Buttery Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake: A Fall Favorite

When the crisp autumn air sets in, nothing says fall quite like the irresistible combination of apples and caramel. Our Buttery Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake is the perfect dessert to bring warmth and sweetness to your kitchen. With tender apples, a rich caramel topping, and a moist cake, it’s a show-stopping treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

This easy-to-follow recipe makes it simple to create a stunning dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or just craving a comforting dessert, this upside-down cake is the ideal choice. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced thin
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk

For the caramel topping:

• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Tip: You can use any variety of apples you prefer. For a tart flavor, Granny Smith apples are perfect, while for a sweeter option, Honeycrisp apples are a great choice.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Topping

1. In a medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the brown sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently.
3. Let the caramel bubble for about 2 minutes, then remove from the heat. The caramel will thicken as it cools, so set it aside.

Step 2: Arrange the Apples

1. Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan.
2. Pour the caramel sauce into the bottom of the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
3. Arrange the thinly sliced apples in a circular pattern on top of the caramel sauce. Be sure to cover the entire bottom of the pan with apples.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the cake batter over the apples and caramel in the pan, spreading it evenly.
2. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes in the pan.

Step 5: Flip and Serve

1. After the cake has cooled slightly, carefully flip the cake onto a serving platter.
2. Gently remove the cake pan and allow the caramel and apples to settle. The caramel sauce will ooze over the sides, creating a deliciously gooey topping.
3. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips for the Perfect Upside Down Cake

• Apple Selection: Choose apples that hold up well during baking, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. They’ll keep their shape and provide a good balance of sweet and tart flavors.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: To ensure a soft and tender cake, mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
• Serve Warm: Upside-down cakes are best served warm, as the caramel and apples will be wonderfully gooey.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cake a day ahead of time. Allow it to cool completely, then store it covered at room temperature. You can reheat it before serving if desired.

2. What if I don’t have an 8-inch cake pan?

You can use a 9-inch cake pan instead. Just note that the cake may bake a bit quicker, so start checking it around 30 minutes.

3. Can I use other fruits for this recipe?

Absolutely! Pears, peaches, or even plums would work beautifully in place of apples. Just be sure to slice them thinly and arrange them in a circular pattern.

Conclusion

This Buttery Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake is the perfect fall dessert that combines the rich sweetness of caramel with the tartness of apples and a moist, tender cake. It’s easy to make, beautifully presented, and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake will undoubtedly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Don’t wait — try this recipe today and enjoy the flavors of fall in every bite!