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Cozy Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

caramel apple upside down cake - featured image
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A warm, comforting caramel apple upside down cake with cinnamon brown sugar, featuring tender apples and a buttery cake base. Perfect for fall gatherings and easy to make at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for topping)
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (preferably dark brown sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended), peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for cake batter)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (can substitute almond or oat milk)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9-inch cake pan generously to prevent sticking.
  2. In a small bowl, mix 6 tablespoons softened butter with 3/4 cup packed brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon until combined. Spread evenly over the bottom of the pan.
  3. Peel, core, and slice 3 medium apples thinly (about 1/4 inch thick). Arrange the slices neatly over the brown sugar mixture in a circular pattern, overlapping slightly.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg.
  5. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat 1/2 cup softened butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  6. Alternately add the flour mixture and 1/2 cup whole milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing.
  7. Pour the batter evenly over the apple layer in the pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  8. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and edges are golden brown.
  9. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen, then invert onto a serving plate carefully.
  10. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

Use firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture. Butter should be softened but not melted for proper creaming. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix. Cast iron pans give the best caramel crust but non-stick pans work well too. Cool cake about 15 minutes before flipping to avoid sticking or breaking.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple cake, upside down cake, cinnamon brown sugar cake, fall dessert, easy homemade dessert, apple cake recipe

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/cozy-caramel-apple-upside-down-cake-recipe-easy-homemade-dessert/