Print

Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake

caramel apple upside-down cake - featured image
Print Recipe

This easy caramel apple upside-down cake features a gooey caramel topping, tender spiced apples, and a fluffy cake base. It’s a crowd-pleasing fall dessert perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for caramel topping)
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for cake batter)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter. Stir in 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Let bubble gently for 2-3 minutes until smooth and glossy. Pour caramel mixture into prepared pan, tilting to spread evenly.
  3. Arrange sliced apples in concentric circles over the caramel. Pack them snugly. Sprinkle with nuts if using.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  5. In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened butter with 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla.
  6. Add half the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then half the milk (1/4 cup), mixing gently. Repeat with remaining flour and milk. Batter should be creamy and smooth.
  7. Dollop batter evenly over apples and smooth with a spatula. Tap pan gently to release air bubbles.
  8. Bake for 38-42 minutes, until top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Let cake cool in pan for 10-15 minutes. Run a butter knife around the edge, place a plate over the pan, and flip quickly. Lift pan gently; patch any apples that stick.
  10. Serve warm, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Notes

Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for best results. Grease the pan well to prevent sticking. Don’t overmix the batter. For gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations, use a gluten-free flour blend and plant-based butter/milk. Cake can be made ahead and stored at room temperature or refrigerated. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream for extra decadence.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple cake, upside-down cake, fall dessert, easy cake, apple dessert, potluck recipe, autumn baking, comfort food

Find it online: https://avabake.com/caramel-apple-upside-down-cake-recipe-easy-fall-dessert-for-gatherings/