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Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake

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

This cozy and delicious Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake is a showstopping fall dessert that transforms simple ingredients like apples, brown sugar, and butter into a warm, sticky, and beautiful treat. Perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings, or a spontaneous autumn night at home.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 370
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Topping
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon optional
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 3-4 Golden Delicious apples peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 500g)
Cake Batter
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 1/2 cup milk whole or 2%
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 9-inch round cake pan
  • Saucepan
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter.
  2. In a saucepan, melt ½ cup butter over low heat. Add brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Add cinnamon and lemon juice. Pour into greased cake pan.
  3. Arrange sliced apples over the caramel layer in concentric circles.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
  5. In another bowl, mix eggs, melted butter, milk, and vanilla. Combine with dry ingredients until just mixed.
  6. Gently pour batter over apples and smooth the top.
  7. Bake for 35–45 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Cool for 10 minutes, then invert onto a plate. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

Notes

Try adding chopped pecans to the caramel for texture or a pinch of nutmeg in the batter for holiday flair. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake fluffy.