Ingredients
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
π 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
π 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
π― 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
- 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
