When the chill of autumn sets in and the leaves begin to turn, there’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting scent of baking dessert wafting through the kitchen. I recently found myself with a bounty of Granny Smith apples, and in the spirit of embracing the season, I whipped up a Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake that turned out to be nothing short of magical. Each slice reveals a soft, cinnamon-spiced cake adorned with luscious, caramelized apples that glisten invitingly.

What I love about this cake is its simplicity—no intricate decorations required; it looks exquisite just as it is. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings with family and friends. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s create a delicious dessert that captures all the essence of fall while being a cinch to prepare!

Why choose Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake?

Delightful Simplicity: This recipe requires minimal effort, perfect for home cooks of any skill level.
Warm, Cozy Flavors: Infused with cinnamon and caramel, each bite evokes the essence of fall.
Crowd-Pleasing: Impress your guests with a stunning dessert that also satisfies their sweet cravings!
Versatile Options: Swap apples for other fruits like pears, or enhance the spice with nutmeg or cardamom.
Quick and Easy: Prep and bake within an hour, allowing you more time to enjoy the company of loved ones.

For more fall-inspired sweetness, check out our apple pie recipe for yet another delicious treat!

Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Ingredients

For the Topping

Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and moisture; consider substituting with margarine for a dairy-free version.
Brown Sugar – Adds a lovely caramel flavor; light brown sugar works as a fine substitute.
Apples (preferably Granny Smith) – Provide a fruity topping with a tart contrast; other baking apples can be swapped in.

For the Batter

Granulated Sugar – Sweetens and lightens the cake crumb; no substitutions are recommended.
Eggs – Provide structure; substitute one egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce for an egg-free option.
All-Purpose Flour – Forms the cake structure; a gluten-free flour blend can be used for a gluten-free variation.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Ensure a soft crumb by providing lift; no substitutions are advised.
Cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth of flavor; consider adding nutmeg or cardamom for an extra spicy kick.

With this Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake, you’ll be bringing the warmth of fall into your kitchen—one comforting slice at a time!

How to Make Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking this delightful cake.
Prepare Topping: Melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter in a 9-inch round cake pan, then mix in 1 cup of brown sugar until well combined. Layer your sliced apples over the butter-sugar mixture, arranging them beautifully.
Make Batter: In a mixing bowl, cream together 1/4 cup unsalted butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until fluffy. Add 2 eggs one at a time, then blend in your dry ingredients—1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon—mixing until smooth.
Pour Batter: Carefully pour the batter over the apple layer in the pan, ensuring the apples remain covered. This will create that beautiful upside-down effect once inverted!
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean. Keep an eye on it, starting at the 35-minute mark.
Cool and Invert: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, run a knife along the edges to loosen, and carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate, exposing the gooey caramel and apples on top.

Optional: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

This Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake is a fantastic choice for those busy weeknights, as several components can be prepped in advance! You can prepare the apple topping by melting the butter and mixing it with brown sugar, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Keep the apples sliced and tossed in a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning. Once you’re ready to bake, simply combine the prepped apple layer with your batter and bake as directed. If you want to make even more time, the entire cake can be baked up to 3 days in advance; just cover it and store it at room temperature. Reheat individual slices in the microwave briefly before serving for that warm, comforting experience!

What to Serve with Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake?

When it comes to enjoying a slice of this warm, dreamy cake, pairing it with complementary sides can create a well-rounded dessert experience.

Vanilla Ice Cream: Classic and creamy, it melts into warm cake, enhancing the caramel flavor.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it adds a delightful contrast to the dense cake, bringing balance to every bite.

For a harmonious blend, consider serving slices of cake with a spoonful of whipped cream on the side; the contrast of temperatures is simply delightful. Freshly whipped cream brings a lightness to the rich, buttery flavor of the cake.

Chai Latte: The spice of chai complements the cinnamon beautifully, creating a cozy, comforting beverage pairing.
Hot Apple Cider: Fall wouldn’t be complete without this seasonal drink, enhancing the apple flavor and evoking nostalgic autumn memories.
Roasted Nuts: A mix of warm, lightly salted nuts adds a satisfying crunch that perfectly contrasts the cake’s smooth texture.
Caramel Sauce Drizzle: For the true caramel lover, an extra drizzle on top adds decadence and enhances flavor in every bite.
Cheddar Cheese: A surprising yet delightful option, the sharpness of cheese balances the sweetness and provides a savory touch.

Your dessert table will feel like a cozy autumn afternoon, inviting family and friends to linger and savor each moment.

Expert Tips for Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

Choose the Right Apples: Use firm apples like Granny Smith to maintain their shape and tartness, ensuring a delightful contrast to the sweet cake.
No Greasing Necessary: Avoid greasing the cake pan to allow the caramel topping to release beautifully during inversion.
Watch the Baking Time: Baking times can vary; be ready for up to an additional 20 minutes if the toothpick doesn’t come out clean by 45 minutes.
Cool Before Inversion: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes to help set the caramel and prevent sticking when you invert it.
Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to add nutmeg or cardamom to the batter for an extra layer of warmth in your Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake!

Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Variations

Feel free to explore these delightful twists and enhancements to customize your cake experience!

Pears Swap: Replace apples with ripe pears for a sweeter, softer topping that still offers that delightful caramel contrast.
Spicy Addition: Mix in a teaspoon of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter for a warming, aromatic flavor that complements the apples beautifully.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a quality gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour, ensuring everyone can indulge without worry.
Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the apple layer before pouring the batter for a crunchy texture that complements the soft cake.
Berry Burst: Introduce a handful of fresh or frozen berries (like blueberries or raspberries) to the batter for a fruity twist that surprises the palate.
Caramel Drizzle: For added decadence, drizzle store-bought or homemade caramel sauce over the top just before serving for an irresistible touch!
Coconut Twist: Fold shredded coconut into the batter for an enchanting flavor and chewy texture that transports you to a tropical paradise.
Spiked Cake: For an adult twist, add a splash of bourbon or rum to the batter before mixing, enhancing the overall depth of flavor while delivering a warm kick!

How to Store and Freeze Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

Room Temperature: Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the cake moist and the caramel deliciously sticky.
Fridge: If you want to extend storage, keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
Freezer: For longer preservation, freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy leftovers, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or until warmed through, bringing the gooey caramel back to life!

Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe FAQs

What type of apples should I use for this cake?
Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using firm apples like Granny Smith. They hold their shape well and add a nice tartness that complements the sweet, caramelized layer. Other great options include Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples, which also keep their integrity while baking.

How do I store leftovers of the Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake?
You can keep your cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, ensuring it’s still deliciously moist. For longer storage, move it to the fridge, where it can last about a week. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out!

Can I freeze the Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake?
Certainly! To freeze, first let the cake cool completely. Then, slice it into individual portions, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight, or microwave slices for about 20-30 seconds to bring back their delightful sticky warmth.

What if my cake sticks to the pan when I invert it?
No worries—this can happen! If you notice it sticking, run a knife gently along the edges of the cake to help loosen it before inverting. If you do end up with some caramel orapple topping stuck in the pan, just scrape it out gently and reposition it on the cake. It will still be delicious, I promise!

Are there any dietary adaptations for the Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake?
Very! To make it gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, which works beautifully. If you need it egg-free, replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce. Additionally, using margarine instead of butter can make it dairy-free, while still keeping all the buttery goodness!

Is this cake safe for pets?
I’d recommend keeping this cake away from your pets. The sugar content and potential ingredients like cinnamon can be harmful to them. While the cake is a delightful treat for humans, it’s best enjoyed by us alone!