Caramel Apple Dream the Ultimate Upsidedown Cake

Caramel Apple Dream The Best UpsideDown Cake Recipe

By Sally ThompsonSeptember 22, 2025Updated: September 21, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a dessert that screams autumn? Ever wondered if a caramel apple upside down cake could be the best thing since sliced bread? Honestly, this cake is the biz.

Brief Overview

The upside down cake has a rich history. This recipe is a twist on the classic. It’s a medium difficulty bake.

It needs around an hour and fifteen minutes. This caramel apple dessert makes about 8 generous servings.

Main Benefits

This easy caramel apple cake is packed with apple goodness. It also has the warm spice of cinnamon. It's a perfect dessert for Thanksgiving.

It's basically autumn in cake form. It will have you reminiscing about jumping in leaves in no time. This apple cake recipe is extra special because of the gooey caramel.

Are you ready to dive in?

Let’s talk ingredients. This wouldn't be a great autumn dessert recipes article without mentioning spices. Let’s start with our luscious caramel.

Think sweet, buttery bliss. You'll need sugar, butter, and cream to create it. It's going to be amazing! Next up, you'll need some fresh apples.

These will get coated in cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. The perfect caramel apple flavor pairings .

You know, I once made a similar cake for a friend's birthday. It was a complete disaster! I accidentally burned the caramel.

The whole kitchen smelled like… well, burnt sugar. Lesson learned: keep a close eye on that caramel! This spiced apple cake version is thankfully foolproof.

You can avoid my past mistakes by keeping a close eye on the caramel as it melts. You can also use an instant read thermometer if you want to be extremely precise, and avoid my mistakes when making this caramelized apple cake .

Ingredients & Equipment

So, you wanna make a caramel apple upside down cake ? Awesome! Let's talk about what you'll need. Honestly, most of it's probably already in your kitchen, but it's good to double check, right? This apple cake recipe is simpler than you think.

Applelicious Must Haves

Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200g) . Just your regular white sugar.
Unsalted butter: 6 tablespoons (85g) , cut into pieces. Make sure it’s unsalted!
Heavy cream: 1/4 cup (60ml) . This is what makes the caramel sauce so dreamy.
Sea salt: 1/4 teaspoon . A little salt really brings out the caramel apple flavor pairings .
Apples: 4 medium (about 600g ). Honeycrisp or Gala apples work great.
Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon . Prevents browning.
Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon . Hello, spiced apple cake goodness!
Nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon . Adds that warm, autumn dessert recipes vibe.
Allspice: 1/4 teaspoon . Just a pinch for depth.
All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups (190g) .
Baking powder: 1 1/2 teaspoons . For that perfect rise.
Baking soda: 1/4 teaspoon . Works with the baking powder.
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon . Don't skip it!
Unsalted butter (for cake): 1/2 cup (1 stick/113g) , softened. Super important it's soft!
Granulated sugar (for cake): 3/4 cup (150g) .
Large eggs: 2 .
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon .
Buttermilk: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Makes the cake extra moist!

Spice It Up: Seasoning Sensations

Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice are key for that caramel apple dessert experience. A little salt with the caramel enhances the sweetness.

Honestly, you could even add a tiny pinch of cardamom for something extra special. No allspice? Just use a bit more cinnamon and nutmeg.

Gear Up: Essential Equipment

9 inch round cake pan. Straight sides are best.
Parchment paper. Makes flipping the cake a breeze.
Saucepan. For that yummy caramelized apple cake .
Mixing bowls. Obvs!
Electric mixer. Hand or stand mixer your call.
Rubber spatula. Get every last bit of batter!

Don't have a fancy mixer? A whisk and some elbow grease will do just fine for this easy caramel apple cake .

If you don't have parchment paper, grease and flour the pan really well. Let’s get this apple upside down cake with caramel sauce baking! Time for some serious fall baking recipes !

Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake: The Easiest Fall Treat

Okay, mates, let's talk comfort food! Forget your troubles and dive into this caramel apple upside down cake . I reckon it’s the perfect autumn dessert recipe , blending caramel and apples into pure heaven.

Seriously, you need this in your life. I tried so many apple cake recipes and this is the one that stuck.

Why? Because it's easy! Think sticky toffee meets apple crumble. It is easier than you think!

I remember one time I was making this for a dinner party. I almost burnt the caramel. Oh my gosh.

So I wanted to share this with you to get it right, so you don't mess it up.

Prep Like a Pro

Essential mise en place is key! Peel and slice about 4 medium apples like Honeycrisp or Gala. Toss them with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to stop them browning.

Measure out all your spices. Seriously, it makes life so much easier.

For time saving, soften your 1/2 cup of butter beforehand. Honestly, it whips up so much better. And a quick safety tip: be careful when melting sugar for the caramel.

It gets super hot!

Bake-It-Till You-Make-It Process

First, make the caramel. Melt 1 cup of sugar in a pan over medium heat until golden. Swirl, don't stir!
Take the pan off the heat and whisk in 6 tablespoons of butter. Then add 1/4 cup of heavy cream and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Pour that glorious caramel into a 9 inch cake pan . Make sure it spreads out evenly.
Mix your sliced apples with 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon allspice.
Arrange those spiced apple slices prettily over the caramel. Get creative!
Make the cake batter. Cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 3/4 cup of sugar. Add 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla.
Slowly mix in 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, alternating with 1/2 cup of buttermilk. Do not over mix!
Pour the batter over the apples and bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 45- 55 minutes . A skewer should come out clean.

Pro Tips for Caramel Apple Excellence

Want that extra edge? Here are a few cheeky tips!

One trick, don't burn that caramel apple dessert. Watch it like a hawk. A big mistake? Overbaking the cake. Keep an eye on it! And if you want to get ahead, you can prep the apples the day before.

Caramel apple flavor pairings are a plus.

Alright, enjoy your caramel apple upside down cake .

This spiced apple cake is amazing with a cup of tea. Honestly, it is like a big hug in cake form.

I would love to see how you do it. Remember this easy caramel apple cake .

Recipe Notes for Your Best Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

Alright, you've got the recipe, you're ready to bake up the most incredible caramel apple dessert EVER! But before you preheat that oven, let’s chat about a few key things.

Honestly, these are the little tips that’ll take your apple cake recipe from "meh" to "OMG where did you get this?!"

Serving Suggestions: Make it a Showstopper!

Presentation is key, you know? I like to serve my upside down cake warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The contrast of the warm cake and cold ice cream is just heavenly! A little drizzle of extra caramel apple flavor pairings doesn’t hurt either.

Dusting with icing sugar just makes it pop. You could even add a sprinkle of chopped pecans for a bit of crunch.

As for drinks, a warm cup of tea or coffee is always a winner with this fall baking recipes .

Storage Tips: Keep the Goodness Going

So, by some miracle, you actually have leftover apple upside down cake with caramel sauce . Lucky you!

Refrigeration: Pop any uneaten cake in an airtight container and into the fridge. It will last for 3-4 days.
Freezing: Believe it or not, you can freeze this baby! Just wrap it tightly in cling film, then foil. It will keep for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, you can either microwave individual slices for a few seconds (watch it doesn't get rubbery!). You can reheat them in a preheated oven at 300° F ( 150° C) until warmed through.

Variations: Make it Your Own

Want to tweak things? Go for it!

Dietary: For a gluten-free version, use a good quality gluten-free flour blend. Also, you can try an easy caramel apple cake with a brown sugar substitute. It changes the flavor slightly but it works!
Seasonal: Swapping in pears for apples in this spiced apple cake can make it even more autumnal! Or add a pinch of cloves to the caramelized apple cake mixture for extra warmth during the colder months.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside

Okay, so this autumn dessert recipes isn't exactly a health food. But hey, everything in moderation, right? Apples are a good source of fiber, and the spices add a touch of antioxidants.

This caramel apple upside down cake is a treat. It brings people together and makes memories.

So, there you have it. All my little notes to help you bake the perfect caramel apple upside down cake .

Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun! Honestly, baking should be relaxing. Enjoy every moment of it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my caramel burn when making the caramel apple upside down cake?

Ah, burning the caramel, that's a classic kitchen mishap! Caramel can be a bit of a diva. The key is to watch it like a hawk, use medium heat, and swirl the pan occasionally instead of stirring. Once it starts to turn amber, it can go from perfect to burnt quicker than you can say "Mary Berry!"

Can I use different types of apples in my caramel apple upside down cake?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests Honeycrisp, Gala, or Braeburn, feel free to experiment. A mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith with Fuji can add a delightful complexity. Just remember, apples that hold their shape well during baking are ideal you don't want a mushy mess!

My cake stuck to the pan, what did I do wrong with my caramel apple upside down cake?

Oh dear, a sticky situation! A few things could be at play. Firstly, ensure you’ve lined the pan with parchment paper it's a game changer. Secondly, letting the cake cool for just the right amount of time (10-15 minutes) before inverting is crucial.

Too long, and the caramel hardens; not enough, and the cake could collapse. A gentle tap around the edges of the pan can also help loosen things up.

How do I store leftover caramel apple upside down cake and for how long?

To keep your cake fresh as a daisy, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. The caramel topping can make it a bit sticky, so avoid stacking slices directly on top of each other.

For longer storage, you can refrigerate it, but be aware that the cake might dry out a bit, so maybe warm it up slightly before serving.

Can I make this caramel apple upside down cake gluten-free?

Yes, you certainly can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose baking flour blend. Be sure to choose one that contains xanthan gum, as this will help to bind the cake and give it a similar texture to a traditional cake.

You might also consider adding an extra egg for added moisture and binding.