This fun caramel apple upside down bundt cake is a treat for the eyes and the taste buds! With sweet apples and gooey caramel, it’s like autumn on a plate.
When I slice into this cake, the warm caramel oozes out and makes my heart happy. It’s so simple to make, and trust me, your friends will think you’re a baking wizard! 🍏✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: You’ll need a good amount of unsalted butter for both the caramel layer and the cake batter. If you’re out, you can use salted butter; just reduce the added salt in the recipe slightly. I prefer unsalted for better control of flavors.
Apples: I recommend Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their tartness. If those aren’t available, any firm apple will do. Just avoid overly soft varieties like Red Delicious, as they can turn mushy.
Brown Sugar: The brown sugar gives the cake its delicious caramel flavor. You can substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier option, but the flavor will change slightly. I love how brown sugar adds depth to the sweetness!
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but you can try a gluten-free blend if needed. Just ensure it has xanthan gum as an ingredient for structure in the bake.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Caramel Layer?
The caramel layer is key to this cake, and it can be tricky. Follow these steps for success:
- Use medium heat: This helps melt the butter and sugar without burning.
- Keep an eye on it: Stir until it bubbles; this usually takes around 3 minutes.
- Pour immediately: Don’t let the caramel sit too long in the pan before adding apples, as it can harden!
- Arrange apples nicely: Overlap them slightly for an attractive look. This way, every slice has a beautiful topping.
With these tips in hand, you’re all set to bake a fantastic caramel apple upside down bundt cake! Enjoy the sweet aroma filling your kitchen—it’s simply irresistible!
Easy Caramel Apple Upside Down Bundt Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Caramel Apple Topping:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cake will take about 20 minutes to prepare, with an additional 50 to 60 minutes of baking time. Once baked, allow it to cool for about 20 minutes in the pan. You’ll end up spending about 1 hour and 40 minutes overall, including cooling time, but the wait will be totally worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 10- to 12-cup bundt pan and grease it thoroughly with butter. Lightly dust the inside with flour and tap out any excess flour. This will help the cake come out easily after baking.
2. Making the Caramel Topping:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Add the packed brown sugar and stir it until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts bubbling, which should take about 3 minutes. Once done, remove it from the heat and pour the caramel mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared bundt pan.
3. Arranging the Apples:
Take the thinly sliced apples and arrange them evenly over the caramel layer in the bundt pan. Make sure to cover the bottom completely so every slice of cake has apple goodness!
4. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In another medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Once mixed, set this bowl aside while you make the cake batter.
5. Creaming the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium-high speed to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
6. Adding Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
7. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to mix the dry ingredients with the butter mixture! Alternately add the flour mixture and the milk, starting and ending with the flour. Mix just until everything is combined; be careful not to overmix!
8. Pouring the Batter:
Pour the cake batter carefully over the caramel and apples in the bundt pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, covering the apple layer completely.
9. Baking the Cake:
Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, you’re ready to take it out!
10. Cooling the Cake:
Once baked, remove the bundt cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 20 minutes. This helps it to set before you flip it out.
11. Inverting the Cake:
After cooling, carefully invert the bundt cake onto a serving plate. The delicious caramel and apples will now be at the top. Let it cool to room temperature before slicing. This cake is great warm or at room temperature!
12. Final Touches:
If you like, drizzle extra caramel sauce or sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an extra special touch before serving. Enjoy your delicious, moist caramel apple upside-down bundt cake, perfect for any cozy occasion!
FAQ for Easy Caramel Apple Upside Down Bundt Cake
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices for their balance of sweetness and tartness, you can also use Fuji or Braeburn apples. Just make sure to select firm apples to maintain texture in the cake.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure that it contains xanthan gum for better texture. The flavor may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. To enjoy it warmed, simply pop it in the microwave for a few seconds!
Can I Prepare This Cake in Advance?
Definitely! You can make the cake a day ahead and let it sit covered at room temperature. Just be sure to let it cool completely before covering it to avoid condensation. When ready to serve, consider warming slices slightly in the microwave for that freshly-baked taste!
