The Best Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake for Fall Desserts

Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s a cozy little hug from your oven. Imagine golden apple slices swimming in buttery brown sugar caramel, nestled under a fluffy, cinnamon-kissed cake that flips to reveal its beautiful, sticky top.

That’s this cake. Whether you’re hosting a fall dinner, need a Thanksgiving showstopper, or just want to spoil yourself on a Tuesday night (no judgment here), this Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake brings the flavor and then some. With warm spices, sweet apples, and a rich caramel glaze that makes it taste like you spent hours on it—when in reality, you whipped it up in about an hour—this dessert hits the sweet spot between “homemade comfort” and “Instagram-worthy.” Oh, and did I mention it goes fantastically with a scoop of ice cream?

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What is Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake?

Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake is a sweet twist on the classic pineapple version, swapping out tropical fruit for cozy fall flavors. At the base (which becomes the top after flipping!) are thinly sliced apples simmered in a dreamy brown sugar caramel. The cake itself is soft and tender, slightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg to complement the apples.

When it’s baked and inverted, the result is a glistening layer of caramelized fruit over a buttery, moist crumb. What’s great about this cake is how it balances sweetness and spice, making it feel indulgent but not overly heavy. It looks fancy enough to impress, but it’s secretly very simple to make—even if you’re more of a “boxed brownie mix” kind of baker. Bonus: no frosting required! The caramel topping does all the work.

Reasons to Try Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

First, let’s be honest—caramel and apples are a match made in dessert heaven. Add a fluffy cake base and you’ve got a recipe that’s hard to resist. But beyond flavor, this Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake is ideal for busy home cooks because it looks impressive but comes together quickly. The ingredients are pantry staples (no running to six stores for something obscure), and the technique is beginner-friendly. If you’ve got picky eaters or guests to please, this cake’s familiar flavors are always a hit.

Plus, it’s super versatile—you can serve it warm, room temp, even cold straight from the fridge if you’re living on the edge. Whether you’re after something sweet for Sunday dinner, or looking for an easy fall dessert for your next gathering, this cake brings cozy vibes and applause. And if you’re already on an apple kick, you’ll want to bookmark our Chicken Pot Pie Casserole too—it pairs surprisingly well with a warm slice of this cake afterward.

Ingredients Needed to Make Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk

Instructions to Make Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Grease the Pan

Let’s kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—you want it fully heated so the cake bakes evenly. While that’s warming up, generously grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or a non-stick spray. Don’t skimp here—this step is key for an easy flip later. If you’ve ever had a cake stick and rip apart mid-invert (ugh, the heartbreak), you know what I mean. Want to make cleanup easier? Line the bottom with parchment paper cut to fit your pan.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted and smells like heaven, stir in 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth, bubbly, and just starting to thicken. This is your homemade caramel—sweet, spicy, and so worth the tiny bit of stovetop work. Pour this gooey goodness straight into your prepared pan, and swirl to coat the bottom evenly.

Tip: Feeling a little adventurous? Add a splash of apple brandy or bourbon here. It gives the caramel a little grown-up warmth that pairs beautifully with the apples. You can also swap apples for pears if you’re experimenting. More on that kind of fun in our Green Bean Tater Tot Casserole—yes, it’s a savory dish, but trust us, flavor swaps work across the board.

Step 3: Layer the Apples

Now it’s time for the apples to shine. Peel, core, and thinly slice 2 large apples. Try to keep the slices even so they cook at the same pace. Arrange them over the caramel in an overlapping pattern (think concentric circles or something you’d proudly post on Instagram). The prettier they go in, the prettier the cake comes out—remember, this is your top layer once the cake is flipped. Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples work best for their balance of sweet and tart.

Step 4: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. This step might seem basic, but combining these ingredients now means you’ll get a smoother batter later. Trust us—it helps avoid overmixing, which is a common pitfall in baking.

Step 5: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, grab your hand mixer (or a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease) and beat together the remaining 1/4 cup of butter with 3/4 cup of granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale—about 3 minutes. This step is what gives your cake that beautiful soft crumb.

Pro Tip: Room temperature butter is a must here! If yours is still fridge-hard, try cutting it into small cubes to speed up softening. For other practical baking prep hacks, our readers love tips like this in comfort classics like Jiffy Corn Casserole.

Step 6: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. This keeps the batter silky and emulsified. Then add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. You’re building layers of flavor here—even small things matter!

Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to marry everything together. Alternate adding your dry mix and 1/2 cup milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Stir gently and don’t overmix—just until you no longer see streaks of flour. The batter should be thick but pourable. Think of it like pancake batter’s more sophisticated cousin.

Step 8: Spread Batter Over the Apples

Gently spoon the cake batter over your beautifully arranged apples. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, being careful not to disturb the apple design underneath. It’s okay if the batter looks a bit lumpy—it’ll settle as it bakes.

Step 9: Bake Until Golden and Delicious

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. You’re looking for a golden top and a toothpick that comes out clean when inserted in the center. Your kitchen will smell like a fall dream—try not to hover by the oven the whole time.

Step 10: Let It Rest and Flip!

Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Don’t skip this step—too soon and it may fall apart, too late and it’ll stick. After resting, place a serving plate upside down over the pan and (deep breath!) flip it quickly and confidently. Lift the pan away and admire your masterpiece. The caramel should be glistening and your apple slices perfectly in place. If some apples cling to the pan, just peel them off and patch them back on—no one will know.

Serving Tip: This cake is everything with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Try pairing it with something savory and hearty like our Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls to round out the perfect cozy meal.

What to Serve with Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

This cake is a dessert star on its own, but if you want to turn it into a full-blown fall feast, consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream that slowly melts over the warm caramel topping. Whipped cream also works, especially if you’re short on time or just love a fluffy topping. For something a little unexpected, a dollop of crème fraîche or even a drizzle of salted caramel sauce can give it a tangy-sweet kick.

Hosting a dinner? Serve this after something hearty like our Cattle Drive Casserole to wrap up the meal in style. A cup of hot cider or strong black coffee on the side balances the sweetness and rounds out the experience. Basically, anything cozy will do—this cake is the MVP of comfort food.

Key Tips for Making Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

Use firm apples that hold their shape, like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith—they won’t get mushy. Slice them thin and even for that magazine-worthy look. Don’t rush the caramel step—let it bubble a bit before pouring it into the pan. This helps it stay gooey and not gritty. When mixing the batter, avoid overmixing or your cake could end up more dense than dreamy.

A light hand = fluffier results. Greasing your pan really well will save you stress when it’s time to flip the cake. Want to switch it up? Try pears or even peaches instead of apples for a new twist. And if you’re feeling bold, add a splash of bourbon to the caramel (yes, please). For more cozy flavor inspo, check out our Winner Winner Chicken Dinner Casserole—comfort food never looked so good.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

Store any leftover cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to two days. If you’re keeping it longer, pop it into the fridge—it’ll stay fresh for about 4–5 days. Just let it come to room temp before serving for the best flavor and texture. Reheating? Easy. Slice a piece and warm it in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.

If you’re serving guests, you can gently reheat the whole cake in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to bring back that just-baked goodness. Want to freeze it? Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze up to a month. Just thaw and warm before serving. It’s a smart way to sneak in a treat when you need a midweek pick-me-up (or bribe for your toddler’s bedtime).

FAQs

Can I use a boxed cake mix?
Totally! A yellow cake mix works well—just prepare the caramel and apples as described.

Can I make it in advance?
Yes, you can bake it a day ahead. Store it tightly wrapped and reheat before serving.

What apples work best?
Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. You want apples that hold their shape and don’t go mushy.

Do I need a cake pan or can I use a skillet?
You can use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet! It actually adds even more flavor.

Final Thoughts

Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm blanket and a good movie. It’s fuss-free, flavor-packed, and looks like you worked a lot harder than you actually did (we love that for you). Whether you’re new to baking or just craving something that screams fall without requiring a pie crust, this cake checks all the boxes.

The caramel, the apples, the spiced cake—everything just works. And once you’ve flipped it and that glossy apple layer is staring back at you? Trust me, you’ll want to make it again. Don’t forget to try it with our Thanksgiving Stuffing Casserole for the ultimate cozy combo. You’re welcome.

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