Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake

Autumn’s bounty comes alive in this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake, a cozy dessert that marries tender apples with a luscious caramel glaze and a moist, cinnamon-spiced crumb. Imagine biting into softly baked apples nestled beneath a buttery, caramelized brown sugar layer, all atop a cake that’s subtly sweetened and perfectly balanced with just the right hint of cinnamon. This cake is an absolute must-bake when you want to bring the warmth and comfort of fall right into your kitchen. Whether for a family gathering or a special weekend treat, this recipe promises to delight every palate with its harmonious flavors and delightful textures.

Why Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake is Worth Your Time

The magic of an upside-down cake is in its simple elegance. You layer your fruit and caramel first, then pour the batter over it. When baked and flipped, the fruit becomes this gorgeous, glossy topping that feels both rustic and refined. The Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake is particularly special because it combines the tartness of fresh apples with the deep, buttery sweetness of caramel and brown sugar. Plus, using applesauce in the batter adds moisture and tenderness, making the cake incredibly soft without relying on heavy oils or creams.

This cake is a fantastic way to showcase fresh apples from your local market or orchard. It’s also surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re new to baking. The ingredients are straightforward, and the method requires just a bit of patience. The end result is a show-stopping dessert that looks like it belongs in a bakery window but tastes like home.

Ingredient Notes

• Medium Apples: Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweet and tart that holds up well during baking. Peel, core, and slice them evenly to ensure even cooking.
• Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar creates the caramel base and adds that signature deep molasses flavor that complements the apples beautifully.
• Unsalted Butter: Essential for the caramel topping and the cake batter, butter provides richness and helps with the cake’s tender crumb.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice that accentuates the natural apple flavors.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cake’s structure. Make sure to measure it properly by spooning and leveling to avoid a dense cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering the apples or caramel.
• Unsweetened Applesauce: This ingredient keeps the cake moist and light while adding a subtle apple essence.
• Eggs: Two large eggs bind the batter together and provide structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds a lovely fragrant note.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents work together to give the cake lift and a tender crumb.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the depth of flavor.

Cook’s Kit

• 9-inch round cake pan: Ideal for even cooking and the perfect size for the caramel apple topping.
• Mixing bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients separately before mixing.
• Whisk and spatula: For blending ingredients smoothly and folding batter.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key for baking success.
• Peeler and paring knife: To prep the apples neatly.
• Cooling rack: To let the cake rest after baking.

The Method for Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Apple Topping

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in 1 cup packed brown sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and bubbling slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Pour this caramel mixture evenly into the bottom of your greased 9-inch cake pan. Arrange the 4 medium peeled, cored, and sliced apples in a circular pattern over the caramel, slightly overlapping the slices for a pretty presentation.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. In a separate large bowl, combine 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and slightly fluffy.

Step 3: Combine and Mix

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender and light.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly over the arranged apples and caramel in the cake pan. Smooth the top with your spatula. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Invert

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen it, then place a serving plate over the pan and carefully invert the cake onto the plate. The caramel and apples should glisten beautifully on top.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm or at room temperature. This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Seasonal Flavor Boosts

• Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the caramel before arranging the apples for added crunch.
• Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or ginger to the cinnamon for extra warmth.
• Drizzle a little maple syrup over the apples in step 1 for a deeper, woodsy sweetness.
• Substitute the apples with pears for a subtle twist on the classic.

Notes from the Test Kitchen

• Be sure to slice apples uniformly so they cook evenly and look beautiful when flipped.
• If your caramel thickens too much before pouring, gently reheat it over low heat with a splash of milk or water to loosen it.
• Using applesauce instead of oil or butter in the batter reduces fat but keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Cooling the cake slightly before inverting helps prevent caramel from sticking to the pan or running off the cake.

Save for Later: Storage Tips

Store any leftover cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and foil, then refrigerate for up to 5 days. When ready to enjoy, warm slices gently in the microwave or oven to bring back that fresh-baked softness and caramel gooeyness. You can also freeze the cake, wrapped well, for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake Q&A

Can I use other types of apples for this cake?

Absolutely! While firmer apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji hold up best, you can use any variety you enjoy. Just keep in mind that softer apples may turn mushy during baking.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, making sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder to mimic the structure of wheat flour.

Can I make the caramel topping ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare the caramel topping fresh to ensure it remains smooth and pourable. However, you can melt the butter and brown sugar together and reheat gently before assembling the cake if needed.

What can I serve with this cake for a cozy dessert night?

Serving this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream is classic. You might also enjoy it alongside a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee. For a fun variation, try pairing it with the Chocolate Chip Zucchini Coffee Cake for a delightful variety of flavors.

Cook This Next

• Chocolate Chip Zucchini Coffee Cake – A moist, subtly sweet coffee cake with hidden veggies for a unique twist.
• Brown Butter Honey Nectarine Cobbler – A warm, fruity dessert that’s perfect for late summer and early fall.

Wrap-Up

The Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake is a celebration of autumn’s best flavors, wrapped up in a cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s approachable enough for a weekday treat but impressive enough for your next dinner party. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this cake invites you to enjoy the process as much as the final product. Its moist crumb, caramelized apple topping, and warm spices make it a dessert that everyone will ask for again and again. So next time you have apples on hand, treat yourself to this classic with a sweet twist.

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