Fall’s Sweetest Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Sweet autumn whispers dance through my kitchen when caramel apple upside down cake arrives on the scene.

Crisp orchard fruits meld perfectly with rich golden caramel in this decadent dessert.

Cool breezes outside complement warm spices inside my mixing bowl.

Layers of comforting flavors promise a delightful culinary adventure waiting to unfold.

Apples bring subtle tartness balanced against buttery caramel deep sweetness.

Seasonal magic happens when simple ingredients transform into an irresistible treat.

Slice into this cake and savor autumn most delicious embrace.

Apple Cake Variations to Try This Season

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the cake remains moist and tender for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Apple Caramel Cake: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and opt for plant-based cream in the caramel sauce to create a dairy-free version.
• Spiced Autumn Version: Add warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to the cake batter for an extra cozy seasonal flavor profile that enhances the apple's natural sweetness.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of sugar, and reduce the caramel quantity to create a lighter, less caloric dessert that still maintains rich flavor complexity.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly. Watch for a deep amber color, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove immediately when it reaches that shade to prevent burning.

• What type of apples work best for this cake?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal. They hold their shape during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweet caramel.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature and warm slightly before serving to enhance the caramel’s flavor and texture.

• How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch.

What Makes This Upside Down Cake a Fall Gem

• No advanced baking skills needed, perfect for beginners wanting to create a stunning dessert with basic kitchen techniques.
• Captures the essence of autumn with warm caramel and tender apples, making it an ideal treat for fall gatherings and cozy evenings.
• Delivers a delightful combination of sweet caramel, soft cake, and juicy apples that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone asks for seconds.
• Works wonderfully as a special occasion cake or an everyday treat, easily dressed up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed perfectly on its own.

Caramel Apple Cake Ingredient Guide

• Sugar: The primary sweetener that transforms into a rich, golden caramel sauce.
• Butter: Adds depth and creates a smooth, glossy caramel texture.
• Heavy Cream: Provides richness and helps stabilize the caramel sauce.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet essence.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the caramel's complex flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: The fundamental structure for the cake's tender crumb.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances the cake's overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Butter: Creates a rich, tender cake with a soft texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a golden cake color.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure to the cake.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and creates a tender, tangy cake crumb.
• Vanilla: Provides a warm, classic flavor enhancement.

• Apples: The star ingredient that adds a fresh, seasonal touch to the upside-down cake.

How to Make Upside Down Caramel Apple Cake

Step 1: Whip Up Golden Caramel

Create a rich, amber-colored caramel by melting sugar and butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Stir constantly until the mixture transforms into a deep golden hue.

• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

The caramel will become silky smooth and glossy.

Step 2: Artfully Arrange Apple Slices

Pour the warm caramel into a greased cake pan.

Carefully layer apple slices across the caramel, slightly overlapping them to create a beautiful pattern.

The apples will peek through when the cake is flipped.

Step 3: Mix the Magical Cake Batter

Prepare two mixing bowls for your cake magic.

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until well incorporated.

Gently fold in the dry ingredients and sour cream, stirring just until everything blends together.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the cake batter over the arranged apple slices, covering them completely.

Slide the pan into a preheated oven.

Bake until the cake turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Reveal and Enjoy

Allow the cake to rest in the pan for a short while.

Carefully invert onto a serving plate, revealing the gorgeous caramelized apple topping.

The warm cake can be served as is or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Tips for the Best Apple Upside Down Cake

• Watch the sugar closely when making caramel to prevent burning, stirring gently and removing from heat the moment it reaches a deep amber color.
• Cut apple slices to the same thickness to ensure even cooking and a beautiful, consistent presentation when the cake is inverted.
• Grease the cake pan generously with butter or baking spray to help the cake release smoothly when turned upside down.
• Use room temperature eggs and butter to create a smoother, more evenly mixed cake batter that rises better during baking.
• Let the cake rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to help the caramel set slightly, making it easier to turn out and preventing potential burns from hot sugar.

Keep Your Upside Down Cake Tasting Fresh

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
• Slice cake into individual portions, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
• Warm slice in microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Alternatively, place slice in a preheated 300F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore warmth and softness.
• Transfer frozen slice to refrigerator overnight. Before serving, warm gently in microwave or oven to enhance texture and bring back original delicious flavor.

Pairings for Apple Upside Down Cake

• Sip Seasonal Spiced Cider: Complement the caramel apple cake with warm, spiced apple cider that echoes the cake's fruity and sweet notes, creating a harmonious autumn experience.
• Scoop Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Top the warm cake with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, letting the cold, smooth texture contrast beautifully with the warm, sticky caramel cake.
• Drizzle Salted Caramel Sauce: Enhance the cake's richness by adding an extra drizzle of salted caramel sauce, intensifying the caramel flavor and providing a luxurious finishing touch.
• Pair Cinnamon Whiskey Cocktail: For adult gatherings, serve a cinnamon-infused whiskey cocktail that matches the cake's warm spices and deep caramel undertones, elevating the dessert experience.

Autumn Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Seasonal warmth fills kitchens with this autumn caramel apple upside down cake, a delightful dessert blending sweet caramel and tender apples. Bakers can savor rich flavors and create memorable moments with each delicious slice shared among friends and family.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs

Caramel Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Craft a luscious caramel base by melting sugar and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, continuously stirring until completely dissolved and transformed into a rich amber hue, approximately 5-7 minutes.
2. Remove caramel from heat and gently incorporate heavy cream, vanilla, and a delicate salt pinch, whisking until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and generously drizzle the golden caramel across the bottom, creating an even layer.
4. Carefully position apple slices atop the caramel, slightly overlapping to create an elegant, decorative pattern that will become the cake’s stunning top when inverted.
5. In a mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, ensuring a smooth, well-integrated dry mixture.
6. In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then introduce eggs and vanilla, blending until thoroughly combined.
7. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with sour cream, and mix until just incorporated to maintain a tender cake texture.
8. Delicately pour the prepared batter over the arranged apple slices, ensuring an even distribution across the caramel base.
9. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and dry.
10. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes, enabling the caramel to slightly set and prevent excessive sticking.
11. Confidently invert the cake onto a serving plate, revealing the glistening caramelized apple arrangement, and serve warm with optional vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream.

Notes

• Select firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and balanced sweetness in the caramel upside-down cake.
• Watch caramel carefully during cooking to prevent burning, swirling pan gently instead of stirring to ensure even color development.
• Let cake rest exactly 10-15 minutes after baking before inverting, which helps caramel set and prevents cake from breaking during removal.
• Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk for lighter version, maintaining moisture and tenderness in the cake’s crumb.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 352
• Sugar: 33 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 62 mg