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- 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, plus 2 tablespoons for the batter - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 3/4 cup whole milk You need a few key tools for this cake. Gather these items: - 9-inch round cake pan - Medium saucepan - Large mixing bowl - Whisk - Spatula - Parchment paper - Measuring cups and spoons You can make this cake even better with a few add-ins. Consider these: - Chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) for crunch - Dried cranberries for a tangy twist - Extra spices, like nutmeg or ginger, for warmth - A splash of bourbon or rum in the batter for depth Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray or butter. Make sure to line the bottom with parchment paper. This step helps prevent sticking and ensures easy removal. In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir the mixture gently until it bubbles. This creates a rich caramel that will be the base for your cake. Carefully pour the caramel into the prepared cake pan. Spread it evenly across the bottom. Next, take 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced. Arrange the apple slices on top of the caramel. Overlap them slightly in a circular pattern for a beautiful look. Set the pan aside while you prepare the cake batter. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. In another bowl, beat 2 tablespoons of butter with 3/4 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to this mixture, alternating with 3/4 cup of whole milk. Mix until just combined. Gently pour the cake batter over the arranged apples in the pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. It should come out clean when done. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After cooling, place a serving plate on top of the pan. Carefully invert the cake onto the plate. If needed, tap the bottom of the pan gently to release it. For a final touch, sprinkle a little extra sea salt on top to enhance the caramel flavor. To keep your caramel from burning, use a medium heat. Stir it gently as it cooks. Watch for a light golden color. If it gets too dark, it may taste bitter. Remove it from the heat once it bubbles gently. This gives you that perfect sweet flavor without the burn. When slicing apples, use a sharp knife. Aim for even slices, about 1/4 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly. Choose apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best taste. These apples hold their shape and add a nice tartness. Arrange them in a circular pattern for a beautiful look. If your cake doesn’t rise, check your baking powder’s freshness. Old baking powder can cause a flat cake. If the caramel sticks, let the cake cool longer before inverting. Tap the pan gently to help it release. For a dry cake, avoid overmixing the batter. Mix just until combined for a moist texture. {{image_2}} You can use many types of apples in this cake. Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well. Honeycrisp apples are sweet and juicy. They add great flavor. If you want more sweetness, try Fuji apples. For a unique twist, use Gala apples. They have a lovely sweet taste and soft texture. If you need a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead. This blend works well in most recipes. Just make sure it has xanthan gum for the right texture. You can also use almond flour for a nutty flavor. It adds depth to your cake. To make this cake even better, add spices like nutmeg or ginger. These spices bring warmth and a cozy feel. You can also mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts. They add crunch and richness. For a caramel boost, drizzle some extra caramel sauce on top. It makes a delicious treat. To keep your Salted Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it. Just make sure to cover it well to avoid dryness. You can freeze this cake for later enjoyment. First, let the cake cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. This double wrapping keeps moisture in and prevents freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat the cake, slice it into pieces. Place the slices on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This warms it nicely without drying it out. For a crispy top, you can place the slices in a toaster oven for a few minutes. Serve warm, and if you like, drizzle extra caramel sauce on top! Yes, you can make this cake a day in advance. Just bake it, then let it cool. Once cool, cover it with plastic wrap. Keep it at room temperature overnight. This will let the flavors meld together. Before serving, you can warm it slightly in the oven. If you need a butter substitute, use coconut oil or vegetable oil. You can also try unsweetened applesauce for a healthier option. This will change the taste slightly but will still keep the cake moist and tasty. To check if your cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If it has batter on it, it needs more time. Bake it for a few more minutes and check again. This blog post covered all you need to make a delicious apple caramel cake. You learned about the ingredients, equipment, and tips to make baking easy. I shared steps to prepare and bake the cake, plus options for variations and storage. Remember, even small changes can add big flavor. Don't be afraid to try new ideas. With practice, you will master this recipe and impress everyone. Enjoy baking your cake!

Salted Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake

Indulge in the deliciousness of Salted Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake! With a perfect blend of sweet apples, rich caramel, and a fluffy batter, this dessert is sure to impress. Perfect for any occasion, this easy recipe guides you step by step to create a beautiful centerpiece for your table. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dessert game today!
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Ingredients
  

4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, plus 2 tablespoons for the batter

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup whole milk

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray or butter and line the bottom with parchment paper.

    In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of butter. Once melted, add the cup of granulated sugar, sea salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir until the mixture starts to bubble gently.

      Carefully pour the caramel mixture into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Arrange the sliced apples on top of the caramel, overlapping them slightly in a circular pattern. Set aside.

        In a large mixing bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together.

          In another bowl, beat the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter with the remaining 3/4 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

            Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the whole milk. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

              Gently pour the batter over the arranged apples in the cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

                Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

                  Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. If necessary, gently tap the bottom of the pan to release the cake.

                    For the finishing touch, sprinkle a little extra sea salt over the top to enhance the caramel flavor.

                      Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 8-10 slices

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side, and drizzle any leftover caramel sauce over the top for an elegant finish.