Irresistible Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Name: Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ cup unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing); 2 large eggs; ½ cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk); 3-4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 1 cup brown sugar; ½ cup caramel sauce

Recipe By:

Melisa Egan

Posted:

November 18, 2025

Updated:

November 18, 2025

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Caramel apple upside down cake is like a sweet hug from grandma on a chilly day. Picture this: a soft, buttery cake is topped with gooey caramel and tender apple slices. As you take your first bite, the warm flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar dance on your palate. It’s that perfect blend of sweet and slightly tart that makes your taste buds sing.

This delightful dessert is ideal for cozy family gatherings or a casual coffee date with friends. I remember the first time I baked this cake; my kitchen was filled with the intoxicating aroma of caramelized apples, and my family couldn’t wait to dig in. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This caramel apple upside down cake is incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers.
The flavor profile combines sweet and tangy notes that create a delightful experience.
Its golden-brown appearance makes it visually stunning and perfect for any occasion.
This recipe is versatile enough to adapt seasonal fruits based on availability, making it a year-round favorite!

I still remember the joy on my family’s faces when I served this cake at our last gathering; it vanished in minutes!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; sift it for lighter texture.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while brown sugar enhances moisture and flavor.
Baking Powder: A must-have leavening agent to help your cake rise beautifully.
Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy mixing and rich taste.
Eggs: They bind the ingredients together; use large eggs for best results.
Milk: Whole milk gives richness; feel free to substitute almond or oat milk if desired.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth; use freshly ground for more intense flavor.
Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for their perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
Brown Sugar: This will create that irresistible caramel topping when combined with butter.
Caramel Sauce: Store-bought or homemade—just ensure it’s gooey and delicious!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for caramel apple upside down cake

How to Make caramel apple upside down cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a round 9-inch cake pan and grease it generously with nonstick spray or butter.

Prepare the Caramel Base: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter with 1 cup of brown sugar until smooth. Pour this mixture into your prepared cake pan.

Add the Apples: Slice 3-4 peeled apples into thin wedges. Arrange them evenly over the caramel layer in the pan, ensuring they’re nicely nestled together.

Create the Cake Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. In another bowl, beat together 2 eggs and add ½ cup milk before incorporating them into the dry ingredients.

Bake the Cake: Gently pour your batter over the arranged apples in the pan. Bake for about 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool Before Serving: Allow your cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then carefully invert it onto a serving plate—voilà! You’ve got a stunning caramel apple upside down cake ready to impress everyone.

Now you have all you need to create this magical dessert! Enjoy each slice as it melts in your mouth with every bite!

Content: Use fresh apples for the best flavor and texture in your caramel apple upside down cake. I once used old apples, and let’s just say, they were more mush than crunch.

Tip your baking pan! : A well-greased pan ensures a flawless flip without any sticky situations. Trust me, nobody wants an apple avalanche on their plate.

Let it cool before serving: Cooling allows the cake to set, making slicing easier. I learned this the hard way when I tried to slice while it was still hot—total disaster!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by prepping your toppings while the oven preheats. Layer the caramel and apples, followed by pouring batter over them for a beautiful bake.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch. You can also experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth in flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds until warm and gooey.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For a moister cake, don’t overmix the batter; mix until just combined.
Always measure flour accurately to avoid a dense cake.
Letting the cake sit overnight enhances flavors beautifully.

I remember the first time I made this caramel apple upside down cake. Friends devoured it so quickly that I barely got a slice!

FAQ

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes, pears or peaches work wonderfully too in this upside down cake.

Your recipe calls for butter; can I use oil?

Oil can be used but may alter the flavor slightly; butter gives richness.

What is the best way to serve this cake?

Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat!

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