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For the Salted Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake, you will need the following ingredients: - 4 medium apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced - 1 cup granulated sugar, divided - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, plus 2 tablespoons for the batter - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for garnish - 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 Each ingredient plays a key role in making this cake a delight. The apples add natural sweetness and moisture. The sugar helps create that luscious caramel. Butter gives richness and flavor, while sea salt balances the sweetness. Ground cinnamon adds warmth. The flour, eggs, and milk are staples for a great cake texture. When you gather these ingredients, consider freshness. Fresh apples will enhance the flavor. Use good quality butter for the best taste. Trust me; these choices make a big difference. 1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. Prepare a 9-inch round cake pan. Grease it with cooking spray or butter. 3. For easier release, line the bottom with parchment paper. 4. In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. 5. Once melted, mix in 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. 6. Stir this mixture gently for about 3-4 minutes until it bubbles. 7. Pour the hot caramel into the bottom of the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. 1. Take 4 medium apples, peel, core, and slice them thinly. 2. Layer the apple slices over the caramel in a circular pattern. 3. Make sure the apples overlap for a nice look. Set the pan aside. 1. In a large bowl, mix 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. 2. In a separate bowl, cream together 2 tablespoons of butter and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer. 3. Beat until light and fluffy, then add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Mix after each addition. 4. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix well. 5. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mixture, alternating with 3/4 cup of whole milk. 6. Mix until just combined; some lumps are fine. 7. Pour the batter over the arranged apples. Use a spatula to smooth the top. 1. Bake the cake for about 35-40 minutes. 2. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean. 3. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. 4. To invert, place a serving plate over the cake pan. Flip it upside down. 5. If the cake doesn’t come out easily, gently tap the pan's bottom. 6. Finish by sprinkling a pinch of sea salt over the top for added flavor. To make great caramel, watch closely. Heat the butter and sugar slowly. Stir it often to avoid burning. If it turns too dark, it can taste bitter. The right color is a warm amber. This gives the best flavor for your cake. Add ground cinnamon to the batter. This spice lifts the flavor of the cake. You can also use nutmeg or ginger for a twist. For apples, choose Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These apples have a nice tartness. They hold their shape well when baked. This gives your cake a great texture and taste. Serve this cake warm for the best taste. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The cold ice cream melts into the warm cake. You can also use whipped cream. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over each slice. A pinch of sea salt on top makes it even better. Enjoy every bite! {{image_4}} You can twist the salted caramel apple upside-down cake for every season. Adding nuts or dried fruits gives it a new crunch. Walnuts or pecans work well. Dried cranberries or apricots add a sweet touch. These mix with the apples to create a fun texture. Infusing flavors like bourbon or rum can take this cake to another level. Just a splash in the caramel adds warmth and depth. This makes the cake feel special for gatherings or holidays. Try different spirits to find your favorite taste. If you need a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend. This keeps the cake light and fluffy, just like the original. You can also swap regular sugar for coconut sugar or stevia. These choices lower calories and work for many diets. Always check the labels to ensure your substitutions fit your needs. These small changes let everyone enjoy the cake. You can satisfy a range of dietary needs while keeping the joy of this delicious dessert. To keep your salted caramel apple upside-down cake fresh, wrap it well. Use plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the fridge. This cake stays good for about 3-4 days. The cool air helps keep the flavors strong, and the apples juicy. When you want to enjoy the cake again, reheat it gently. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place a slice on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This warms the cake without drying it out. You can also use a microwave for quick heat. Just warm it for about 10-15 seconds. Add a scoop of ice cream for extra delight! Can I use other types of fruits? Yes, you can use other fruits. Pears, peaches, or berries work well. Just slice them thinly and arrange them like apples. How do I know when the cake is done? Check the cake after 35 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. What is the best way to serve this cake? Serve the cake warm. A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy touch. Drizzle extra caramel on top for a sweet finish. Can I make the cake ahead of time? Yes, you can bake it a day ahead. Store it covered at room temperature. Reheat it gently before serving for best taste. What to do if the cake sticks to the pan? If the cake sticks, run a knife around the edges. Tap the pan gently to loosen it. If it still resists, let it cool a bit longer. Fixing overcooked caramel If your caramel is too dark, remove it from heat right away. Add a bit of water to the pan and stir to soften it. A slice of this cake has about 300 calories. This recipe makes 8-10 servings. For a healthier option, you can reduce sugar or use whole grain flour. This blog post covered everything you need to make a delicious apple cake. We discussed the ingredients, preparation steps, and baking process. I shared tips to enhance flavor and texture. You can also explore variations and storage methods. Baking is fun and creative. With practice, you can perfect your apple cake. Enjoy sharing this treat with friends and family. Happy baking!

Salted Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake

Indulge in the sweet delight of Salted Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake! This mouthwatering dessert blends tart apples with rich caramel for a beautiful and delicious treat. With simple steps and everyday ingredients, you can create this crowd-pleaser in just an hour. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this stunning cake! Click to explore the full recipe and make this delightful dessert today!

Ingredients
  

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

1 cup granulated sugar, divided

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

1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for garnish

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). Prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing it with cooking spray or butter. For added ease, line the bottom with parchment paper.

    In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Once fully melted, stir in 1 cup of granulated sugar, sea salt, and ground cinnamon. Allow this mixture to bubble gently while stirring continuously for about 3-4 minutes.

      Carefully pour the hot caramel mixture into the bottom of the prepared cake pan, ensuring it spreads evenly. Layer the sliced apples over the caramel, arranging them in an overlapping circular pattern for a beautiful presentation. Set it aside.

        In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk together until fully incorporated.

          In a separate bowl, cream together the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter with the remaining 3/4 cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then add the vanilla extract and combine fully.

            Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as some lumps are okay.

              Pour the cake batter gently over the arranged apples in the cake pan, using a spatula to smooth the top evenly.

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

                  Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. To invert, place a serving plate over the cake pan and carefully flip it upside down. If the cake hesitates to release, gently tap the bottom of the pan to prompt it.

                    As a final flourish, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top of the cake to enhance the caramel flavor and provide a delightful contrast.

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

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the cake warm alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Drizzle any remaining caramel sauce over the top for a decadent finish, and garnish with a light sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the flavor. Enjoy!