Name: Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake: An Easy & Impressive Fall Dessert
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 apples, peeled and thinly sliced; 2 large eggs; 1½ cups all-purpose flour; 1½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; 1 cup brown sugar; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp cinnamon; ¼ tsp nutmeg; ½ tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 11 tbsp unsalted butter; ¼ cup milk; ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt

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A Cozy Autumn Classic

There’s something magical about the combination of apples, caramel, and warm spices. This Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake captures that essence perfectly. With tender, spiced cake baked over buttery caramel-coated apples, every bite feels like autumn comfort.

Despite its elegant look, this dessert is surprisingly easy to make. The glossy caramel layer makes it stunning for any occasion—whether it’s Thanksgiving, a fall dinner party, or a simple weekend indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

This cake is the perfect balance of sweet, moist, and spiced. The brown sugar and butter caramelize beautifully, creating a golden, sticky topping that pairs perfectly with tart apples. Once flipped, it looks like a bakery masterpiece.

You’ll love that it uses simple pantry ingredients and can be made ahead. It’s a show-stopping dessert that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Produce

2 apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

Refrigerated

2 large eggs

Baking & Spices

1½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dairy

11 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided use)
¼ cup milk
½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Caramel Layer

In a small saucepan, melt 5 tablespoons of butter with 1 cup brown sugar over medium heat. Stir until smooth and bubbly. Pour the caramel mixture into a greased 9-inch round cake pan. Arrange the sliced apples neatly on top of the caramel layer.

2. Make the Cake Batter

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In another bowl, beat the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter with granulated sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla. Stir in sour cream and milk. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

3. Assemble and Bake

Pour the batter evenly over the apples and smooth the top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

4. Cool and Flip

Allow the cake to cool for 10–15 minutes. Run a knife around the edge, place a serving plate over the pan, and carefully invert it. Lift the pan slowly to reveal your glossy caramel apple topping.

Chef’s Tips for a Perfect Flip

Use a nonstick or well-greased pan for easy release.
Let the cake rest before flipping to avoid breaking.
If caramel sticks to the pan, reheat briefly and drizzle it over the top.

Delicious Variations

Bourbon Caramel: Add a splash of bourbon to the caramel for a rich depth.
Pear-Ginger Twist: Replace apples with pears and add ½ teaspoon of ground ginger.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel layer before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cake warm with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of cold cream and warm caramel is pure dessert bliss. It also pairs beautifully with coffee or spiced cider on chilly fall evenings.

Conclusion

This Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake is the ultimate fall dessert—beautiful, comforting, and effortlessly impressive. The tender crumb, buttery caramel, and soft apples create a dessert you’ll crave all season long. Bake it once, and it’ll become your new autumn tradition.

Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake: An Easy & Impressive Fall Dessert