Caramel Apple Upside Down is the epitome of autumn desserts, bringing together the warm flavors of caramel and spiced apples in a delightful cake. This recipe captures the essence of cozy fall evenings, making it the perfect treat for gatherings or a comforting dessert at home. With its buttery, caramel-drenched apples atop a soft, spiced cake, it’s a dish that evokes nostalgia and warmth with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Upside Down

This Caramel Apple Upside Down cake is not just sweet; it’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Here are some reasons you’ll adore it:

It combines the sweetness of caramel with the tartness of apples, creating a perfect balance.
This dessert is versatile; serve it warm with ice cream or cold with coffee.
The recipe is easy to follow, making it suitable for bakers of all levels.
It’s perfect for fall gatherings, evoking the spirit of the season.
It can be made with different apple varieties for unique flavors.
This upside down caramel apple dessert is great for meal prep, as it stores well.
It’s a vegetarian-friendly option that everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Upside Down

Gather these items:

4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (or vegan butter for a dairy-free version)
1 cup Brown Sugar (or coconut sugar for a less processed option)
3 cups Apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour (or 1:1 gluten-free flour blend)
1 teaspoon Baking Powder (ensure fresh for best results)
0.5 teaspoon Baking Soda
0.5 teaspoon Salt (sea salt can add a different profile)
1 teaspoon Cinnamon (optional to increase spice levels to taste)
0.25 teaspoon Nutmeg (optional to increase spice levels to taste)
0.75 cup Granulated Sugar (or sweetener of choice)
2 large Eggs (or flax eggs/applesauce for vegan)
1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract (use pure for best flavor)
0.5 cup Sour Cream or Plain Yogurt (can substitute Greek yogurt or buttermilk)
0.5 cup Milk (or any plant-based milk for dairy-free option)

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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt together 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 cup of brown sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth and bubbling, then pour into the prepared pan and arrange sliced apples on top.
Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg.
Step 4: Cream together ½ cup of unsalted butter, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, and ¼ cup of brown sugar until light and fluffy, then mix in 2 eggs, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and ½ cup of sour cream or plain yogurt.
Step 5: Gradually combine the dry mixture with the wet mixture until just blended, then pour this batter over the apples in the cake pan.
Step 6: Bake for 40-45 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.
Step 7: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.
Step 8: Serve warm, optionally with whipped cream or ice cream.

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Pro Tips for the Best Caramel Apple Upside Down

Keep these in mind:

Use firm apples for the best texture in your caramelized apple upside down cake.
Make sure your baking powder is fresh to ensure the cake rises properly.
To enhance the flavor, consider adding chopped nuts to the apple layer.
Allow the cake to cool slightly before inverting to prevent it from breaking.
For a twist, try adding a pinch of ginger or allspice to the batter.

Best Ways to Serve Caramel Apple Upside Down

Here are a few delightful ways to enjoy your dessert:

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting treat.
Pair with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a festive touch.
Enjoy it alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.

How to Store and Reheat Caramel Apple Upside Down

To store your caramel apple dessert, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Apple Upside Down

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

The secret lies in using the right apples, like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, for their balance of sweetness and tartness. This enhances the flavor of your caramel apple cake .

Can I make Caramel Apple Upside Down ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cake a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat before serving for a fresh taste.

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

Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy. Also, ensure your caramel is bubbling before adding the apples to get that perfect caramelization.

Variations of Caramel Apple Upside Down You Can Try

Explore these variations for a unique twist:

Try using pears in place of apples for a different flavor profile.
Add a layer of chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Incorporate spices like cardamom or ginger for an exotic flavor.
Make a caramel apple tart inverted by using a pastry shell instead of cake batter.

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For more delicious recipes, check out our dessert category or try making easy cinnamon rolls for a sweet breakfast treat!

Caramel Apple Upside Down: 5 Irresistible Secrets

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This Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake is a heartwarming dessert capturing the essence of autumn with its buttery, caramel-drenched apples and spiced cake.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (or vegan butter for a dairy-free version)
1 cup Brown Sugar (or coconut sugar for a less processed option)
3 cups Apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour (or 1:1 gluten-free flour blend)
1 teaspoon Baking Powder (ensure fresh for best results)
0.5 teaspoon Baking Soda
0.5 teaspoon Salt (sea salt can add a different profile)
1 teaspoon Cinnamon (optional to increase spice levels to taste)
0.25 teaspoon Nutmeg (optional to increase spice levels to taste)
0.75 cup Granulated Sugar (or sweetener of choice)
2 large Eggs (or flax eggs/applesauce for vegan)
1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract (use pure for best flavor)
0.5 cup Sour Cream or Plain Yogurt (can substitute Greek yogurt or buttermilk)
0.5 cup Milk (or any plant-based milk for dairy-free option)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a medium saucepan, melt together 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 cup of brown sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth and bubbling, then pour into the prepared pan and arrange sliced apples on top.
In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg.
Cream together ½ cup of unsalted butter, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, and ¼ cup of brown sugar until light and fluffy, then mix in 2 eggs, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and ½ cup of sour cream or plain yogurt.
Gradually combine the dry mixture with the wet mixture until just blended, then pour this batter over the apples in the cake pan.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.
Serve warm, optionally with whipped cream or ice cream.