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Apple caramel upside-down pumpkin cake served on a plate

Apple Caramel Upside-Down Pumpkin Cake

  • Author: Savannah
  • Total Time: 40–45 minutes
  • Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A moist and flavorful fall dessert featuring caramelized apples atop a spiced pumpkin cake. This upside-down cake combines classic caramel apple flavors with seasonal pumpkin, perfect for autumn gatherings, Thanksgiving, or cozy dessert nights.

Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients (for one 9-inch round cake):

For the Caramel Apple Topping:

  • 3–4 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

  • ½ cup packed brown sugar

  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Pumpkin Cake:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

  • ½ cup packed brown sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)

  • ¼ cup whole milk

Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Topping

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. In a 9-inch round cake pan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon until smooth.

  3. Arrange apple slices evenly over the caramel mixture. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

  2. In a large bowl, cream butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.

  3. Mix in pumpkin puree. Gradually add dry ingredients alternately with milk, mixing until smooth.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

  1. Pour batter evenly over the apple-caramel layer. Smooth the top.

  2. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  3. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate.

Step 4: Serve

  • Serve warm or at room temperature. Optional: drizzle with extra caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Notes

  • Apple Variety: Firm apples prevent mushy topping.

  • Make Ahead: Cake can be baked a day in advance; cover and store at room temperature.

  • Mini Version: Make in muffin tins for individual upside-down cakes.

  • Spice Adjustment: Increase cinnamon or nutmeg for a bolder fall flavor.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert / Fall Cake
  • Method: Baked / Upside-Down Cake
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://www.eminentrecipes.com/apple-caramel-upside-down-pumpkin-cake/