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Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake - featured image
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This easy Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake features tender apples and rich homemade caramel beneath a fluffy, buttery cake. It’s a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for Thanksgiving or any cozy autumn gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (use vegan butter for dairy-free)
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup apple cider or milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • A drizzle of maple syrup (optional)
  • Substitute dairy-free milk or vegan butter for allergies (optional)
  • Try coconut sugar instead of brown sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring constantly, until bubbly and smooth (about 2 minutes). Pour caramel into prepared pan and spread evenly.
  3. Arrange apple slices in concentric circles on top of caramel layer. Overlap slightly for a pretty pattern. Set aside.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon (if using).
  5. In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened butter with 2/3 cup sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
  6. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
  7. Add half the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix gently. Pour in apple cider (or milk), then add remaining dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  8. Spoon batter over apples and caramel, smoothing the top gently. Batter will be thick.
  9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  10. Let cake cool in pan for 10-15 minutes. Run a knife around the edge to loosen. Place a large plate or platter on top, then quickly and carefully flip it over. Lift off pan and peel away parchment.
  11. Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature. Optionally, drizzle with more caramel or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture. Line the pan with parchment to prevent sticking. For gluten-free or dairy-free, substitute flour and butter as needed. Let cake cool before flipping for best caramel set. Add nuts or swap fruit for seasonal variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple cake, upside down cake, Thanksgiving dessert, easy apple cake, autumn baking, homemade caramel, fall recipes, potluck dessert

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/caramel-apple-upside-down-cake-recipe-easy-thanksgiving-dessert/