Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of caramel with the tartness of apples. This cake is not only delicious but also visually stunning when flipped over, revealing a beautiful caramel apple design. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make this recipe for several reasons. First, it’s simple and requires only a few ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. Second, the rich flavors of caramel and apples create a mouthwatering dessert that everyone will love. Plus, the upside-down presentation makes it a showstopper at any gathering, sure to impress your friends and family.
How to Make Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter
- ⅔ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cut into ½-inch wedges)
- 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup softened butter
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9-inch round or square pan with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt ¼ cup of butter over medium heat. Add ⅔ cup of brown sugar and bring the mixture to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Pour this mixture into the bottom of the greased pan, then arrange the 2 medium apple wedges over the brown sugar mixture.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ⅓ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Set this bowl aside.
- In a large bowl or mixer, beat together 1 cup of granulated sugar and ½ cup of softened butter on medium speed until fluffy. Then, add in 2 large eggs and ½ teaspoon of vanilla.
- Beat in the flour mixture slowly, alternating with ¼ cup of milk until the batter is smooth. Pour this batter over the apples and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make the whipped topping by beating 1 cup of whipping cream on high until soft peaks start to form. Add in 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar.
- To serve, run a knife along the edges of the cake and flip it upside down onto a plate. Serve warm with the whipped cream on top.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake
Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake is best served warm. You can slice it into wedges and add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra creaminess. This cake pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat.
How to Store Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake
To store the leftover cake, allow it to cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Just be sure to wrap it well to avoid freezer burn.
Tips to Make Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake
- Use Firm Apples: Choose apples that hold their shape well when baked, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the cake fluffy.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on the cake in the last few minutes of baking and test with a toothpick.
Variation
You can add nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the caramel mixture for added crunch. Another variation includes using different fruits, such as pears or peaches, instead of apples for a new twist on the cake.
FAQs
- Can I use a different pan size?
Yes, you can use a different size pan, but baking times may vary. Check for doneness with a toothpick. - Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. - Can I prepare this cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake and store it in the refrigerator for a day before serving. Just reheat it slightly before serving for the best flavor.
Enjoy your baking and the deliciousness of Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake!
Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake
Ingredients
For the caramel topping
- ¼ cup butter Melted
- ⅔ cup brown sugar (packed) For caramel
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cut into ½-inch wedges) Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
For the cake
- 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup softened butter
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ cup milk
For the whipped cream
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9-inch round or square pan with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt ¼ cup of butter over medium heat. Add ⅔ cup of brown sugar and bring the mixture to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Pour this mixture into the bottom of the greased pan, then arrange the 2 medium apple wedges over the brown sugar mixture.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ⅓ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Set this bowl aside.
- In a large bowl or mixer, beat together 1 cup of granulated sugar and ½ cup of softened butter on medium speed until fluffy. Then, add in 2 large eggs and ½ teaspoon of vanilla.
- Beat in the flour mixture slowly, alternating with ¼ cup of milk until the batter is smooth.
- Pour this batter over the apples and spread it evenly.
Baking
- Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes.
Whipping the cream
- Meanwhile, make the whipped topping by beating 1 cup of whipping cream on high until soft peaks start to form. Add in 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar.
Serving
- To serve, run a knife along the edges of the cake and flip it upside down onto a plate. Serve warm with the whipped cream on top.
