### Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe: A Sweet and Savory Delight
#### Introduction
Indulge in the delightful flavors of caramel apples and a classic upside-down cake with this easy-to-follow recipe. This dessert is perfect for any special occasion or a simple weekend treat. Follow these detailed steps to create a mouth-watering caramel apple upside down cake.
#### Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, divided
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 6 cups sliced and peeled apples (Granny Smith work best)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
#### Equipment Needed
- 9-inch cake pan (9-inch springform pan or tube pan recommended)
- Aluminum foil
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
#### Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line the bottom of a 9-inch cake pan with aluminum foil, ensuring it extends up the sides slightly.
2. **Make the Caramel Base**
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of butter and 1/2 cup of sugar.
- Cook over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Increase heat to medium and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until caramel is a deep golden brown, swirling occasionally.
3. **Add Lemon Juice**
- Remove from heat immediately and stir in lemon juice to prevent further cooking of the caramel.
- Pour the caramel into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spoon or spatula.
4. **Prepare the Apples**
- Slice 6 cups of apples (about 8 medium-sized) thinly.
- Place apple slices over the caramel in the pan, arranging them so they overlap and cover the bottom completely.
5. **Mix Dry Ingredients for Crust**
- In a mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix well to ensure there are no lumps.
6. **Combine Wet Ingredients for Crust**
- In another bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter (1/2 cup) and remaining granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
7. **Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Mixture**
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined (do not overmix).
8. **Pour Batter Over Apples and Bake**
- Pour the batter over the apples, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Place a piece of parchment paper on top of the batter to prevent it from sticking during baking.
9. **Bake the Cake**
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. **Cool and Remove from Pan**
- Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, carefully remove the foil with the parchment paper underneath to expose the caramel layer.
#### Tips for Success
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
- Be careful when working with hot caramel; it can easily burn or splatter.
- Don't overbake; check on the cake’s doneness by inserting a toothpick. The best texture is when the edges are golden and the center is slightly moist.
#### Conclusion
Enjoy your delicious caramel apple upside down cake, perfect for sharing with family and friends! This recipe uses classic flavors like caramel and apples to create a unique dessert that’s sure to impress at any gathering.
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