Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake -

- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 ½ cups granulated sugar - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup buttermilk - 3 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - 3 large apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 cup brown sugar - ½ cup heavy cream - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract - Pinch of salt

Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

Indulge in the deliciousness of the Caramel Apple Dream Cake, a perfect dessert for any fall gathering. This cake features layers of fluffy, spiced apple cake infused with sweet caramel and topped with a luscious caramel sauce. It's not only a treat for the taste buds but also an eye-catching centerpiece for any occasion. Whip up this enchanting dessert to create unforgettable memories with family and friends, and savor the flavors of the season with every slice.

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Ingredients

For the Caramel Topping:

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Apple Layer:

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

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the Cake Batter:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup buttermilk

Instructions

Prepare the Caramel Topping:

- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, unsalted butter, and heavy cream. Stir the mixture continuously until the sugar has completely dissolved, then allow it to come to a gentle boil. Let it boil undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes.

- Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Pour this luscious caramel sauce into the bottom of a greased 9-inch round cake pan, ensuring it spreads evenly across the bottom.

Prepare the Apple Layer:

- In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Toss them gently until all apple slices are coated well. Arrange the flavored apple slices evenly over the caramel in the cake pan, overlapping them slightly for an appealing presentation.

Make the Cake Batter:

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

- In another bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Stir until just combined to avoid overmixing.

Assemble the Cake:

- Carefully pour the cake batter over the arranged apples and caramel, ensuring an even distribution of batter across the surface.

Bake the Cake:

- Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.

Cool and Serve:

- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for approximately 10 minutes. Gently run a knife around the edges to loosen it, then invert the cake onto a serving plate while it's still warm. This cake is delightful served warm or at room temperature!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

- Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 8-10

Presentation Tips:

For an extra touch, serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Drizzle some additional caramel on top for a stunning finish. Enjoy your delightful creation!