Caramelized Apple Upside-down Honey Cake

This Caramelized Apple Upside-Down Honey Cake is a warm, sticky-sweet dessert that celebrates the flavors of caramelized apples and a rich, honey-infused cake. The cake is moist, buttery, and slightly tangy from the Granny Smith apples, while the caramel topping adds a luscious, indulgent layer of sweetness. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy weekend treat, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious.

What equipment do you need?

• • 9 inch round cake pan
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  • A hand mixer or a stand mixer
    • hand mixer:  https://amzn.to/3DHdAEU
    • Stand mixer:  https://amzn.to/4fADZ4s
  • Measuring cups
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  • Measuring spoons
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  • Some kind of spatula to scrape the sides of your bowl
    • heat resistant spatulas:  https://amzn.to/4gBCK6v
  • Large mixing bowl
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  • Sauce Pan
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  • I use an induction cooktop burner when I film:
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  • Oven mitts or potholders
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Let's talk about the Honey

Honey isn’t just there to make this Apple Honey Upside-Down Cake sweet—it’s what takes this dessert to the next level! It brings a unique flavor, locks in moisture, and adds a gorgeous color to the cake. Let’s break it down:

Flavor That Pops

Honey adds a natural sweetness that’s so much more interesting than plain sugar. It has hints of flowers and a little earthiness that pair perfectly with the tart Granny Smith apples and buttery caramel. Plus, depending on the honey you pick—like clover, wildflower, or orange blossom—you can subtly tweak the flavor of the cake to make it your own.

Keeps Things Moist

One of honey’s secret powers is its ability to hold onto moisture. This means your cake stays soft and tender, even the next day. No one wants a dry cake, and honey makes sure that never happens!

That Golden Glow

When honey bakes, it caramelizes beautifully, giving your cake a warm, golden-brown color. It also enhances the rich flavors, making every bite feel like a treat.

Perfect Texture

Honey helps create a cake that’s slightly dense but still light and fluffy enough to feel special. It strikes the perfect balance, so you get a cake that’s rich without being heavy.

A Better Sweetener

Okay, it’s still dessert, but honey is less processed than refined sugar and has tiny amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s a small win for a treat that’s already delicious!

Pro Tip:
Go for a mild honey, like clover or wildflower, so the apple and caramel flavors really shine. If you’re feeling adventurous, try something bold like buckwheat honey for a deeper, more intense flavor. Remember, the honey you choose will influence the whole vibe of the cake, so pick one that feels right for your dessert mood!

Let's chat about apples

Granny Smith

• Why They’re Great: These green beauties are the go-to for baking because they’re firm and tart. Their sharp flavor contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of cakes, pies, or caramel. Plus, they hold their shape beautifully, so your dessert doesn’t turn into a pile of mush.
• Pro Tip: If you’re baking something extra sweet, Granny Smiths can help balance the flavors.

Honeycrisp

• Why They’re Great: As their name suggests, they’re crisp and sweet with just a hint of tartness. They’re firm enough to bake but juicy enough to add some moisture to your dish.
• Pro Tip: They’re perfect if you want your dessert to have a slightly sweeter, fresher apple flavor.

Braeburn

• Why They’re Great: These apples are a perfect balance of sweet and tart with a firm texture that holds up well in the oven.
• Pro Tip: Braeburns caramelize beautifully, making them a great choice for an upside-down cake.

Pink Lady (Cripps Pink)

• Why They’re Great: These are firm, tart, and have a bright flavor that stands out in desserts. They don’t release too much juice, so they’re ideal if you want a cake that’s not soggy.
• Pro Tip: Their rosy hue can add a pretty color to your baked creations.

Fuji

• Why They’re Great: Fuji apples are sweet and crisp, which works well if you prefer a naturally sweeter dessert. While they’re a little softer than Granny Smiths, they still hold up decently in baking.
• Pro Tip: Use these in recipes with less added sugar since they’re naturally very sweet.

Apples to Avoid

Not all apples are made for the heat. Soft apples like Red Delicious or McIntosh might taste great fresh but turn to applesauce when baked. Save these for snacking or making sauces, not for your Apple Honey Upside-Down Cake!

Pro Tip:
Don’t be afraid to mix apple varieties! Combining Granny Smiths with something sweeter like Honeycrisp can give your dessert a more complex flavor. It’s all about finding your perfect apple balance!

Now, let's get into it

1. Preheat and Prep the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Generously coat a 9-inch round cake pan with non-stick cooking spray. This step ensures the caramel and apples release easily when you flip the cake.

2. Slice the Apples

Peel, core, and thinly slice the Granny Smith apples. Try to keep the slices uniform so they cook evenly and look stunning when the cake is flipped.

3. Prepare the Cake Batter

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix ensures the cake rises properly and has a balanced flavor.
• In a large bowl, whisk the sugar, honey, eggs, melted butter, and milk until smooth. The honey brings a unique floral sweetness and keeps the cake extra moist.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.

4. Make the Caramel

• In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Don’t stir—swirl the pan occasionally to evenly cook the sugar.
• Heat until the mixture turns a deep amber color, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and carefully stir in the butter until fully combined.
• Quickly pour the caramel into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly before it hardens.

5. Arrange the Apples

Decoratively arrange the apple slices over the caramel, starting from the center and working outward. This layer will become the top of the cake, so take your time to create a beautiful pattern.

6. Add the Batter

Pour the cake batter over the arranged apples, spreading it evenly. Be gentle to avoid disturbing your apple design.

7. Bake the Cake

Place the cake in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. Check for doneness by lightly pressing the top—it should spring back—or inserting a toothpick, which should come out clean.

8. Cool and Flip

Let the cake cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen it, then place a serving plate over the pan. Hold the plate securely and flip the cake. Carefully lift the pan to reveal the caramelized apple topping. If any apples stick, gently place them back onto the cake.

9. Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm or at room temperature. For an extra treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Pro Tip: Store leftovers in the fridge and enjoy the cake the next day. The flavors meld beautifully, making it even tastier!