If you’re looking for a cozy, irresistible dessert to warm up your kitchen and your heart, this Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. I absolutely love how the sweet caramel and spiced apples mingle with a soft, cinnamon-scented cake, all baked in one pan with minimal fuss. When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became a family favorite, and I’m excited to share all the little tips I’ve picked up so you can nail it on your first go.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple but Stunning: This cake looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to make—impress your guests with minimal effort.
Perfect Fall Flavors: The combination of caramel, cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh apples hits that cozy seasonal vibe every time.
Moist and Tender Texture: Thanks to the brown sugar and butter, the cake stays incredibly moist, even the next day.
Flexible and Adaptable: You can tweak the apples or spices to your liking without losing any of the magic.

A slice of cake with two layers is shown on a white plate set on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a light brown, soft, and spongy cake base. The top layer has cooked apple slices that are golden-yellow and shiny with caramel glaze, creating a sticky and glossy texture. The apple slices lie flat on the cake, and some syrup has slightly dripped onto the plate. In the background, there is a blurred white plate with another piece of the same cake. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake, caramel apple cake, fall dessert recipes, easy apple upside down cake, cozy dessert recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients come together to create that perfect balance of gooey caramel topping and fluffy cake beneath. I always recommend using fresh, crisp apples because they hold their shape and add just the right texture contrast.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of unsalted butter, a small white bowl filled with light brown sugar, a small white bowl with ground cinnamon powder, a small white bowl with clear vanilla extract, two peeled and thinly sliced medium apples arranged neatly, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of baking powder, a small white bowl of ground nutmeg, a small white bowl of salt, a small white bowl filled with granulated sugar, two whole uncracked large brown eggs, a small white bowl containing whole milk, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake, caramel apple cake, fall dessert recipes, easy apple upside down cake, cozy dessert recipes

Unsalted butter: Using unsalted lets you control the saltiness and adds creaminess both in the topping and the cake.
Brown sugar: This gives the caramel its deep, molasses flavor — don’t substitute with white sugar, trust me!
Ground cinnamon: Key for that warm, spicy autumnal flavor that pairs beautifully with apples and caramel.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds subtle depth and sweetness to both the topping and the cake.
Apples: I prefer medium tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of sweetness and texture.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cake; make sure to spoon and level for accuracy.
Baking powder: This leavens the cake, helping it rise just right beneath the dense caramel topping.
Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch complements the cinnamon and elevates the spice profile.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar’s rich molasses flavor for a lighter sweetness in the cake.
Eggs: Room temperature eggs blend better and help the cake rise beautifully.
Whole milk: Make sure it’s at room temperature to avoid curdling and keep the batter smooth.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love to mess around with this caramel apple upside down cake recipe — it’s such a versatile base! Feel free to swap in your favorite apples or add a few extras to the batter for a fun twist.

Warmed Spice Variation: I’ve added ground cloves or ginger when I want a more intense spice flavor – it’s like a little cozy hug in each bite.
Nutty Addition: Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled on the caramel topping before adding the batter bring a lovely crunchy texture that my family adores.
Gluten-Free Version: I swapped the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend with great results—just make sure to use one that includes xanthan gum for texture.
Different Fruit: Pears or peaches work beautifully here if you want to mix things up or whatever fruit you have on hand that pairs well with caramel and cinnamon.

How to Make Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Step 1: Crafting the Perfect Caramel Apple Topping

Start by melting the butter and brown sugar together gently in a small saucepan over medium heat. I love whisking it constantly here because you want to melt everything evenly without burning the sugar. After about a minute, when it starts to thicken and bubble beautifully, take it off the heat and whisk in cinnamon and vanilla. Pour this golden caramel into your ungreased 9×2 inch pan and arrange the apple slices on top. This part is where your cake gets its gorgeous look, so take a little extra time to lay the apples neatly. Let it chill in the fridge for a bit; this helps the caramel set, making the final flip much cleaner.

Step 2: Mixing the Spiced Cake Batter

Whisk together your dry ingredients — flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt — so they’re nicely combined. Then, using your mixer, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth, about a minute or so. Add both sugars and beat again until the mixture looks light and fluffy; this step adds air which helps with the cake’s texture. Next, it’s time to add the eggs and vanilla. Scrape the bowl down as you go to keep everything evenly mixed. Slowly add the dry ingredients, alternating with the room temperature milk, while mixing on low speed to avoid overworking the batter. It should be slightly thick but smooth, almost like a dense pancake batter.

Step 3: Baking and Flipping Your Cake

Take your pan with the chilled caramel apple topping and spread your batter evenly over it. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 40 to 46 minutes. Here’s a little trick I learned: halfway through baking, tent the cake loosely with foil to prevent the top from over-browning—this keeps the cake from getting dry while the center finishes cooking. When a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out with just a few moist crumbs, it’s perfect. Let the cake cool just 15 minutes before flipping it onto your serving plate. Trust me, cooler than that is best for clean slices without losing any of that juicy caramel goodness.

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Pro Tips for Making Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Choose Firm Apples: I prefer apples that hold their shape during baking – it avoids mushiness in the topping and looks prettier when flipped.
Don’t Skip Chilling the Topping: Setting the caramel and apples in the fridge before adding the batter keeps everything neatly in place for a tidier presentation.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps your batter blend smoothly and yields a tender crumb in the final cake.
Be Patient Before Flipping: Giving the cake 15 minutes cooldown prevents it from breaking apart, ensuring perfect slices and minimal caramel loss.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

When I serve this cake, I usually keep it simple—a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce amps up its beauty and flavor. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side adds a luscious creaminess that complements the warm spices perfectly.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or coffee. For a festive touch, I sometimes serve it alongside cinnamon-spiced whipped cream or a simple apple compote to echo the fresh apple flavors in the cake.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered this cake with a thin spread of cream cheese frosting before flipping it — it gives a tangy contrast that’s simply divine. Another idea: bake individual mini versions in muffin tins for perfect single servings, great for parties or gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store my leftover slices covered tightly in the fridge for up to 3 days. Wrapping them well keeps the cake moist, and they actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld a bit more.

Freezing

I’ve frozen slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil, and they thaw beautifully at room temperature. However, I don’t recommend freezing the whole cake because the apple and caramel topping lose their lovely arrangement and can become a bit soggy upon thawing.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers warm, I pop a slice into the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or reheat it gently in a low oven (around 300°F) covered with foil to avoid drying out. It revives the caramel’s softness and refreshes the cake’s tender crumb.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! While I recommend firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and tartness balance, feel free to experiment with sweeter or softer varieties. Just keep in mind that softer apples might become mushier and sweeter during baking.
How do I prevent my caramel topping from burning?

When melting the butter and brown sugar, keep the heat at medium or medium-low and whisk constantly. This control prevents the sugar from scorching. Also, avoid letting it cook too long after it starts to thicken — about one minute is perfect for a rich but not burnt caramel.
Why should I chill the caramel apple topping before adding the cake batter?

Chilling helps the caramel set slightly and keeps the apple slices firmly arranged. This makes flipping the cake after baking less messy and ensures a beautiful apple pattern on top of your finished cake.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?

You can prepare the caramel apple topping and even slice apples a day ahead and keep them chilled, then bake the cake fresh when ready to serve. The finished cake is best eaten the day it’s made but can be refrigerated for a couple of days if needed.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake after about 40 minutes of baking. If it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, it’s done. If batter sticks to it, bake a little longer and keep checking every 5 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe feels like such a warm hug on a plate — the kind of dessert you can proudly serve for holiday dinners or special weekends. It’s easy enough to make any day but special enough to wow family and friends. Once you’ve tried it, I’m sure you’ll find yourself making it as much as I do. So grab some fresh apples, lighten your kitchen with cozy spices, and enjoy every bite of this gooey, spiced delights. Trust me, you’ll be so glad you did.