Apple cakes are a perennial favorite, but when it comes to giving this classic dessert a new twist, few options are as irresistible as a Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake. With layers of sweet, sticky caramel, tender apples, and a moist, fluffy cake, it's the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication. Here's how you can whip up this delightful treat in just five easy steps.
Ingredients
Before we delve into the steps, let’s ensure you have all the ingredients at hand:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3⁄4 cup granulated sugar
- 1⁄2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3⁄4 cup milk
- 1⁄2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 4 medium apples (preferably firm, like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 cup caramel sauce, divided
🍎 Note: Make sure your apples are thinly sliced to ensure they cook evenly.
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking pan by greasing a 9-inch round cake pan, then line the bottom with parchment paper for easier cake release. Pour 1⁄2 cup of caramel sauce into the bottom of the pan, spreading it evenly to cover the parchment paper.
- Arrange the sliced apples in the caramel, overlapping slightly in a circular pattern.
- Try to cover the entire bottom of the pan with apples for uniform slices when the cake is turned out.
Step 2: Cake Batter
Now for the cake batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. This can take about 3 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next, followed by the vanilla.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Fold in the sour cream or Greek yogurt to keep the batter moist.
Step 3: Assembly
Now it’s time to assemble your Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake:
- Pour the cake batter carefully over the apples in the prepared pan, smoothing it out with a spatula to ensure even coverage.
- Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any large air pockets.
Step 4: Baking
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for:
- 50 to 60 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent overbaking; if it’s browning too quickly, cover with foil.
🕒 Note: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking for doneness around 45 minutes.
Step 5: Cooling and Flipping
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes:
- Run a knife around the edge to loosen the cake, then place a serving plate over the cake pan and carefully flip it.
- Lift the pan off gently, and peel away the parchment paper. The caramel will have seeped into the cake, making it moist and flavorful.
- If any apple slices stick to the parchment, gently place them back on the cake.
Now you have your beautifully caramelized apple-topped cake. Drizzle with the remaining caramel sauce just before serving.
To summarize, this Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake brings the warmth of fall into every bite. By preparing a simple caramel base, arranging apples artfully, and baking a moist cake batter, you've created a dessert that's both visually stunning and delicious. Whether for a family dinner, a party, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake is a delight to make and even better to eat.
Can I use canned apples for this recipe?
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Fresh apples are preferred for texture and flavor, but if using canned apples, ensure they are well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
What if I don’t have sour cream or Greek yogurt?
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You can substitute with an equal amount of applesauce or plain yogurt, though the texture might be slightly different.
How long does this cake keep?
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Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Just bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
