Amazing Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake Recipe

Okay, flavor adventurers, buckle up! Because I’m about to drop some serious deliciousness on you. I’m talking about my Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake.

I’m not kidding when I say this cake is a flavor explosion. It’s got that sweet and tangy thing going on, with a sticky caramel that’ll make you want to lick the plate clean. You know Cuba Queen doesn’t do boring, and this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake is living proof!

I’ve probably baked 50 versions of this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake, tweaking this and that until it reached PERFECTION. The biggest challenge? Making sure the apples stay perfectly caramelized without turning to mush. The solution? A low and slow caramel, and using firm apples that hold their shape during baking.

Honestly, I’m bursting to share this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake recipe with you all. Let’s turn up the heat and get baking, Cuba Queen style! Prepare for some serious flavor fireworks!

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter: Don’t even think about skimping here. Quality butter is the key to that rich caramel flavor. I always use European-style butter for my Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake.
• 1 cup packed brown sugar: Light or dark, your call! Dark brown sugar will give the caramel a deeper, molasses-y flavor.
• 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced: Granny Smiths are my go-to for apple caramel cake recipe because they hold their shape and provide a nice tartness. Honeycrisp work great too!
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of our cake. Make sure it’s fresh!
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: This is what gives our cake that beautiful lift.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Don’t skip this! It helps react with the brown sugar for the perfect rise.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: For the cake itself!
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• 2 large eggs: Adds richness and structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract is a must. Trust me on this.
• 1/2 cup buttermilk: The secret ingredient for a super moist cake. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 1/2 teaspoons of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and you’re good to go!
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice.

This Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake ingredient list is SHORT but mighty!

For the best caramelized apple dessert experience, splurge on the apples! Fresh, crisp apples will make a world of difference in the final flavor and texture. You’ll find the best apples for this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake at your local farmer’s market (if you have one) or a grocery store with a great produce section.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. Trust me, you don’t want this baby sticking!
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar until completely dissolved. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. Be patient, this is the foundation of your amazing Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake!
3. Pour the caramel mixture into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly over the bottom. Arrange the apple slices in a decorative pattern over the caramel. This is where your Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake transforms into pure magic. Take your time and make it look pretty!
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside. Don’t stress – your Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake is going to be incredible!
5. In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Beat with an electric mixer until well combined. This ensures an easy upside down cake mixing experience.
6. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
7. Pour the batter evenly over the apples in the cake pan.
8. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. In my kitchen, this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake takes exactly 50 minutes. Start checking around 45 minutes to be safe.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. This is where most people mess up their Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake – but not you! Make sure it’s cooled enough to release easily, but still warm enough for the caramel to be gooey.

While your Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold! This apple caramel cake recipe is something you will want to share.

Okay, flavor adventurers, let’s talk presentation! This Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake is already a stunner, but a little extra flair never hurts.

First things first, make sure you invert that cake carefully! A clean flip is key for that “wow” factor. Once it’s on the plate, let those caramelized apples shine.

For maximum impact, serve this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of temperatures and textures is pure heaven. A drizzle of extra caramel sauce is always a good idea too! If you want to get fancy, add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts.

This Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake absolutely slays at dinner parties! People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake at potlucks. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Perfect occasions for this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake? Fall gatherings, Thanksgiving dessert, or even just a cozy Sunday afternoon treat. It also will make an easy upside down cake for any occasion.

Got leftovers? Don’t worry, this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake is even amazing the next day. You can also transform it into a delicious bread pudding or use it as a base for a decadent trifle.

For a seasonal twist, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the batter. I’ve also experimented with adding a splash of bourbon to the caramel sauce for an extra kick.

Q: Can I use different types of apples?

A: Absolutely! While I prefer Granny Smiths for their tartness and firm texture, you can use other apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. Just make sure they are firm enough to hold their shape during baking. My suggestion for the perfect apple caramel cake recipe is granny smith.

Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk?

A: No problem! You can easily make your own buttermilk by adding 1 1/2 teaspoons of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and it’s ready to use. I’ve tested this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake with both real and DIY buttermilk, and the results are almost identical.

Q: How do I know when my Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake is perfectly done?

A: A wooden skewer inserted into the center should come out clean. The cake should also be golden brown and spring back slightly when touched. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil.

Q: Can I make this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can! You can bake the cake a day ahead of time and store it at room temperature. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out. When ready to serve, warm it up slightly for that gooey caramel goodness.

Q: What if my Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake sticks to the pan?

A: Make sure you grease and flour the pan really well. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for extra insurance. Letting the cake cool for 10 minutes before inverting it also helps.

Q: Can I make this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake spicier?

A: Go for it! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the caramel sauce for a sweet and spicy kick. You can also add a little ginger to the batter for a warm and cozy flavor. This Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake loves a bit of spice!

Q: What if I don’t have vanilla extract?

A: While vanilla extract adds a wonderful flavor, you can omit it if you don’t have any on hand. The cake will still be delicious, but it might lack a little depth of flavor. You could even experiment with other extracts, like almond or maple.

Q: Can I add nuts to the Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake?

A: Of course! Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition. Sprinkle them over the caramel before arranging the apple slices. I’ve tested this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake with both, and they’re both amazing!

This Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake is more than just a recipe – it’s a flavor adventure waiting to happen. It’s all about that perfect balance of sweet, tart, and gooey, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and celebration-worthy. It represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, fearless experimentation, and turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

My Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake Power Tips:

1. Don’t skimp on the butter! Quality butter is key to a rich, flavorful caramel.
2. Use firm apples! Granny Smiths or Honeycrisp are your best bet.
3. Let it cool for 10 minutes before inverting! Patience is a virtue, flavor adventurers!

Over the years, I’ve created a few variations that are equally mind-blowing. My Bourbon Pecan Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake is a boozy twist that’s perfect for the holidays. For chocolate lovers, the Chocolate Chunk Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake is a must-try. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try my Spicy Ginger Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake with a hint of cayenne pepper.

The Bourbon Pecan Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake gets the biggest reactions, hands down. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, boozy, and nutty, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. You can also make a Caramel Apple Sangria Recipe to spice things up. Or how about an Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake

I have no doubt that you can rock this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake and make it your signature dish. So go ahead, get in the kitchen, and create some flavor memories!

Now, go make this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake, and share your results with me! I can’t wait to see your creations! And for even more apple inspiration, check out this Apple Crisp Cheesecake recipe.

Also, this Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake – Sally’s Baking is sure to deliver. Check out this apple upside down cake – Blue Bowl recipe as well as this Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake by Bigger Bolder Baking.