Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake
This Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake is a cozy fall treat with tender cinnamon-spiced apples atop a moist, buttery cake. Perfect for any occasion and so easy to make!
Equipment
- 9-inch Round Cake Pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- Knife and peeler
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the Caramel Apple Base
- 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
For the Cake Batter
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup whole milk
Instructions
Prepare the Caramel Apple Base
- Begin by melting 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in your cake pan over medium heat. Stir in 1 cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Let bubble gently for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and arrange the sliced apples evenly on top of the caramel.
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.
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. 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.
Assemble and Bake
- Pour the batter gently over the arranged apples and caramel in the pan. Smooth the top evenly with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Flip
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Carefully invert onto a serving plate so the caramelized apples are on top. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use fresh, crisp apples that hold their shape during baking for the best texture.
- For deeper caramel flavor, try dark brown sugar or add a splash of maple syrup to the caramel base.
- Ensure the caramel is bubbling but not burning by stirring continuously and removing from heat promptly.