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Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake
Updated: Oct 20
Easy to make.
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.
Caramel Apple
Upside-Down Cake
This Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake brings together tender cinnamon apples, golden caramel and a soft, buttery cake. A lovely autumn dessert, simple to make and perfect to share with family and friends.
Prep Time: 20 min | Bake Time: 50 min |
Total Time: 1h 10min
Serves: 8
Ingredients
For the Topping:
150g (¾ cup) sugar
2 Tbsp water
3 apples, thinly sliced
½ tsp cinnamon
For the Batter:
150g (¾ cup) sugar
240g (1 cup) butter, at room temperature
120g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
115g (½ cup) cream cheese
3 large eggs, free-range
Method
Prepare the cake pan.
Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease the base and sides of a 23 cm (9-inch) round cake pan with butter. Use a solid-bottomed cake pan rather than a springform pan, as the caramel can leak during baking.
Make the caramel
Place the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Allow the sugar to dissolve and the mixture to bubble without stirring, gently swirling the pan if needed. Cook until the caramel turns a deep golden amber colour.
Pour the caramel into the pan
Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully pour the hot caramel into the prepared cake pan, tilting the pan gently to cover the base. Take care, as hot caramel can cause serious burns.
Arrange the apple slices over the caramel in overlapping circles. Sprinkle evenly with the ground cinnamon.
Prepare the cake batter
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. Add the cream cheese and beat until smooth and well combined.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add the flour and baking soda mixture and mix on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to help keep the cake tender.
Assemble and bake
Spoon the batter evenly over the apples and gently smooth the surface. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Cool and turn out
Leave the cake in the pan for about 10–15 minutes, then carefully run a knife around the edge. Place a serving plate over the pan and invert the cake in one confident movement.
Leave the pan in place briefly before lifting it away. Allow the cake to cool for another 15–20 minutes before serving.
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!
Delicious ❤️