Hey there, friend! One of my fondest memories as a kid was helping my grandma in the kitchen, especially when we baked together. There was something magical about the sweet aroma of caramel wafting through the air, mixing with the crisp scent of apples. It always signaled the arrival of fall, when harvests filled our pantry and our hearts felt a little fuller. That experience inspired me to create this delightful Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake—an amazing ultimate recipe that captures the coziness of autumn and the joy of baking. Sharing this with you feels like passing on a slice of my childhood, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for cozy fall gatherings or a simple weeknight treat.
- A lovely balance of sweet caramel and tart apples—just divine!
- Super easy to make, even if you’re a baking newbie.
- Budget-friendly and uses ingredients you probably already have!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this luscious cake:
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3 medium-sized apples (I love using Granny Smith for their tartness!)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil for a hint of tropical flavor!)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional, but adds a cozy touch)
Note: Fresh apples will give your cake a beautiful texture and flavor, so try to use them rather than canned!

Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir until it’s combined and bubbly. Pour this mixture into the bottom of your prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.
- Peel, core, and slice your apples thinly. Arrange them on top of the caramel mixture in the cake pan, overlapping them slightly for that beautiful upside-down effect.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using) until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to a dense cake.
- Pour the batter over the apples in the cake pan, making sure to cover them evenly. Use a spatula to spread it gently, if needed.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan, then carefully invert it onto a serving platter. The caramel will drip down the sides, creating a gorgeous presentation!
Tip: If the cake seems stuck, gently run a knife around the edges before inverting.

Pro Tips & Variations
Want to elevate your Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake even more? Here are some fun variations and tips:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for an extra layer of warmth.
- Nutty goodness: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
- Caramel drizzle: A homemade or store-bought caramel sauce drizzled on top when serving takes it to a whole new level.
- Dairy-free option: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk if you’re going dairy-free!
Serving Suggestions
This cake is wonderful on its own, but you can turn it into a cozy dessert extravaganza! Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side—there’s nothing quite like the contrast of warm cake and cold ice cream. Drizzle a little extra caramel sauce over the top, or sprinkle some toasted nuts for added texture. It’s the ultimate comfort food! And let’s not forget about pairing it with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai—an invitation to snuggle up and enjoy every delicious bite.

Storage Tips
Want to keep your cake fresh for later? Here are a few easy tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it well to keep it moist.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooled cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When you want a slice, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheating: For that freshly-baked warmth, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds! Just be careful not to overheat it, or you might lose that lovely caramel texture.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits besides apples?
Absolutely! Pears, peaches, or even berries can create a deliciously fruity twist. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness depending on the fruit you choose!
What’s the best way to layer the apples?
To make it visually stunning, cut the apples into thin slices and arrange them in a spiral or concentric circles. You could even use cookie cutters to create fun shapes!
Can I make this recipe in advance for a gathering?
You can bake it a day ahead, just store it in the fridge, and reheat it right before serving. This will save you time on the big day!
I don’t have a 9-inch cake pan. Can I use something else?
Of course! You can use an 8-inch pan, but keep an eye on the baking time as it might require a few extra minutes. A deep dish pie plate works well too if you want to make it more rustic!
Conclusion
There you have it—my warm and inviting Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake recipe! I hope this brings a bit of warmth and sweetness to your kitchen, just like it did for me. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Feel free to drop a comment below with your thoughts or any twists you tried. Happy baking, my friend!
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Amazing Caramel Apple UpsideDown Cake Ultimate Recipe Guide
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Discover the ultimate recipe for caramel apple upsidedown cake Perfectly sweet and gooey its a musttry dessert for any occasion 153 chars
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- minutes: 15
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 calories
- Sugar: 30 grams
- Fat: 16 grams
- Saturated Fat: 16 grams
- Carbohydrates: 56 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 3 grams





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