Description
This Apple Upside Down Cake is a caramel-glazed dream dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With soft, tender vanilla cake underneath a sticky, golden layer of caramelized apples, this easy recipe is perfect for a quick breakfast, cozy dessert, or an elegant addition to your holiday table. It’s a great idea for fall baking, brunch gatherings, or a simple sweet treat to impress your guests. Whether you’re hunting for breakfast ideas, easy dessert recipes, or delicious food ideas that come together without frosting or layering, this one-pan wonder will win you over.
Ingredients
3 medium apples
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter (for caramel)
1/2 cup butter (for cake batter)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Grease a round cake pan generously. Peel and thinly slice the apples, then arrange them in a spiral or fan pattern in the bottom of the pan.
2. In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter and stir in the brown sugar. Cook until combined and bubbly, then pour the caramel over the apples.
3. In a mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix just until combined.
7. Pour the batter evenly over the apples and smooth the top.
8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let cool for 5–10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and carefully invert onto a serving plate.
10. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream, if desired.
Notes
Flip the cake while it’s still warm so the caramel doesn’t stick to the pan.
Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture.
You can make it a day ahead — just warm slices before serving for best taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: apple upside down cake, caramel apple cake, easy dessert, fall recipe, holiday dessert