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- 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced - 1 cup brown sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 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 - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup whole milk This cake is simple yet so tasty. You need just a few ingredients to make it shine. First, choose your apples. I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They add a nice tartness. The brown sugar and butter create a rich caramel. Cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and depth to the flavor. For the cake itself, all-purpose flour gives it a soft texture. Baking powder and baking soda help it rise. The salt balances the sweetness. Granulated sugar sweetens the batter, while eggs provide structure. Vanilla adds a lovely aroma, and milk keeps it moist. Gather all your ingredients before you start. It makes the cooking process smooth and fun. Trust me, this cake will impress anyone you serve it to! Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly and turns golden brown. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it is melted, add in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Then, remove it from the heat. Pour the warm caramel mixture into the bottom of a greased 9-inch round cake pan. Next, arrange the sliced apples evenly over the caramel. Make sure the apples cover the bottom completely. This will create a lovely layer of fruit. Now, bake your cake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean when the cake is ready. The top should look golden brown and delicious. After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen it. Place a serving plate on top of the cake pan and carefully flip the pan to release the cake. This step is key to revealing your stunning caramel apple layer. For this cake, I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. These apples have a nice balance of sweet and tart. They hold their shape well while baking. This means you get tender apples without mush. Other great choices include Fuji or Braeburn for a sweeter taste. Always pick firm apples for the best results. Mixing the batter just right matters a lot. Overmixing can make your cake dense and tough. It’s best to stir until the flour disappears. You want a few lumps to remain. This keeps the cake light and fluffy. Remember, gentle mixing is key to a great texture. To check if your cake is done, use a toothpick. Insert it in the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. Look for a golden brown color on top, too. If the top is browning too fast, cover it with foil. This helps it bake evenly without burning. {{image_2}} You can make your caramel apple upside down cake even better by adding nuts. Walnuts or pecans work great. They add a nice crunch and flavor. Chop them up and sprinkle them over the apple layer before adding the batter. Use about 1/2 cup of nuts for a good balance. This small change makes the cake more special and fun to eat. Spices can change the whole taste of your cake. You can try using different spices like ginger or allspice. These spices add warmth and depth to the flavor. Just replace part of the cinnamon with a teaspoon of your chosen spice. This way, you can create a unique twist on the classic recipe. Don’t be afraid to experiment! You might want to adjust the cake size for different needs. If you want a smaller cake, use an 8-inch pan. For a larger cake, try a 10-inch pan. If you change the pan size, remember to adjust the baking time. A smaller cake will bake faster, while a larger one might take longer. Always check with a toothpick to see if it is done. To keep your caramel apple upside down cake fresh, store it in the fridge. Place the cake in an airtight container. If you do not have one, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This will help maintain its moisture and flavor. The cake stays good for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. When you want to enjoy your cake again, reheating it is easy. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place a slice of cake on a baking sheet. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil. This will keep it from drying out. Warm for about 10 to 15 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Heat for about 10 to 15 seconds. Enjoy your cake warm! If you want to save some cake for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the cake cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you want to eat it, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. After thawing, you can warm it up as needed. Yes, you can use other apples. Some great choices are Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn. These apples add a sweet taste. They also hold their shape well while baking. Each type gives a unique twist to the cake. To check if the cake is done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. You can also look for a golden brown top. The edges will pull away from the pan slightly. Absolutely! You can prepare the caramel apple layer in advance. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. Just warm it slightly before using. This saves time on the day you bake. Yes, you can make this cake gluten-free. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure it has a good mix of starch and protein. This swap keeps the cake moist and fluffy. This recipe combines simple ingredients, simple steps, and smart tips for a delicious cake. You can use apples you like, avoid mistakes by mixing gently, and store it well for later. You can also change things up with nuts or spices to make it your own. Remember, baking should be fun, so feel free to experiment. Enjoy your homemade cake, share it with friends, and savor every bite!

Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake! This easy recipe features juicy apples in a rich caramel sauce, topped with a fluffy cake that's perfect for any occasion. In just one hour, you can create a stunning dessert that will impress your family and friends. Ready to sweeten your day? Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this delicious treat to life in your kitchen!
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Ingredients
  

3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

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

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup whole milk

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Prepare the Caramel Apple Layer: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.

      Assemble the Apple Layer: Pour the caramel mixture into the bottom of a greased 9-inch round cake pan. Arrange the sliced apples evenly over the caramel, ensuring they cover the bottom completely. Set aside.

        Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the granulated sugar and eggs together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and milk, and mix until combined.

          Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing.

            Pour Batter Over Apples: Carefully pour the cake batter over the arranged apples in the cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.

              Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top.

                Cool and Flip: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen it. Place a serving plate on top of the cake pan and carefully invert the pan to release the cake.

                  Final Touches: Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally drizzling some additional caramel sauce on top for extra sweetness.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 8