Welcome to Fall Baking Season!

Okay, come on in, grab a mug of something warm, and let’s chat! I’m so excited to share one of my all-time favorite fall baking recipes with you: my Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake. Just the smell of it baking, with those warm spices and caramelized apples, takes me right back to my grandma’s kitchen. I can almost see her now, humming as she carefully arranged the apple slices, a true labor of love.

This Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake isn’t just any cake; it’s a memory in every bite. I remember the first time I tried making it myself. Let’s just say the caramel stuck to the pan so badly, I thought I’d have to throw the whole thing out! It was a complete disaster. But, like with most things in life, I learned from my mistakes (and invested in a really good non-stick pan!). Now, it’s a recipe I can whip up with my eyes closed… well, almost!

Life gets crazy busy, right? Between school runs, soccer practice, and everything else, sometimes it feels impossible to squeeze in any baking. That’s why I love this recipe for Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake. It looks impressive, but it’s actually surprisingly easy to make, even on a weeknight. It’s a delicious fall baking recipe that’s perfect for those cozy autumn evenings.

I actually discovered this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake when I was searching for an easy apple cake recipe to use up the abundance of apples we had after a fall trip to the orchard. I tried a few different variations, tweaking things here and there until I landed on this perfected version.

My cooking philosophy is all about creating food that nourishes the body and soul. It’s about bringing people together and creating memories around the table. This Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake embodies that perfectly. It’s a simple pleasure that brings so much joy.

So, are you ready to give it a try? Trust me, even if you’ve had a few baking mishaps in the past (we’ve all been there!), you can totally nail this. Let’s get baking!

What You’ll Need for This Apple Cake

Alright, let’s talk ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delectable Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake. I always aim for quality ingredients; it really makes a difference in the final flavor.

6 tablespoons unsalted butter: I always use European-style butter because of its higher fat content, which makes it richer and more flavorful in this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake.
¾ cup packed light brown sugar: For that lovely caramel base.
4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced: I usually opt for Honeycrisp because they hold their shape well during baking and have a fantastic sweet-tart flavor for this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake.
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: A pantry staple!
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: For that perfect rise.
¼ teaspoon baking soda: Helps with browning and adds a nice texture.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds that warm, cozy spice.
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: A little goes a long way!
¼ teaspoon salt: To balance the sweetness.
¾ cup granulated sugar: For the cake batter.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s nice and soft for easy creaming.
2 large eggs: Adds richness and structure.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract is the best!
½ cup milk: I usually use whole milk for extra richness, but any kind will work.

When making this amazing Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake, you can often find good deals on apples at local farmers’ markets during the fall. It’s a great way to support local businesses and get the freshest produce.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Cake

Here’s a Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake trick I learned from my grandma: toss the apple slices with a tablespoon of lemon juice before arranging them in the pan. It helps prevent them from browning too quickly and adds a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the caramel.

A little tip for busy families making this easy apple cake recipe: you can peel and slice the apples ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator in a bowl of water with a squeeze of lemon juice. This can save you some time when you’re ready to assemble the cake.

For a cost-saving tip, consider buying apples in bulk when they are in season and on sale. You can use some for this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake and the rest for other apple treats! Don’t forget to check out this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip!

Leftover apples can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. Just be sure to keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.

Let’s Bake This Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake Together

Okay, friend, let’s get to the fun part! Here’s how we’re going to create this amazing Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it step-by-step.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. I learned the hard way with Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake that if you skip this step, your cake will stick!
Make the Caramel: In a small saucepan, melt the 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Pour the caramel mixture into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly over the bottom.
Arrange the Apples: Arrange the apple slices in a decorative pattern over the caramel. Don’t worry if they overlap a bit – it’ll all look beautiful once it’s baked!
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Pour Batter: Pour the cake batter evenly over the apples in the pan.
Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. In my kitchen, this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake usually takes about 50 minutes.
Cool and Invert: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. This is the most nerve-wracking part, but trust me, it’s worth it! If you’re having trouble getting it to release, run a thin knife around the edges of the pan.
Serve: Serve warm and enjoy! While the Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake is cooking, I usually get the vanilla ice cream ready. It’s the perfect complement!

Don’t worry if your Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake isn’t perfectly symmetrical after inverting. That’s part of its charm! It should smell like warm apples, cinnamon, and sweet caramel. This easy apple cake is amazing.

Serving Suggestions for Your Caramel Apple Cake

My family loves this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake when I serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold creaminess pairs perfectly with the warm, spiced cake and gooey caramel. It’s the perfect fall treat!

For a truly decadent experience, drizzle a little extra caramel sauce over each slice. You can even add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch. For more serving ideas, check out this Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake – Sally’s Baking.

This Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake is perfect for Thanksgiving dessert, autumn potlucks, or even just a cozy Sunday afternoon treat. It’s a crowd-pleaser that always gets rave reviews.

When it comes to presentation, I like to keep it simple. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance, and a few fresh apple slices arranged around the cake make it look extra festive.

If you have extra Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake, it’s delicious served cold the next day. You can even warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that fresh-baked flavor. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try using it as a base for bread pudding!

For a seasonal variation, try using pears instead of apples or adding a splash of bourbon to the caramel sauce. Friends always ask for this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake recipe, and I’m always happy to share! For another recipe, check out this apple upside down cake – Blue Bowl.

Your Questions About This Apple Cake Answered

Okay, let’s tackle some common questions I get about making this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake. I’ve definitely made my fair share of mistakes along the way, so I’m happy to share my experiences with you!

Common Baking Questions

Q: My caramel stuck to the pan! What did I do wrong?

A: Ah, the dreaded sticky caramel! You know what I do when my Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake caramel sticks? Make sure you grease and flour your pan really well. I even sometimes line the bottom with parchment paper for extra insurance. Also, don’t overcook the caramel on the stovetop. Just melt the butter and sugar until smooth, and then pour it into the pan.

Q: Can I use a different type of apple?

A: Absolutely! I prefer Honeycrisp because they hold their shape well, but Gala, Fuji, or even Granny Smith apples will work. Granny Smith will give you a tarter flavor, which can be a nice contrast to the sweetness of the caramel. The best apple cake recipe includes apples you love!

Q: My cake is browning too quickly on top. What should I do?

A: You know what I do when my Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake starts browning too quickly? Tent it with foil. Just loosely cover the top of the cake with a piece of aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can! The Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake is actually quite good the next day. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also warm it up slightly before serving to bring back that fresh-baked flavor.

Q: Can I add nuts to the caramel?

A: Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition to the caramel layer. Just sprinkle them over the caramel before arranging the apple slices.

Q: My cake is soggy in the middle. What happened?

A: A soggy middle usually means the cake wasn’t baked long enough. Make sure you bake it until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Ovens can vary, so it might take a little longer in your oven.

Q: Can I make this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake gluten-free?

A: You sure can! I’ve had readers make it gluten-free with great results. Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just be sure to select a blend that includes xanthan gum. You can find an apple upside down cake with those changes.

I get asked a lot of the same questions about my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake, so I might have to put together another FAQ!

Final Thoughts on This Delicious Cake

This Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake isn’t just a recipe; it’s a little piece of my heart. It’s the taste of autumn, the warmth of family gatherings, and the joy of creating something delicious to share. I hope it becomes a cherished tradition in your home, too.

Baking Tips for Success

Don’t skip the lemon juice: Tossing the apples with lemon juice prevents browning and adds a bright, tangy flavor.
Use a good non-stick pan: Trust me on this one! It will save you so much heartache.
Let it cool before inverting: This gives the caramel a chance to set and makes it easier to release the cake from the pan.

We’ve tried so many variations of this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake over the years. We’ve tried adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the caramel, using different types of apples, and even drizzling a little maple syrup over the top. My youngest loves it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, while my oldest prefers it with a dollop of whipped cream. My husband loves this recipe for Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake!

Ultimately, the best recipe for Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake is the one you make your own. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create a version that you and your family will love.

I hope you give this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake a try. I have no doubt that you’ll absolutely love it. It’s a simple, comforting, and utterly delicious fall dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Happy baking! Another similar recipe you might like is this Caramel Apple Slices with Chocolate Drizzle!

Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake

Print Recipe

This Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake features tender, caramelized apples baked under a moist and fluffy cake. It’s a delightful fall treat that’s sure to impress!

Author: Liliana
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
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
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring until smooth. Pour into the prepared cake pan.
Arrange apple slices evenly over the caramel mixture.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, cream together granulated sugar and vegetable oil. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Pour batter over the apples in the cake pan.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
Serve warm.

Notes

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat!