Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

This Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake is the perfect dessert for fall. The homemade spice cake has a gooey caramel pecan and apple layer baked on the bottom. Take it to a whole new level with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzles.

If you love caramel apple desserts, make sure you try this caramel apple bundt cake or these caramel apple cupcakes before fall is over.

I absolutely love baking with apples once fall arrives. There is something so comforting and delicious about the smell of a caramel apple pie baking in the oven.

This apple upside down cake is one of our favorite cakes. We took a classic upside down pineapple cake and gave it a much needed fall update by using apples and pecans. I'm pretty sure it is the best apple cake ever!

Why This Works

The gooey caramel pecan topping will have you coming back for another slice in a hurry. In fact, you may never want to make another type of cake again.

Plus, you don't need any special equipment or baking skills to make this fancy looking cake. Once you pour it into the pan, there is no need to do anything else. After it bakes, flip it over, and let the caramelized goodness decorate the top.

If you are looking for the perfect recipe to share at Thanksgiving dinner, you need to save this one. This easy-to-make apple upside down cake recipe is sure to impress all your friends and family.

Main Ingredients

This apple cake does not require any strange or expensive ingredients. Most of these are basic pantry items.

• Butter - We prefer to use unsalted butter to add a rich flavor. It also gives the cake a soft, tender texture. If you use salted butter, reduce the amount of salt by half.
• Sugar - A mixture of brown and granulated sugar sweetens the cake batter and more brown sugar creates the caramel topping.
• Eggs - Binds the ingredients together.
• Apple Cider - Make sure you buy cider, not vinegar! Reducing the cider also adds more flavor to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract & Salt - Adds flavor and balances the flavor.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda - This combination provides the lift and rise as the cake bakes.
• Apple Pie Spice - Adds a delicious fall flavor to the spice cake.
• Flour - Provides structure to the cake. Read our tutorial on how to measure flour, so you do not add extra flour.
• Buttermilk - Adds a delicious tang, helps the cake rise, and also gives it a fine, soft crumb texture.
• Heavy Whipping Cream - Combines with the butter and brown sugar to create a delicious and gooey caramel sauce.
• Apples - You can either buy a bag of apple rings, or you can slice apples and cut out the centers with something small and round. I used an icing tip to do this.
• Pecans - For best results use finely diced pecans or pecan chips.

How to Make Apple Upside Down Cake

This apple cinnamon upside down cake recipe is so easy to make. There is no need to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen over complicated recipes! Just follow our simple instructions and enjoy this delicious cake tonight.

Step One: Caramel Topping

1. Heat the butter, cream, and sugar in a small saucepan over low-medium heat until it is melted and dissolved.
2. Spray your baking pan very well with nonstick spray, so all the caramel cake goodness comes off the bottom.
3. Pour the melted butter mixture in the bottom and press the apple rings into the caramel.
4. Sprinkle chopped pecan around the apples and in the centers.

Step Two: Spice Cake

1. Beat butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until creamy.
2. Add the eggs, vanilla, and reduced apple cider and mix again.
3. Stir in the dry ingredients alternately with the buttermilk.

Step Three: Bake

1. Spoon the cake batter on top of the apples gently.
2. Bake for about 45 minutes.
3. Once the cake has baked, let it cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes.
4. Place a sheet pan on top of the cake and very carefully flip it over.
5. Let the pan rest for a few minutes, so all the caramel and nuts fall out onto the cake.

Tips & Tricks

• There is no need for frosting on this apple cake because the caramel nut topping garnishes the top of the cake.
• Make sure to melt the brown sugar and butter completely before stirring in the heavy cream. This will ensure you don't have a grainy texture in your topping.
• If you make this cake ahead of time, it may look dried out. To make it look gooey and pretty again, brush a little bit of caramel ice cream topping or cinnamon syrup over the apples.
• Warm each slice up in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving.
• Serve slices of warm apple cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzles. It is also delicious with swirls of homemade whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Storage Recommendations

Store the leftover cake in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Let the cake come to room temperature before serving or heat slices up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Recipe FAQ'S

What are the best apples to use in this cake?

You want to use a firmer apple, so that they holds their shape as they bake in the caramel. We like using Gala and Honeycrisp apples in our apple desserts. Other good ones are Fuji, Pink Lady, or Braeburn.  If you like tart apples, try Granny Smith apples instead.

Do you need to peel the apples?

That's totally up to you. I usually leave the peels on for this cake.

Can you use a different fruit?

This cake would taste great with pineapple, peaches, or bananas. Make sure to drain and pat the pineapples and peaches with a paper towel before placing them on the caramel topping.

Can I make this with a box cake mix?

Yes, you can. Make the caramel apple layer, then pour the prepared cake mix on top. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs on it.

Other Apple Desserts

• Apple Bread Pudding
• Apple Crisp Cheesecake
• Apple Snickerdoodle Cake
• Apple Snickers Salad
• Apple Cinnamon Rolls
• Caramel Apple Bar
• Apple Slab Pie

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*The post for Apple Upside Down Cake was first published October 2017. The post and photos were updated and republished October 2021.