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- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith recommended) - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick) - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt When I set out to make this caramel apple upside-down cake, I focus on fresh ingredients. The four medium apples, preferably Granny Smith, give the cake a tart flavor that balances the sweet caramel. Granny Smith apples hold their shape well during baking, making them a great choice. Next, I grab my brown sugar. I always use a full cup packed tight for that rich, deep flavor. It’s the star of the caramel base. Unsalted butter is a must, as it adds creaminess without extra salt. For a little extra flavor, I like to use vanilla extract and ground cinnamon. They are not essential but they add a warm touch to the cake. In the dry ingredients, I combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This mix creates a nice rise and light texture in the cake. Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dessert delicious and memorable. The balance of tart apples and sweet caramel makes every bite a treat! 1. Preheat your oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking. 2. Grease the cake pan: Use butter to coat a 9-inch round cake pan. This helps the cake come out easily. 3. Make the caramel base: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until the sugar dissolves. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until smooth. 4. Arrange the apples: Pour the caramel sauce into the bottom of your cake pan. Layer the sliced apples on top in a circular pattern. Overlap them a bit for a pretty look. 1. Combine dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Make sure they are well mixed. 2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar and remaining butter until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer for this step. 3. Prepare the cake batter: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then, pour in the milk and mix until just combined. 4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mix to the butter mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light. 1. Pour batter: Carefully pour the cake batter over the apples and caramel in the pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for an even layer. 2. Bake: Place the cake in the oven for 40 to 45 minutes. Check with a toothpick to see if it's done. It should come out clean. 3. Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen it. 4. Invert onto a plate: Carefully flip the cake onto a serving plate. Be cautious, as the caramel will be hot. To make smooth caramel sauce, start with a heavy saucepan. Heat the butter on medium heat until it melts. Then, add the brown sugar and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine. Keep cooking until the sugar dissolves, about 2-3 minutes. Make sure you don’t let it burn. To maintain the right temperature, watch closely. If it starts to bubble too much, lower the heat. Smooth caramel is key to a great cake. To check for doneness, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If not, give it a few more minutes. Avoid common baking pitfalls by measuring ingredients accurately. Don’t overmix the batter, as this can make the cake tough. Use an oven thermometer to check your oven's true temperature. This ensures your cake bakes evenly. Pair your cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This adds creaminess that complements the cake's sweetness. For a stunning presentation, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce. You can also serve it warm for a comforting treat. {{image_4}} You can make your caramel apple upside-down cake even more fun with flavor changes. Try using different types of apples. I love Granny Smith for that tart kick, but Honeycrisp or Fuji add a sweet twist. Mixing apples gives a nice depth in flavor. Adding nuts or dried fruits brings great texture to the cake. Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch. You can also sprinkle in dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy surprise. Both options make each bite delightful. If you need gluten-free options, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Many brands work well in baking and keep the cake light. Always check the blend you choose for best results. For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil instead of butter and almond milk in place of whole milk. These swaps keep the cake moist and add a new flavor layer. You can still enjoy the caramel with these changes. This cake shines in fall and during the holidays. Add warm spices like nutmeg or ginger to the batter. A pinch of these spices gives a cozy feel. You can also fold in pumpkin puree for a pumpkin twist. When autumn arrives, consider topping the cake with toasted pumpkin seeds. They add a crunchy finish and a festive touch to your dessert. This makes it perfect for gatherings or family dinners. To store leftovers, let the cake cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. You can also place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the cake fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. If you want to avoid sogginess, wait until serving to add any toppings like whipped cream. For long-term storage, you can freeze the cake. First, cut it into slices if you want single servings. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This prevents freezer burn. The cake can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it again, take out a slice and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. You can reheat the cake in the oven or microwave. For the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C) and warm the cake for about 10 minutes. This keeps the texture nice. If you use the microwave, heat the slice for about 20 to 30 seconds. Monitor it closely to avoid making it dry. Enjoy your warm cake with a scoop of ice cream for a delicious treat! How to make Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake from scratch? To make this scrumptious cake, start by prepping your pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter. In a saucepan, melt butter, then stir in brown sugar and vanilla. Cook until smooth for your caramel base. Layer sliced apples in the pan over the caramel. Next, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and milk. Mix both bowls together gently. Pour the batter over the apples and caramel. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Can I use a different type of pan? Yes, you can use a different pan! A square or rectangular pan works too. Just keep in mind that bake time might change slightly. Always grease the pan well to avoid sticking. How long does it take to bake? The cake bakes for 40 to 45 minutes. It’s best to check it around the 40-minute mark. Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on it. What’s the best way to prevent sticking? To prevent sticking, grease your pan well with butter. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for extra protection. This ensures easy release after baking. Can I serve it warm or cold? You can enjoy this cake warm or cold. It’s delicious either way! Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for a cozy treat. How long will it last in the fridge? In the fridge, the cake lasts about 3 to 4 days. Keep it covered to stay fresh. You can also freeze it for longer storage. This blog post covered the key ingredients and steps for making a Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake. You learned about essential and optional ingredients, helpful tips, and storage methods. It’s easy to customize your cake with different apples or nut additions. Enjoy it with ice cream or cream for a perfect treat. Remember to check the baking times closely for the best results. Making this cake can be a fun project, perfect for any occasion. Now, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking!

Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake

Indulge in the deliciousness of Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake with this easy recipe! This cake features a stunning caramel base topped with tender, spiced apples, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. Follow our simple steps to create a show-stopping treat that will wow your family and friends.
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Ingredients
  

4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), plus extra for greasing

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1/2 cup whole milk

Instructions
 

Prep the Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter to prevent sticking and set aside for later use.

    Make the Caramel Base: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until fully liquid. Stir in the packed brown sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is fully dissolved, resulting in a smooth caramel sauce, about 2-3 minutes.

      Arrange the Apples: Pour the caramel sauce evenly into the bottom of the prepared cake pan. Carefully layer the sliced apples on top of the caramel, arranging them in a circular pattern. You can overlap them slightly for a beautiful presentation.

        Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until thoroughly combined.

          Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and the remaining butter using an electric mixer on medium speed, until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring to beat well after each addition. Pour in the milk and mix until just combined.

            Combine Mixtures: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring gently until the batter is just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake light and tender.

              Pour Batter: Carefully pour the cake batter over the arranged apples and caramel in the cake pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula for an even layer.

                Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it as ovens can vary!

                  Cool and Flip: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. After cooling, gently run a knife around the edges to loosen it. With caution, invert the cake onto a serving plate, keeping in mind that the caramel will be hot.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 8

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the cake warm or at room temperature, accompanied by a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fluffy whipped cream for an indulgent touch! Consider garnishing with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added flair.