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To create this delightful cake, you need a few key ingredients. These will bring out the rich flavors and make the cake moist and delicious. The essential ingredients include: - Apples - Brown sugar - Unsalted butter - Ground cinnamon - All-purpose flour - Baking powder - Baking soda - Salt - Granulated sugar - Eggs - Vanilla extract - Buttermilk Here’s a full list of what you need to make the caramel apple upside down cake. Measure everything out so you’ll be ready to bake! - 3-4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into thin wedges - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for caramel) - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the batter) - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for the batter) - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup buttermilk If you need to change some ingredients, no problem! Here are some easy swaps: - Use coconut oil instead of unsalted butter for a dairy-free option. - Swap brown sugar with white sugar for a lighter flavor. - Yogurt can replace buttermilk if you don’t have any. - Try almond extract instead of vanilla for a different taste. - You can mix in nuts like walnuts for added crunch. These substitutions keep the cake tasty while catering to your needs! To start, grab a medium skillet. Melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts, stir in 1 cup of packed brown sugar. Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the mix. Cook this mixture, stirring often, for about 2-3 minutes. Look for a smooth, bubbling texture. When it looks right, remove it from the heat and set it aside. This caramel topping adds a sweet, rich flavor. Next, we need to assemble the apples. Take a well-greased 9-inch round cake pan. Carefully pour your caramel mixture into the bottom. Make sure it covers the pan evenly. Now, take your apples, which should be peeled, cored, and sliced into thin wedges. Artistically arrange the apple slices over the caramel. Overlap them a bit for a pretty look. Set the pan aside while we make the cake batter. This step is key for a stunning presentation. Now, let's make the cake batter. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. In another large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Mix until it looks light and fluffy. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Make sure each egg mixes in well before adding the next. Finally, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter and sugar mixture. Alternate this with 1/2 cup of buttermilk. Start and end with the dry mix. Stir just until combined and smooth. This helps keep the cake light and fluffy. Now, your batter is ready to pour over those beautiful apples! To make great caramel, start with a clean skillet. This helps the sugar melt evenly. Use medium heat to melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. When the butter is melted, add 1 cup of packed brown sugar. Stir in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and bubbling. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat right after. If it cooks too long, the caramel can become hard. For a perfectly baked cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a well-greased 9-inch round cake pan. After mixing the batter, pour it gently over the arranged apples. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Check if it's done by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Be sure not to overbeat the batter. This keeps the cake light and fluffy. To make your cake look stunning, dust the top with powdered sugar. This adds a sweet touch. You can also garnish with fresh apple slices. A dollop of whipped cream on the side looks nice too. When serving, carefully flip the cake onto a platter. This not only reveals the apples but also shows off the caramel glaze. Enjoy the beauty and taste of your caramel apple upside down cake! {{image_4}} You can add nuts to your caramel apple upside down cake for a fun crunch. Chopped walnuts or pecans work great. Stir them into the batter or sprinkle them on top of the apple layer before pouring on the batter. This adds texture and a nutty flavor that pairs well with the sweet apples and caramel. Each apple type brings its own flavor. For a tart kick, use Granny Smith apples. If you prefer sweetness, Honeycrisp or Fuji apples are great choices. Mixing different apples can also add depth. Try a blend for a more complex taste in your cake. Make your cake even more special by adding seasonal spices. A hint of nutmeg or pumpkin spice gives a cozy fall vibe. Stir in about half a teaspoon of either spice into the batter. This small change can transform your cake and impress your guests during the holidays or any gathering. To keep your caramel apple upside down cake fresh, store it in an airtight container. This will help maintain moisture and flavor. You can leave it at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep it longer, place the cake in the fridge. It can last for about one week in the fridge. When you want to enjoy a slice, gently reheat the cake. I recommend using the microwave for quick warming. Heat each slice for about 15-20 seconds. If you prefer oven reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the cake in foil and heat it for about 10 minutes. This keeps the cake moist and the caramel gooey. If you want to save the cake for later, you can freeze it. First, let the cake cool completely. Then, slice it into portions. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. The cake will stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy, thaw the slices overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed. Yes, you can make the cake ahead of time. Bake the cake, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about two days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best taste. If your caramel hardens, don’t worry! You can gently reheat it. Place the hardened caramel in a small saucepan. Add a splash of water to help it melt. Heat it over low heat, stirring often, until it becomes smooth again. This will bring back that lovely, gooey texture. You can use a different pan, but be cautious. A 9-inch round cake pan works best for even baking. If you use a square or a different size, adjust the baking time. Keep an eye on the cake while it bakes. Always check with a toothpick to see if it’s done. This blog post covered how to make a Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake. We talked about the key ingredients and detailed how to prepare them. I shared step-by-step instructions from the caramel topping to assembling the cake. You learned tips for baking and serving. We explored fun variations and how to store leftovers. Making this cake is a tasty adventure. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

Indulge in the sweet delight of caramel apple upside down cake, a must-bake treat for any occasion! This easy recipe combines luscious caramel, tender apples, and fluffy cake for a dessert that’s sure to impress. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a stunning dessert ready in no time. Click through to explore the full recipe and make your next gathering unforgettable with this delicious cake!
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Ingredients
  

3-4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into thin wedges

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup unsalted butter (for caramel)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the batter)

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for the batter)

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup buttermilk

Instructions
 

Prepare the Caramel Topping: In a medium skillet, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, stir in 1 cup of packed brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sugar has fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth and bubbling, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

    Assemble Apples: Carefully pour the caramel mixture into the bottom of a well-greased 9-inch round cake pan, ensuring an even coating. Artistically arrange the apple slices over the caramel, slightly overlapping them for an appealing presentation; set the pan aside.

      Make the Cake Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Incorporate the eggs one by one, ensuring each is well blended before adding the next. Finally, mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

        Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined and smooth; do not overbeat.

          Bake the Cake: Carefully pour the prepared cake batter over the arranged apple slices in the cake pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Place the cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

            Cool and Flip: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. To remove, gently run a knife around the edges of the cake to loosen it. Place a serving platter over the cake pan and invert the pan to release the cake while it is still warm.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 min | 1 hour | 8 servings

                - Presentation Tips: For an elegant finish, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar before serving, and garnish with fresh apple slices or a dollop of whipped cream for added charm. Enjoy your delectable caramel apple upside down cake!