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For this delightful caramel apple upside-down cake, you need: - 3 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well) - 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick) - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup whole milk These main ingredients create a rich flavor and a soft texture. The apples give freshness, while the brown sugar adds a deep sweetness. You will also need some tools to bake this cake: - A 9-inch round cake pan - Non-stick spray or butter for greasing - Medium and large mixing bowls - A whisk for mixing - A saucepan for melting the butter These tools help you mix and bake the cake smoothly. For extra flair, consider these toppings: - Vanilla ice cream - Whipped cream - A sprinkle of cinnamon These toppings make the cake even more enjoyable. They add creaminess and a touch of spice. First, gather your tools and ingredients. You need a medium saucepan and a 9-inch round cake pan. Start by melting the unsalted butter in the saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir until smooth. This mix will be your caramel sauce. Pour the caramel into the prepared cake pan, making sure it spreads evenly. Next, take your apples. Peel, core, and slice them thin. Arrange the apple slices in an overlapping pattern on the caramel. Set this aside for later. Now, let’s make the cake batter. In a large bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. In a separate bowl, beat the large eggs. Add in the vanilla extract and whole milk, mixing well. Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients. Stir gently until just mixed. It is okay if some lumps remain. This will keep your cake soft and fluffy. With the batter ready, pour it over the apples and caramel in the pan. Spread it gently to cover the apples. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cake in the oven. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. After baking, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate. The apples and caramel should be on top. Let the cake cool slightly before you slice and serve. Enjoy every bite! Choose apples that are firm and fresh. I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. They add a nice tartness to the cake. Look for apples without bruises or soft spots. This way, your cake will have the best texture and flavor. To make great caramel, melt the butter slowly. Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon until smooth. Watch closely and don’t let it burn. The caramel should be thick but pourable. If it gets too thick, add a tiny bit of milk to loosen it up. Do not overmix the batter. Mix just until combined for a light cake. Always check your oven temperature with a thermometer. It helps ensure even baking. If you see cracks on top, the cake may be overbaked. Keep an eye on the time and do the toothpick test for doneness. {{image_2}} You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch. Chopped nuts mix well with the soft apples. You can also add a splash of bourbon or rum for extra flavor. Just a tablespoon adds depth without being too strong. For a touch of spice, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger. This can lift the taste of the cake to new heights. While apples are the star here, other fruits work well too. Pears are a great choice; they are soft and sweet. You could also use peaches or plums for a summer twist. Sliced bananas can add a fun texture, but they cook faster than apples. If you choose a softer fruit, keep an eye on baking time. The cake might need less time in the oven. To make this cake gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend. This swap works well in most recipes. If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut oil instead of butter. You can also use almond milk or oat milk in place of whole milk. This way, everyone can enjoy this caramel treat! To keep your caramel apple upside-down cake fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place the cake at room temperature for up to three days. If it's warm, let it cool first. This helps prevent sogginess. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it. Just remember to cover it well. When you have leftovers, you can easily warm them up. Use the microwave for quick reheating. Just warm a slice for about 15-20 seconds. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F. Place the cake on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. This helps the caramel stay soft and the cake moist. You can freeze the cake to enjoy later. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. This keeps out air and moisture. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Warm it up before serving for the best taste. Yes, you can use different apples! Varieties like Fuji or Gala work well. They add unique flavors. Just make sure they are firm. Soft apples may turn mushy during baking. You can use coconut oil or margarine instead of butter. Both will give good results. If you want a dairy-free option, coconut oil is a great choice. Just melt it before mixing. To check if the cake is done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. You can also gently press the top; it should spring back. This blog post covers everything you need for caramel apple upside-down cake. We discussed key ingredients, baking steps, and smart tips for success. You learned how to choose apples, ensure smooth caramel, and avoid common mistakes. We also explored fun variations to make the cake your own. Finally, proper storage and reheating methods keep your cake fresh. Now you're ready to bake and enjoy a delicious treat!

Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake

Indulge in a slice of heaven with this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake! This easy recipe features tender apples drizzled in a rich caramel sauce, creating a delightful twist on a classic dessert. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home, this cake pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your friends and family with this sweet treat!
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Ingredients
  

3 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced

1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup whole milk

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan with non-stick spray or butter.

    In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon until combined, creating a smooth caramel sauce. Remove from heat and pour the mixture into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.

      Arrange the apple slices in an overlapping pattern on top of the caramel sauce in the pan. Set aside.

        In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

          In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the vanilla extract and milk, mixing well.

            Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.

              Pour the cake batter over the arranged apples and caramel in the pan, gently spreading it to cover the apples evenly.

                Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                  Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate, so the apples and caramel are on top.

                    Let the cake cool slightly before slicing to serve.

                      Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins | Servings: 8

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side for extra indulgence. Dust with a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flair!