Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake
- felichiccuisine
- Sep 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 3
De Feli Chic'Cuisine
If you’re looking for the ultimate fall dessert, this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake is a must-try. Made with buttery caramel, tender baked apples, and a soft, moist cake, it’s the perfect recipe for autumn gatherings, cozy weekends, or holiday dinners.
Imagine tender apple slices baked in buttery caramel, topped with a soft and moist sponge cake. Once you flip it, you get a glossy, golden apple topping that looks impressive but is so easy to make. It’s the perfect cake for cozy weekends, family gatherings, or even holiday.
This apple upside-down cake with caramel is also a great way to use seasonal apples, turning them into a dessert that’s simple, rustic, and absolutely delicious. Serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream, and you’ve got a slice of pure fall comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Seasonal Flavors: Apples, caramel, and cinnamon come together in a dessert that feels like autumn in every bite.
✔ Elegant Presentation: Once inverted, the cake reveals a gorgeous layer of caramelized apples.
✔ Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry.
✔ Versatile Dessert: Perfect for Thanksgiving, a cozy weekend bake, or even as a make-ahead dessert for dinner parties.
✔ Beginner-Friendly: The steps are straightforward, and the result looks bakery-worthy.
You might also like to try: Apple Almond Pecan Cake - Fall Delight
How to Make Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake
1. Prepare the caramel
✔ In a saucepan, heat sugar and 2 tablespoons of water over medium-low heat.
✔ Do not stir! Just swirl the pan occasionally.
✔ Cook until the mixture turns a rich golden amber color.
✔ When it reaches that perfect color, remove it from the heat and pour the caramel into the prepared cake pan.
✔ Carefully to avoid burns.
✔ Arrange the apple slices in a circular pattern over the caramel.
✔ Sprinkle them with cinnamon.
2. Prepare the Filling
✔ In a mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
✔ Add cream cheese and mix until smooth.
✔ Beat in eggs one at a time, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
✔ In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
✔ Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not over-mix!
3. Assemble & Bake
✔ Spread the batter gently over the apple layer.
✔ Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–50 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
✔ Allow the cake to rest for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.
Tips for the Perfect Caramel Apple Cake
✔ Use the Right Pan: A solid 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan works best. Avoid springform pans to prevent caramel leaks.
✔ Perfect Caramel: Cook sugar and water over medium heat. Swirl, don’t stir and remove from the heat when it reaches a deep amber color.
✔ Apple Choice: Firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady balance sweetness and hold their shape.
✔ Arrange Apples Neatly: Overlap slices tightly for a stunning finish.
✔ Don’t Over-Mix the Batter: This ensures the cake stays soft and tender.
✔ Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes! You can bake it a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate. Warm slightly before serving for the best flavor.
2. What apples are best for upside-down cake? Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Pink Lady are excellent choices because they hold their texture and balance the sweetness.
3. Can I use store-bought caramel? You can, but homemade caramel adds a richer, fresher flavor.
4. How do I keep the cake from sticking to the pan? Grease your pan well and invert the cake while it’s still slightly warm so the caramel releases easily.
Enjoy!
Have you tried making this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake? I'd love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts and any creative twists you added to the recipe in the comments below. Or, tag me on Instagram (@FeliChic'Cuisine) when you post your recipe creations. Let's inspire each other. Thank You!
*All photographs on Feli Chic'Cuisine, signed Feli Chic'Cuisine, are copyrighted.
Delicious ❤️