Go Back

The BEST Caramel Apple Cake Recipe - Your Family Will Beg for More!

This Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake combines the comfort of home baking with the sophistication of caramelized apples. Featuring a buttery caramel topping and a tender, cinnamon-spiced cake base, this dessert flips expectations with its perfect balance of flavor and texture. Ideal for fall gatherings or holiday entertaining.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cake (8–10 servings)
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter for caramel topping
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar dark for richer flavor
  • 2 –3 medium apples peeled, cored, and sliced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup whole milk

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or deep pie dish.
  2. In a saucepan, melt 3 tbsp butter with 1/2 cup brown sugar over medium heat until bubbly and smooth. Pour into prepared pan and arrange apple slices in overlapping circles.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  4. In another bowl, cream butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
  5. Alternate adding dry ingredients with sour cream and milk, starting and ending with the dry mix. Mix until just combined.
  6. Spread batter evenly over the arranged apples.
  7. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool for 10–15 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate. Lift pan gently to reveal caramelized apple topping.

Notes

Use firm apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to prevent mushiness. The 10–15 minute cooling time is critical for clean inversion—too short or too long can cause sticking. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate fall dessert.