Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake

Fall baking just got a whole lot cozier with this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake. Imagine tender, cinnamon-spiced apples caramelized to perfection atop a moist, buttery cake that melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of dessert that fills your kitchen with the most inviting aromas and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or a simple weekend treat, this cake brings warmth and comfort in every bite. Plus, it’s made with straightforward ingredients and simple steps, making it approachable for bakers of all levels.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake quickly became a favorite in my recipe collection for several reasons. First, the marriage of caramel and apples is a classic that never disappoints. The brown sugar and butter create a luscious caramel base that perfectly contrasts the soft, spiced apples. Second, the cake itself is tender and moist, with just the right crumb to soak up the caramel without becoming soggy. Plus, it’s a beautiful presentation—flip the cake right out of the pan, and the glossy caramelized apples form a stunning, edible crown. Lastly, it’s so adaptable! You can swap apples for other fruits or spices, like in my Spiced Plum Upside Down Cake, to make it your own.

What You’ll Gather

• 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (choose a firm variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark based on your preference)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk

Equipment at a Glance

• 9-inch round cake pan – for the perfect size and shape
• Mixing bowls – at least two, for wet and dry ingredients
• Electric mixer or whisk – to blend the batter smoothly
• Spatula – for folding and smoothing the batter
• Knife and peeler – to prepare the apples
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient portions

Make Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake: A Simple Method

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Apple Base

Begin by melting 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in your cake pan over medium heat. Once melted, stir in 1 cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Let this mixture bubble gently for about 2 minutes until it thickens slightly. Then, remove the pan from heat and carefully arrange the sliced apples evenly on top of the caramel. The apples will soften and soak up the caramel during baking, forming the cake’s beautiful top layer.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. This dry mix will give the cake structure and lightness.

Step 3: Cream Wet Ingredients

Using an electric mixer, beat 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 3 large eggs until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for aroma. Then, alternate adding the dry ingredients and 1/2 cup whole milk to the egg mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix or the cake may become dense.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the batter gently over the arranged apples and caramel in the pan. Smooth the top evenly with a spatula. Transfer to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Flip

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a serving plate so the caramelized apples are on top. Serve warm or at room temperature—this cake tastes incredible either way!

Low-Carb/Keto Alternatives

• Replace all-purpose flour with a blend of almond flour and coconut flour to reduce carbs.
• Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener instead of brown and granulated sugar.
• Swap whole milk for unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk for lower carbs.
• Choose green apples sparingly as they are slightly lower in sugar compared to sweeter varieties.

Notes from the Test Kitchen

• For the best texture, use fresh, crisp apples that hold their shape during baking.
• If you prefer a deeper caramel flavor, try using dark brown sugar or adding a splash of maple syrup to the caramel base.
• Make sure the caramel is bubbling but not burning—stir continuously and remove from heat promptly.
• To switch things up, try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking for added crunch.
• When peeling apples, leaving some skin on can add color and extra nutrients but may alter the texture slightly.

Shelf Life & Storage

This Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake keeps beautifully when stored properly. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container, then refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. When ready to enjoy, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to revive that freshly-baked feel. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake (whole or sliced) wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Troubleshooting Q&A

Why did my caramel apple topping stick to the pan instead of the cake?

This usually happens if the cake wasn’t cooled long enough before flipping. Let the cake rest for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the caramel to set slightly. Also, make sure you’ve evenly melted the butter and sugar mixture before adding apples to create a smooth caramel layer that releases easily.

My cake came out dry—how can I avoid this?

Overbaking is often the culprit. Start checking the cake for doneness around 40 minutes with a toothpick test. Also, avoid overmixing the batter, as this can develop gluten and make the cake tough. Using fresh milk and eggs helps keep it moist.

Can I use other fruits besides apples in this recipe?

Absolutely! Pears, peaches, or even plums work beautifully—try my Spiced Plum Upside Down Cake for inspiration. Just be mindful of the fruit’s water content, as juicier fruits may require slight baking time adjustments.

How do I get those perfect soft apple slices without them turning mushy?

Choose firm apple varieties and slice them evenly. The caramel layer helps the apples soften gently without becoming mushy. Avoid slicing apples too thin, as thin slices tend to break down more during baking.

Reader Favorites

• Cinnamon Apple Bread – a fragrant and cozy quick bread packed with apple chunks and warm spices.
• Spiced Plum Upside Down Cake – a luscious twist on the classic upside-down cake using ripe, juicy plums.
• Caramel Brownie Cheesecake – rich, decadent layers of brownie and cheesecake drizzled with caramel sauce.

Save & Share

Don’t forget to bookmark this page so you can come back when you’re ready to bake your own Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake. It also makes a wonderful gift or centerpiece for seasonal celebrations. Share this recipe with friends and family who love autumn-inspired desserts—trust me, they’ll thank you for it!

Once you’ve tried this cake, you’ll see why it’s a staple in my kitchen. The harmony of caramel, cinnamon, and apples atop a soft cake base is simply irresistible. Happy baking and enjoy every delicious bite!

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