Imagine a dessert so decadent, so irresistibly delicious, that it literally turns traditional baking on its head! This Upside Caramel Apple Walnut Cake is not just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a jaw-dropping masterpiece. With its luscious caramel base, tender apples, and crunchy walnuts, this cake promises to be the showstopper at any gathering, delivering a perfect balance of sweet, rich, and nutty flavors that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 3 apples, sliced
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- In a skillet, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir continuously until the mixture becomes a smooth caramel sauce, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour the caramel sauce evenly into the prepared cake pan. Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the caramel sauce.
- Arrange the sliced apples in a circular pattern on top of the caramel and walnuts, creating an attractive base for the cake.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together white sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Carefully pour the cake batter over the apple and caramel layer, ensuring an even distribution.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Place a large serving plate over the cake pan and carefully invert the cake, allowing the caramel and apples to create a beautiful topping.
- Let the cake cool completely before serving. Serve at room temperature or slightly warm.
Tips
- Apple Selection: Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor contrast.
- Caramel Technique: Watch your caramel sauce carefully while cooking—it can quickly go from perfect to burnt. Stir continuously and remove from heat as soon as it reaches a smooth, golden consistency.
- Even Distribution: When arranging apple slices, overlap them slightly to create a beautiful, professional-looking base that will become your cake's stunning top.
- Mixing Matters: Be gentle when folding dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake.
- Toothpick Test: Always check cake doneness with the toothpick method—it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before inverting to ensure the caramel and apple topping set properly.
- Serving Suggestion: This cake is divine served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 85mg
