Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake
by Feli Chic'Cuisine
The Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. The combination of buttery caramel, tender apples, and a hint of cinnamon creates a dessert that's as delicious as it is visually stunning.
This cake captures the essence of fall, with rich flavors that make it ideal for cozy evenings, festive gatherings, or just when you're in the mood for something sweet.
Autumn brings a special kind of magic with its colorful leaves, and the sweet smell of apples. It's the perfect time for seasonal baking, and one of my all-time favorite treats is a French-inspired Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake.
In this cake the sweet caramel and tender apples melt into the soft cake, creating a warm and delicious treat. Once the cake is inverted from the pan, all the juices from the baked apples seep down into the cake, adding moistness and flavor.
Tips for a Perfect Caramel Apple Cake
Use the Right Pan: Avoid springform pans, as the caramel can leak. Opt for a solid 23 cm (9-inch) round cake pan.
Avoid Overheating: When making the caramel, watch it closely to prevent burning. A medium heat works best, and stop cooking it once it turns a deep amber color.
Even Caramel Layer: Pour the caramel evenly into the pan and spread it gently to avoid pooling. Let it cool slightly before arranging the apple slices to prevent them from slipping.
Use Firm Apples: Choose apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady. They hold up well during baking and balance the caramel's sweetness.
Arrange the Slices Tightly: Arrange the apple slices snugly in the pan, overlapping slightly. This helps the apples hold their shape and creates a beautiful pattern when the cake is flipped.
To Check if the Cake is Done: Check the cake’s center with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
Garnish for Extra Flavor: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the rich caramel and tender apples.
How to Prepare Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake
Prepare the caramel
In a saucepan, heat sugar and 2 tablespoons of water over medium-low heat. It's important to let it heat without stirring; gently swirl the pan instead. Cook the mixture until it turns a beautiful golden brown and bubbles.
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 and sprinkle them with cinnamon.
Prepare the Filling
4. Beat together the sugar and butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, add the cream cheese and beat until smooth.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition and scraping down the bowl’s sides as needed. Gradually mix in your flour mixture until just combined. Be sure not to over-mix to keep the cake moist and tender.
Gently spread the batter over the arranged apple slices. Place the cake in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
The cake itself is moist, fluffy, and so easy to make. The beautiful pattern of caramel-glazed apple slices on top makes it look as impressive as it tastes. It’s perfect for special occasions, yet simple enough to enjoy as a comforting dessert any day. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, and it’s pure magic.
Caramel Apple Upside-Down
Cake Recipe
The warm flavors of caramel and apples make this cake a true comfort dessert. It’s moist, flavorful, and the perfect treat for fall or any time you’re craving something special.
Prep Time: 20 min Bake Time: 50 min.
Total Time: 1 h 10 min Serves: 8
Ingredients
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Method
1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Butter the bottom and sides of a 23 cm (9-inch) round cake pan. This cake can get sticky due to the caramel, so avoid using a springform pan; the caramel might leak out while baking.
2. In a small bowl, combine the flour and baking soda. Set it aside.
Make the Caramel
4. In a saucepan, heat sugar and 2 tablespoons of water over medium-low heat. It's important to let it heat without stirring; gently swirl the pan instead.
5. Cook the mixture until it turns a beautiful golden brown and bubbles. When it reaches that perfect color, remove it from the heat and pour the caramel into the prepared cake pan carefully to avoid burns.
6. Arrange the apple slices in a circular pattern over the caramel and sprinkle them with cinnamon.
Make the Batter
7. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the sugar and butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, add the cream cheese and beat until smooth.
8. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition and scraping down the bowl’s sides as needed. Gradually mix in your flour mixture until just combined. Be sure not to over-mix to keep the cake moist and tender.
Baking and Serving
9. Gently spread the batter over the arranged apple slices. Place the cake in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. After baking, let the cake cool for about 30 minutes before turning it onto a serving plate. It’s a simple pleasure to see the caramel drizzle down the sides.
Enjoy!
Give me juicy autumnal fruit, ripe and red from the orchard. - Walt Whitman
*All photographs on Feli Chic'Cuisine, signed Feli Chic'Cuisine, are copyrighted.
Delicious ❤️