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Baking the perfect cake is an art, and this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake recipe is a classic dessert reimagined, guaranteed to captivate your senses. Picture a golden brown top of caramelized apple wedges, glistening with a caramel apple layer that was once at the bottom of the cake pan, now gloriously crowning the whole cake. 

This easy dessert, perfect for cold winter days, fall, Rosh Hashanah or any day you crave a slice of comfort, marries the warm spices and fluffy spiced cake with a caramel apple upside that is simply irresistible.

Making this cake is easier than you think

In the large mixing bowl, the magic begins. The cake batter, a combination of simple ingredients, is so good you want to eat it by the spoonful. The best apples for the job – Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Golden Delicious – are sliced and layered in a greased cake pan, ready to become the top of the sauce that will eventually be the best part of the upside-down cakes.

As the apple dessert bakes, the aroma of cinnamon vanilla cake fills the air, a classic pairing with apple season’s bounty. In a small saucepan, combine butter and brown sugar over medium heat to create the sumptuous caramel apple layer. The wet ingredients and flour mixture are blended at low speed in an electric mixer, ensuring an even layer for the best results. The cake bakes to perfection, with the sides of the pan releasing a fluffy spiced cake, topped with a luscious salted caramel apple upside.

Once out of the oven, let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes before flipping it and releasing from the springform pan.

The sight of perfectly caramelized sliced apples on top of the cake will surely make your mouth water. Feel free to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top or a dollop of sour cream alongside can elevate this classic dessert to new heights.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap to savor the deliciousness next time. This caramel apple upside-down cake recipe is such a delicious celebration of apple season, and a testament to the power of combining simple ingredients to create a sublime treat.

What is an Upside Down Cake?

An upside-down cake is a delightful dessert where the topping is actually at the bottom of the pan during baking. The magic happens when the cake is flipped over after baking, revealing a beautifully caramelized fruit topping that was once at the bottom. This technique creates a visually stunning and flavor-packed treat.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This family recipe for Upside Down Apple Cake offers a perfect blend of sweet, buttery caramel and spiced apple flavors. It’s not just a treat for your palate but also a feast for the eyes. The process of flipping the cake to reveal the beautifully arranged apple slices is nothing short of culinary art. Plus, the aroma of cinnamon and apples baking together creates an inviting warmth in your kitchen.

Upside Down Apple Cake Recipe

Prep Time 15 min

Bake Time 45 min

Serves 10

Caramel Topping Ingredients

• ½ C unsalted sweet cream butter,
• ½ C light brown sugar
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ C vanilla extract
• 2 large apples, peeled and sliced into ¼ in slices

Spice Cake Ingredients

• 1 ½ C flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ C unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
• ½ C sugar
• ½ C light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ C milk

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F or 176 C and line a 9 inch springform pan with parchment paper
• Line the springform pan on the outside with foil to avoid leakage from the caramel mixture
• Place on a cookie sheet
• Using a pot, combine the butter and brown sugar and whisk until melted
• Continue to cook while stirring constantly for 2 minutes or until mixture thickens
• Whisk in the cinnamon and vanilla extract
• Pour the mixture into the springform pan
• Place the apple slices in a decorative form into the caramel sauce
• Set aside
• Using a medium bowl whisk the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Set aside
• Using a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until combined and fluffy
• Gradually beat in the dry ingredients until combined and batter is smooth
• Beat in the milk until combined and smooth
• Pour the batter into the springform pan and smooth evenly
• Bake in the oven for 35-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean
• Remove and allow to cool on the counter for a few minutes
• Carefully remove the springform from the pan
• Flip the cake onto a serving plate and remove the cake pan from the cake

More apple recipes

• Easy Cinnamon Apple Kugel Recipe
• Apple Challah French Toast Casserole
• Fuji Apple Salad and Dressing
• Recipe: Oatmeal With Apple Cinnamon Compote and Pepitas

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