozen in slices rather than whole because the apple topping doesn’t hold up well to freezing when left uncut. Freeze individual portions wrapped securely for up to three months. When ready, thaw slices at room temperature gently to preserve taste and texture.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in a microwave or oven to bring back that fresh-baked feel. Heating just until warm—about 20 seconds in the microwave or 10 minutes at low heat in the oven—ensures the cake stays moist without drying out. Top with a scoop of ice cream for an irresistible cozy dessert.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this cake?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work great for balancing sweetness, sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp can add their own unique flavor and softness. Just be sure to slice them evenly for uniform cooking.
Do I need to grease the cake pan?
No need to grease the pan because the butter and sugar caramel topping naturally prevents sticking. Using an ungreased pan helps the caramel set properly and deliver that signature glossy finish when inverted.
Why should I let the cake cool completely before slicing?
Allowing the cake to cool at room temperature helps it set firmly so the slices hold together nicely. Cutting into it while still warm can cause the caramel and topping juices to run, making the slices messy.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking mix that measures cup-for-cup, and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture may vary slightly, but the wonderful flavors will remain.
What’s the best way to store leftover cake slices?
Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container in the fridge. Proper storage keeps the cake moist and flavorful for up to three days—perfect for enjoying a second helping or sharing with friends!
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe is pure magic—the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug on a cool day. It’s approachable for bakers of all levels but impressive enough to serve at any gathering. I can’t wait for you to bake this and discover how such simple ingredients can create a cake that’s simultaneously rustic, elegant, and downright delicious. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a beloved classic in your kitchen too!
Print
Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in the warm, comforting flavors of this Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake, featuring tender apple slices baked under a rich caramel and cinnamon topping. Perfect for fall or any time you crave a cozy, sweet treat, this cake boasts a moist, spiced crumb made with cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with buttery caramelized apples that create a stunning presentation when inverted.
Ingredients
Topping:
- 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch slices (1.5–2 cups, or 188–250g)
Cake Batter:
- 1 and 1/2 cups (188g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 6 Tablespoons (90ml) whole milk, at room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) to prepare for baking the cake.
- Prepare Topping: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine butter and brown sugar. Whisk occasionally until the butter melts, then whisk constantly for 1 minute as the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and whisk in the cinnamon and vanilla extract. Pour this caramel mixture into an ungreased 9×2 inch pie dish or round cake pan. Neatly arrange the apple slices on top, overlapping if needed. Chill the pan in the refrigerator for a few minutes to set the topping arrangement.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- Make Cake Batter: Using a stand or handheld mixer with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the softened butter on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Add both sugars and beat on high until creamed, another minute. Scrape down the bowl. Beat in eggs and vanilla on high speed until combined, scraping the bowl again. Gradually add dry ingredients at low speed, then slowly pour in milk while mixing on low. Mix until just combined without over-mixing; whisk by hand if necessary to eliminate lumps.
- Assemble Cake: Remove the topping pan from the refrigerator. Pour and spread the cake batter evenly over the apple topping.
- Bake: Bake for 40–46 minutes. Halfway through baking, tent a piece of aluminum foil over the cake to prevent over-browning. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Invert: Remove cake from oven and cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Invert the cake gently onto a serving plate or cake stand. Some topping juices may spill over, which is normal.
- Serve: For best results, allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature before slicing and serving, which yields cleaner slices. The cake can be served warm but will be messier.
- Storage: Cover leftover slices and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze slices individually for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing the whole cake to preserve the topping’s appearance. Thaw frozen slices at room temperature before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cake pan is about 2 inches deep to prevent overflow.
- Chilling the caramel apple topping before adding batter helps it set and maintain arrangement.
- Do not over-mix the batter to avoid a dense cake texture.
- Tenting with foil during baking prevents the top from burning while allowing the center to cook properly.
- Allow the cake to cool completely for best slicing results; avoid refrigeration to hasten cooling as it may alter texture.
- Freeze leftover slices rather than the whole cake to keep the topping intact.
