Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake 87.png

Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

🍎 Indulge in the perfect fall dessert that combines sweet caramelized apples with moist vanilla cake in a stunning upside-down presentation that will impress your guests
🍯 This classic cake features tender apples coated in rich caramel sauce, creating a beautiful glossy topping when inverted, making it both delicious and visually stunning

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

4 medium apples (about 1.2 lb / 550 g) for balanced acidity against the caramel

1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter for caramel base and richness

2/3 cup (135 g) packed brown sugar for glossy caramel topping

1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar to sweeten the cake batter

2 large eggs (room temperature) to bind the batter and help the cake rise

1/2 cup (120 ml) milk (dairy or plant-based) for moisture and tender crumb

1 1/2 cups (180 g) all-purpose flour for cake structure

2 tsp baking powder for leavening

1/2 tsp salt to balance sweetness and enhance flavor

1 tsp ground cinnamon to elevate the caramel apple profile

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg to elevate the caramel apple profile

1 tsp vanilla extract to round out flavors and heighten sweetness

Instructions

1-First, preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and grease a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan with butter, lining the bottom with parchment for easy release. Peel, core, and slice 4 medium apples into even wedges to ensure uniform cooking, and place a rimmed baking sheet nearby to catch spills.

2-Next, make the caramel topping by melting 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then stir in 2/3 cup (135 g) packed brown sugar until it simmers into a glossy mixture for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat, add a pinch of salt and 1/2 tsp cinnamon, then pour and spread it evenly in the prepared pan.

3-Arrange the apple wedges in a single layer over the caramel, fanning them neatly and overlapping slightly for a pretty pattern.

4-Then, mix the cake batter by whisking together 1 1/2 cups (180 g) all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp nutmeg in a bowl. In another bowl, cream 1/2 cup (115 g) softened butter with 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar until light, beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, and stir in 1 tsp vanilla and 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk, alternating with the dry ingredients.

5-Spoon the batter over the apples, smooth it out, and bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. After baking, let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes, then invert onto a plate.

Notes

🍎 Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that will hold their shape during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweet caramel
πŸ•’ Timing is crucial – let the cake cool for exactly 10 minutes before inverting to ensure the caramel has set enough to release but hasn’t hardened to the pan
🍯 For extra flavor, add 2 tablespoons of dark rum or brandy to the caramel sauce for a sophisticated depth that pairs beautifully with the apples

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 32g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg