Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake Irresistible and Sweet

August 30, 2025 by Natalie

If you’re craving a sweet treat that will impress everyone, look no further! This Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake combines juicy apples, rich caramel, and a soft cake that melts in your mouth. In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the easy steps to make this dessert your new favorite. Get ready to delight your taste buds and elevate your baking game with this irresistible recipe!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

3 medium apples (Granny Smith preferred)
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk

To make a great Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake, start with fresh ingredients. I love using Granny Smith apples. They add a nice tartness that balances the sweet caramel.

You will need two types of sugar. Brown sugar gives a deep, rich flavor. Granulated sugar helps the cake rise and stay light. Use unsalted butter for a creamy taste and smooth texture.

Don’t forget the spices! Cinnamon adds warmth. It works well with the apples and caramel. Vanilla extract gives a lovely aroma and enhances the flavors.

For the cake itself, you will mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combination gives the cake its structure.

Lastly, you’ll need buttermilk. It keeps the cake moist and tender. The eggs help bind everything together, making the cake fluffy.

With all these ingredients ready, you can create a delicious dessert that everyone will love.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Caramel

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking.

2. In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat.

3. Stir in 1 cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix until smooth and bubbly. Remove from heat and set aside.

Arrange Apples and Prepare Cake Batter

1. Pour the warm caramel mixture into a greased 9-inch round cake pan.

2. Arrange 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced, in a circular pattern on top of the caramel. Set this aside to cool slightly.

3. In a bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This mixture is essential for the cake’s rise.

4. In another large bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and the remaining butter until light and fluffy. This will create a nice texture in the cake.

5. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor.

Combine and Bake

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture. Alternate with 1/2 cup of buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry mix. Mix until just combined.

2. Carefully spoon the batter over the arranged apples in the pan, spreading it evenly.

3. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.

4. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a serving plate. The caramel and apples will be on top, creating a beautiful presentation.

5. Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing. Serve it warm or at room temperature, with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if you like.

Tips & Tricks

Best Apples for Flavor

For the best taste, I recommend using Granny Smith apples. They are tart and crisp. Their flavor shines through the sweet caramel. You can also try Honeycrisp apples. They add a nice sweetness and crunch. If you prefer a softer apple, Fuji works well too. Each type brings its unique taste. Mixing different apples can create a fun flavor profile.

Ensuring Perfect Caramel Texture

To make smooth caramel, consistency is key. Start by melting the butter slowly in a saucepan. Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon until it bubbles. Make sure to keep stirring to avoid burning. Remove it from the heat as soon as it’s smooth. If your caramel is too thick, add a tiny bit of water. This will help create a nice pourable texture.

Baking Time Adjustments

Baking time can vary, so check for doneness. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, it’s done. If it’s wet, give it a few more minutes. Keep an eye on the cake as it bakes. Overbaking can make it dry. When in doubt, always check a bit early. This way, your cake stays moist and delicious.

Variations

Different Fruit Options

You can switch the apples for other fruits. Pears and peaches work well in this cake. Their sweetness pairs nicely with caramel. Just slice them like you do with apples. You can also try using berries for a fun twist. Each fruit brings its own flavor to the dish.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

To make this cake gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend. Look for blends that include xanthan gum. This will help keep the cake’s texture light. Check labels to ensure no gluten-based ingredients are included. You may need to adjust baking time slightly. Keep an eye on the cake as it bakes.

Adding Nuts or Spices

Nuts and spices can make this cake even better. Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. Sprinkle them on top of the apples before adding the batter. You can also try adding a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. Experiment with spices you love to find your perfect blend.

Storage Info

Best Way to Store Leftovers

To keep your caramel apple upside-down cake fresh, wrap it well. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the fridge for up to five days. This helps keep the cake moist and the apples juicy. If you slice it, cover each piece to avoid drying out.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze this cake too! First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, the cake stays fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight.

Reheating Tips

To reheat your cake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet. Heat it for about 10-15 minutes, or until warm. You can also use the microwave. Heat it for about 20-30 seconds on low power. Serve it warm for the best taste!

FAQs

Can I use different types of sugar?

Yes, you can use different sugars. Brown sugar gives the cake a rich flavor. It adds moisture and a slight caramel taste. White sugar works too, but it will be less sweet. If you want a deeper flavor, try mixing both sugars. Coconut sugar is another option. It has a unique taste and works well in cakes.

How long will the cake last?

The cake lasts about 3 to 4 days when stored properly. Keep it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and moist. If you notice it getting dry, try adding a slice of bread to the container. This helps maintain moisture. For longer storage, consider freezing it.

Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cake ahead of time. Bake it and let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can freeze it for a month. To serve, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently in the oven for the best taste.

This blog post covered a delightful cake made with apples and caramel. You learned the ingredients and easy steps to bake it. We explored tips for perfecting flavor and texture, as well as variations for fruit, gluten-free needs, and added crunch. I emphasized how to store and reheat leftovers to keep them tasty. Remember, this cake is versatile, so feel free to get creative. You can make it your own and enjoy sharing it with friends and family. Happy baking!

$- 3 medium apples (Granny Smith preferred) - 1 cup brown sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1/2 cup buttermilk To make a great Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake, start with fresh ingredients. I love using Granny Smith apples. They add a nice tartness that balances the sweet caramel. You will need two types of sugar. Brown sugar gives a deep, rich flavor. Granulated sugar helps the cake rise and stay light. Use unsalted butter for a creamy taste and smooth texture. Don't forget the spices! Cinnamon adds warmth. It works well with the apples and caramel. Vanilla extract gives a lovely aroma and enhances the flavors. For the cake itself, you will mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combination gives the cake its structure. Lastly, you'll need buttermilk. It keeps the cake moist and tender. The eggs help bind everything together, making the cake fluffy. With all these ingredients ready, you can create a delicious dessert that everyone will love. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. 2. In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. 3. Stir in 1 cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix until smooth and bubbly. Remove from heat and set aside. 1. Pour the warm caramel mixture into a greased 9-inch round cake pan. 2. Arrange 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced, in a circular pattern on top of the caramel. Set this aside to cool slightly. 3. In a bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This mixture is essential for the cake's rise. 4. In another large bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and the remaining butter until light and fluffy. This will create a nice texture in the cake. 5. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor. 1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture. Alternate with 1/2 cup of buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry mix. Mix until just combined. 2. Carefully spoon the batter over the arranged apples in the pan, spreading it evenly. 3. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. 4. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a serving plate. The caramel and apples will be on top, creating a beautiful presentation. 5. Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing. Serve it warm or at room temperature, with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if you like. For the best taste, I recommend using Granny Smith apples. They are tart and crisp. Their flavor shines through the sweet caramel. You can also try Honeycrisp apples. They add a nice sweetness and crunch. If you prefer a softer apple, Fuji works well too. Each type brings its unique taste. Mixing different apples can create a fun flavor profile. To make smooth caramel, consistency is key. Start by melting the butter slowly in a saucepan. Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon until it bubbles. Make sure to keep stirring to avoid burning. Remove it from the heat as soon as it’s smooth. If your caramel is too thick, add a tiny bit of water. This will help create a nice pourable texture. Baking time can vary, so check for doneness. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, it’s done. If it’s wet, give it a few more minutes. Keep an eye on the cake as it bakes. Overbaking can make it dry. When in doubt, always check a bit early. This way, your cake stays moist and delicious. {{image_2}} You can switch the apples for other fruits. Pears and peaches work well in this cake. Their sweetness pairs nicely with caramel. Just slice them like you do with apples. You can also try using berries for a fun twist. Each fruit brings its own flavor to the dish. To make this cake gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend. Look for blends that include xanthan gum. This will help keep the cake's texture light. Check labels to ensure no gluten-based ingredients are included. You may need to adjust baking time slightly. Keep an eye on the cake as it bakes. Nuts and spices can make this cake even better. Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. Sprinkle them on top of the apples before adding the batter. You can also try adding a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. Experiment with spices you love to find your perfect blend. To keep your caramel apple upside-down cake fresh, wrap it well. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the fridge for up to five days. This helps keep the cake moist and the apples juicy. If you slice it, cover each piece to avoid drying out. You can freeze this cake too! First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, the cake stays fresh for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight. To reheat your cake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet. Heat it for about 10-15 minutes, or until warm. You can also use the microwave. Heat it for about 20-30 seconds on low power. Serve it warm for the best taste! Yes, you can use different sugars. Brown sugar gives the cake a rich flavor. It adds moisture and a slight caramel taste. White sugar works too, but it will be less sweet. If you want a deeper flavor, try mixing both sugars. Coconut sugar is another option. It has a unique taste and works well in cakes. The cake lasts about 3 to 4 days when stored properly. Keep it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and moist. If you notice it getting dry, try adding a slice of bread to the container. This helps maintain moisture. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Yes, you can make the cake ahead of time. Bake it and let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can freeze it for a month. To serve, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently in the oven for the best taste. This blog post covered a delightful cake made with apples and caramel. You learned the ingredients and easy steps to bake it. We explored tips for perfecting flavor and texture, as well as variations for fruit, gluten-free needs, and added crunch. I emphasized how to store and reheat leftovers to keep them tasty. Remember, this cake is versatile, so feel free to get creative. You can make it your own and enjoy sharing it with friends and family. Happy baking!$