Caramel Apple Upside Down is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of caramel with tender, juicy apples. This classic recipe delivers a unique twist on the traditional upside-down cake, with caramelized apples creating a beautiful and flavorful topping. The combination of rich caramel and soft apples makes this dessert a favorite, especially during the fall season. It’s perfect for gatherings, cozy family dinners, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious treat!

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Upside Down

This Caramel Apple Upside Down cake is not just any dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures. Here’s why you’ll adore it:

It features the rich sweetness of caramel.
Juicy, tender apples add a delightful contrast.
Perfectly suited for fall gatherings or holidays.
Easy to make with simple ingredients.
Versatile enough to serve as a dessert or sweet breakfast item.
Impresses guests with its stunning presentation and flavors.
This cake is an ideal companion to warm beverages.
Vegetarian-friendly, making it suitable for various diets.

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Upside Down

Gather these items:

4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk

How to Make Caramel Apple Upside Down Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat.
Step 3: Stir in the packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. Pour the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan, spreading it evenly.
Step 4: Lay the sliced apples over the caramel mixture, arranging them in a circular pattern. Set aside.
Step 5: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 6: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
Step 7: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Step 8: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined.
Step 9: Carefully pour the cake batter over the arranged apples in the cake pan, spreading it evenly.
Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 11: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes.
Step 12: Carefully run a knife around the edges of the cake to loosen it. Place a serving plate over the top of the cake pan and quickly invert it to release the cake onto the plate, allowing the caramel and apples to cascade over the top.
Step 13: Slice and serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence.

Pro Tips for the Best Caramel Apple Upside Down

Keep these in mind:

Coconut oil can be used instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
For buttermilk, substitute with milk mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
Ensure the apples are evenly sliced for consistent cooking.
Don’t skip the cooling step to prevent the cake from falling apart when inverted.

Best Ways to Serve Caramel Apple Upside Down

This dessert shines when served warm. Here are some serving ideas:

Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a rich contrast.
Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor.
Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent touch.

How to Store and Reheat Caramel Apple Upside Down

To store, keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for 15-30 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Apple Upside Down

What’s the secret to perfect Caramel Apple Upside Down?

The secret lies in evenly slicing the apples and ensuring that the caramel mixture is well combined before pouring it into the cake pan. This way, the apples will caramelize beautifully, creating a rich flavor.

Can I make Caramel Apple Upside Down ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it a day in advance. Simply store it covered in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. This dessert tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Caramel Apple Upside Down?

To avoid soggy apples, ensure they are not too ripe before slicing. Additionally, don’t overmix the batter; a few lumps are okay. Follow the baking time closely to achieve the perfect texture.

Variations of Caramel Apple Upside Down You Can Try

There are several delicious variations to consider:

Use pears instead of apples for a unique twist.
Add nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
Incorporate spices like nutmeg or ginger for added warmth.
Try a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.

For more delicious recipes, check out Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls or Cranberry Orange Pancakes. You can also explore Sweet Potato Biscuits for a delightful side dish.

Delicious Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Author: basmer
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake is a delicious dessert featuring sweet apples and rich caramel.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat.
Stir in the packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. Pour the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan, spreading it evenly.
Lay the sliced apples over the caramel mixture, arranging them in a circular pattern. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined.
Carefully pour the cake batter over the arranged apples in the cake pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes.
Carefully run a knife around the edges of the cake to loosen it. Place a serving plate over the top of the cake pan and quickly invert it to release the cake onto the plate, allowing the caramel and apples to cascade over the top.
Slice and serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence.