There’s something incredibly satisfying about a Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake , where sweet caramel and juicy apples meet a fluffy, buttery cake. This recipe is a perfect fall treat that’s delightful any time of the year. The layers of flavor unfold with each bite, making it one of our family favorites. Just last week, my kids helped me pick out the apples for this from the farmer’s market, and the smell of it baking brought everyone into the kitchen. Try pairing it with Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars for a caramel apple-themed dessert spread!
Why you’ll love this recipe
Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake is more than just its delicious taste. It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat, impressive enough for a special occasion, and offers a beautiful presentation right out of the pan. The combination of sweet, tender apples with a hint of spice from cinnamon and nutmeg brings all the cozy aromas of apple pie, but with a delightful twist. Plus, it uses everyday ingredients you likely have on hand.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2–3 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- ¼ cup milk
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or deep pie dish to ensure easy cake removal later.
- In a small saucepan, melt 3 tbsp of unsalted butter with ½ cup of brown sugar until the mixture becomes bubbly and smooth, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Pour this into the bottom of your prepared pan, arranging the apple slices neatly over it in a circular pattern.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time followed by vanilla extract.
- Stir in sour cream and milk, then gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Make sure not to overmix.
- Carefully spread the batter over the arranged apples, evenly covering them.
- Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate to show off your perfectly caramelized apples.
- Serve while warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Recipe tips & variations
For extra flavor, you can add chopped pecans or walnuts to the caramel mixture for a nutty crunch. If you prefer a fresher dairy flavor, opt for plain yogurt over sour cream.
Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties, like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, to adjust sweetness and tartness. If you’re short on time, using a store-bought caramel sauce can also work in a pinch.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftover Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to a week. The flavors deepen as it sits, keeping it delicious.
To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, just enough to warm the cake and melt the caramel slightly, bringing back that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake is even better the next day as the flavors meld, making it a great make-ahead option for parties or family gatherings.
What are the best apples to use?
I find that a mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith work well, but feel free to use your favorite.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results.
Recipes you may like
Looking for more apple goodness? Try our Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Bliss or dive into the richness of our Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip for more family-friendly options.
Print
Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A delightful Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake combining sweet caramel and juicy apples with a fluffy cake, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2–3 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or deep pie dish to ensure easy cake removal later.
- In a small saucepan, melt 3 tbsp of unsalted butter with ½ cup of brown sugar until the mixture becomes bubbly and smooth, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Pour this into the bottom of your prepared pan, arranging the apple slices neatly over it in a circular pattern.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time followed by vanilla extract.
- Stir in sour cream and milk, then gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Make sure not to overmix.
- Carefully spread the batter over the arranged apples, evenly covering them.
- Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate to show off your perfectly caramelized apples.
- Serve while warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add chopped pecans or walnuts to the caramel mixture for a nutty crunch.
- If you prefer a fresher dairy flavor, opt for plain yogurt over sour cream.
- Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties, like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, to adjust sweetness and tartness.
- If you’re short on time, using a store-bought caramel sauce can also work in a pinch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg