Hey fellow food lovers! Nyla here, and I’m so excited to share one of my absolute favorite comfort food twists with you! I’m talking about my crazy-delicious Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake. This isn’t your grandma’s apple cake – unless your grandma is secretly a flavor-fusion genius! Get ready to experience a burst of sweet, tart, and caramel-y goodness that’ll make you do a little happy dance.
I’m always on a quest to make comfort food even MORE exciting. I think that’s the secret to Grill Drip. That quest led me to this incredible Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake. The inspiration? I wanted to take the cozy, familiar flavors of fall and turn them into something unexpected and utterly irresistible.
This Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a flavor adventure! It transforms any meal into something special. Trust me, you’re going to LOVE this recipe. So, grab your aprons, and let’s get baking!
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! Don’t let the list intimidate you; it’s mostly pantry staples and some delicious apples.
Here’s what you’ll need:

- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter: This creates the luscious caramel base.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: For that deep, molasses-y sweetness.
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced: I love a mix for complex flavor!
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the apples.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of our cake.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: For a light and fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Gives the cake a little extra lift.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture to the cake.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the other flavors.
- 3/4 cup buttermilk: Adds tang and tenderness to the cake.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): For a little crunch!
No worries if you don’t have buttermilk! I use a mixture of 1/2 cup milk and 1 1/2 teaspoons of lemon juice all the time in my Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake. Let it sit for a few minutes to curdle slightly before using.
You can grab most of these ingredients during your normal shopping trip! Look for good quality apples that are firm and crisp.
This Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake gets its amazing taste from the combination of spices and the tangy buttermilk. I also love adding extra cinnamon to my Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake for that extra kick!
Here’s my Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake secret that takes it from good to incredible: use a variety of apples! Each type brings a unique flavor and texture to the party. For an even more dynamic taste, whip up my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake and discover the endless caramel apple possibilities.
Let’s Make Some!
Okay, fellow food lovers, let’s dive into making this show-stopping Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a slice of pure comfort in no time.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. Trust me, this is essential for easy removal!
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar until dissolved. Pour the mixture into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. This is where the magic starts happening!
- Arrange the apple slices in a decorative pattern over the caramel layer. Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg. Feel free to get creative here!
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- Pour the batter over the apples in the cake pan. Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts, if desired.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. In my kitchen, this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake usually takes about 50 minutes.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. This is crucial for preventing the apples from sticking. This is my favorite part of making Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake – watch the magic happen!
- Serve warm, and enjoy! While your Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas! And if you’re looking for another delectable twist on a classic, try my Hawaiian Pineapple Carrot Cream Cake, it’s a tropical dream.
Don’t worry if your Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake looks a little wonky when you invert it. That’s part of the charm! Just gently rearrange any apples that may have stuck to the pan. I once accidentally added a pinch of chili powder instead of cinnamon, and it was surprisingly delicious! A little heat with the sweet makes for a great dessert. Get ready for some truly unique caramel apple flavors.
How to Serve Up This!
Okay, so you’ve baked this gorgeous Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake, now what? Here’s how I love to serve it up for maximum deliciousness!
I love to enjoy this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold creaminess is the perfect contrast to the warm, gooey cake. People literally do happy dances when this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake hits the table with a scoop of ice cream!
- Caramel sauce: Drizzle some extra caramel sauce over the top for an even more decadent treat.
- Cinnamon sugar: Sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on the serving plate for a touch of elegance.
- Spiced nuts: Serve with a side of spiced pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
- Fall gatherings: A crowd-pleasing dessert for Thanksgiving or any autumn celebration.
- Weeknight dinners: Add a little dessert to the weekday with a slice of cake.
- Special occasions: Impress your guests with this stunning and delicious cake.
- Dust with powdered sugar: Creates a beautiful, snowy effect.
- Garnish with fresh mint: Adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Arrange apple slices around the cake: Enhances the apple theme.
- Caramel Apple French Toast: Slice the cake and dip it in an egg mixture before frying for a delicious breakfast.
- Caramel Apple Crumble: Crumble the cake and mix it with oats, butter, and sugar for a quick and easy crumble topping.
I’ve even experimented with a fusion variation by adding a layer of cream cheese frosting between the cake and the apples! It was a huge hit. This Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! If you want a complementary drink for this cake, check out my Caramel Apple Sangria Recipe for something truly unique!
FAQs:
Got questions about making this amazing Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake? I’ve got answers! Here are some common questions I get, along with my tried-and-true tips and tricks.
This Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake has become a family favorite, and I’m so excited for you to try it! My taste testers (aka my friends and family) always rave about the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and caramel-y flavors.
CONCLUSION:
This Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake brings me so much joy because it’s a reminder that comfort food can be both familiar and exciting. It’s a dish that always brings people together and creates lasting memories.

- Use a mix of apples: For a more complex and interesting flavor.
- Don’t skimp on the spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth.
- Let the cake cool completely before inverting: This prevents the apples from sticking.
- Caramel Pecan Apple Upside-Down Cake: Add a layer of toasted pecans to the caramel layer for a nutty twist.
- Spiced Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Bourbon Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake: Add a splash of bourbon to the caramel sauce for a boozy kick.
I usually make the classic version for weeknight dinners, the pecan version for fall gatherings, and the bourbon version for special occasions! Whatever you do, make it your own!
So, fellow food lovers, trust your taste buds, get creative in the kitchen, and don’t be afraid to experiment. I can’t wait to hear about your Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake adventures! Happy baking, and I hope you love this apple dessert recipe as much as I do! 🔥💕 The apple upside down cake possibilities are endless. I have a feeling your friends will think it’s an easy upside down cake to throw together. If you’re interested in another Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake – Sally’s Baking for a great take on this dessert. Or for another option for apple upside down cake – Blue Bowl has a solid choice. And if you are interested in another fantastic recipe for Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake, give Bigger Bolder Baking a try!
Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake
This Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake is a comforting fall dessert with a buttery caramel base, tender apples, and a moist cake topping. It’s perfect warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt 1/2 cup butter in a 9-inch round cake pan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar until dissolved. Remove from heat.
- Arrange apple slices in a decorative pattern over the caramel mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Pour batter over apples in the cake pan.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.
Notes
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra decadent treat.

