Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake is a delightful dessert that features a rich caramel sauce and tender apples baked into a moist cake. This stunning cake is perfect for fall gatherings or any occasion where you want to impress!

Ingredients

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 3-4 medium apples (peeled, cored, and sliced; such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

For the Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1/2 teaspoon vinegar added)

Timing

Making Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 40-45 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Topping

1. Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar until well combined and smooth. Remove from heat.
2. Arrange Apples: Pour the caramel mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan. Arrange the sliced apples over the caramel in a circular pattern. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon if desired.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined and smooth.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour Batter: Carefully pour the cake batter over the arranged apples in the cake pan, spreading it evenly.
2. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

1. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, run a knife around the edges to loosen it.
2. Invert Cake: Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the caramel to drizzle down the sides.
3. Serve: Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the delicious combination of caramel and apples in this delightful cake!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake (per slice, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	250
Protein	2g
Fat	10g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	18g

Tips for Customization

• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the topping for added texture.
• Use Different Fruits: Experiment with other fruits like pears or peaches for a different flavor profile.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the batter for extra warmth and flavor.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake is a deliciously moist dessert that beautifully combines the flavors of caramel and apples. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy this delightful recipe!