Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake
Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
If you love the sweet and tangy flavors of apples combined with rich caramel, then you’re in for a treat with this Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake! Perfectly moist and decadent, this cake is made with tender apple slices nestled in a gooey caramel layer and topped with a fluffy vanilla cake. It’s an ideal dessert for fall gatherings, holiday dinners, or any occasion that calls for a sweet indulgence.
Why Make This Recipe?
Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake is not just a feast for the taste buds; it also offers a beautiful presentation. The golden apples glistening with caramel sauce make it a stunning centerpiece on any dessert table. The combination of flavors—sweet apples, rich caramel, and warm spices—creates an inviting aroma that will impress family and friends alike. Plus, this cake is simple to make and sure to become a family favorite!
How to Make Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake
Creating this delicious Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps to whip up this delightful dessert.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a 9-inch round cake pan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over low heat on the stovetop.
- Stir in 1 cup of brown sugar until it is completely dissolved and caramelized.
- Arrange the sliced apples in an even layer over the caramel.
- In a bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon.
- In a separate large bowl, cream 1/2 cup of softened butter and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and combine.
- Gradually mix in the flour mixture and 1/2 cup of milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter over the apples and caramel in the cake pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake, then invert it onto a serving plate.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake
This cake is delightful on its own, but you can enhance its presentation by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts for an added crunch!
How to Store Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake
To keep your Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to store it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. For extended storage, consider freezing slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake
- Use Firm Apples: Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to hold up better during baking.
- Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can be added to the caramel layer for extra texture and flavor.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with additional spices such as nutmeg or allspice for a unique twist.
Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Different Fruits: This recipe can also be adapted using pears or other fruits for a delightful variation.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
Q2: What kind of apples are best for this recipe?
Firm apples such as Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp are great choices as they hold their shape well during baking.
Q3: How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges are lightly browned.
With this easy-to-follow Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake recipe, you’re set to impress! Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and the joy of baking this stunning dessert. Happy baking!
Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake
Ingredients
For the caramel layer
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter Melted for the caramel layer
- 1 cup brown sugar Packed
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced Use firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
For the cake batter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a 9-inch round cake pan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over low heat on the stovetop.
- Stir in 1 cup of brown sugar until it is completely dissolved and caramelized.
- Arrange the sliced apples in an even layer over the caramel.
Batter Preparation
- In a bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon.
- In a separate large bowl, cream 1/2 cup of softened butter and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and combine.
- Gradually mix in the flour mixture and 1/2 cup of milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
Baking
- Pour the batter over the apples and caramel in the cake pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake, then invert it onto a serving plate.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
