Upside-down apple cake with caramel
Upside-down apple and caramel cake is that dessert that brings a touch of magic to every kitchen. The combination of sweet, juicy apples dressed in golden caramel perfectly blends with a fluffy cake base, offering an unforgettable culinary experience. This recipe, inspired by old baking traditions, has been slightly adapted to add extra flavor. Get ready to delight your family and friends with this delicious dessert!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
For the base:
- 4 large eggs
- 150 g sugar
- 265 g yogurt (preferably natural or Greek)
- 4 tablespoons oil (sunflower oil is ideal)
- 1 packet baking powder
- 265 g flour
- 1 vanilla essence (or 1 vanilla pod, with seeds extracted)
For the caramel:
- 100 g sugar
- 50 g butter
- 50 ml liquid cream
Filling:
- 8 apples (choose sweet apples like golden or fuji)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
For decoration:
- 100 g sugar
- 50 g butter
- 50 ml liquid cream
Preparation
1. Preparing the caramelized apples:
Start by peeling the apples. Cut them into thick slices, then sprinkle cinnamon over them. Mix well so that all slices are evenly coated. This step not only adds flavor but also helps enhance the natural sweetness of the apples when caramelized. Set aside.
2. Preparing the caramel:
In a pan, add the 100 g of sugar and let it melt over low heat. Monitor it constantly, stirring gently, until it becomes a golden liquid. Then, add the butter and liquid cream, stirring quickly to avoid lumps. Turn off the heat and let the caramel cool slightly.
3. Preparing the base:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt using an electric mixer until they double in volume. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy base. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until the mixture becomes creamy and cools down. Incorporate the oil, vanilla essence, and yogurt, mixing well.
4. Adding the dry ingredients:
In another bowl, sift the flour along with the baking powder. Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg composition, gently folding with a spatula to maintain air in the base. Do this until the ingredients are fully integrated.
5. Assembling the cake:
In a greased baking dish, arrange the caramelized apple slices, evenly distributing the caramel over them. Then, pour the cake batter on top, ensuring that the apples are completely covered. Level the surface with a spatula.
6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the cake for about 45 minutes or until it turns golden and passes the toothpick test. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a plate.
7. Preparing the caramel sauce for decoration:
In a pan, caramelize the 100 g of sugar, just as you did earlier. Once it turns golden, add the butter and liquid cream, stirring vigorously until smooth. Allow the sauce to cool slightly.
8. Serving:
Pour the caramel sauce over the upside-down cake and let it absorb for a few minutes. This will add an extra touch of flavor. You can decorate the cake with chopped nuts or almond flakes for added texture.
Useful tips
- Choosing apples: Sweeter apples add a perfect contrast to the caramel, and the cinnamon will enhance their flavor. Experiment with different types of apples to find your favorite combination.
- For a richer taste: You can add a few drops of lemon juice over the apples to keep them fresh and add a hint of acidity to balance the sweetness.
- Storing the cake: This cake keeps well in the fridge for a few days, and the flavor improves as the caramel seeps into the base.
Nutritional benefits
Apples are an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, contributing to a healthy diet. Yogurt adds protein and probiotics, beneficial for digestion. However, being a dessert, it is important to consume it in moderation.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use other fruits?
Of course! You can experiment with peaches, pineapple, or pears to create delicious variations of this cake.
- How can I avoid burning the sugar?
Make sure to stir the sugar constantly while it melts and do not leave it on the heat too long to prevent burning.
Serving recommendations
This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a red fruit sauce. Additionally, a cup of fragrant tea or an espresso will wonderfully complement the sweet moment of dessert.
Enjoy every step of making this upside-down apple and caramel cake. It is more than just a dessert — it is a cooking experience that will fill your home with delightful aromas and create pleasant memories around the table. Savor each slice and enjoy the reactions of your loved ones.
Ingredients: * For the base: * 4 eggs * 150 g sugar * 265 g yogurt * 4 tablespoons oil * 1 packet baking powder * 265 g flour * vanilla essence * For the caramel: * 100 g sugar * 50 g butter * 50 ml liquid cream * Filling: * 8 apples * 1 tablespoon cinnamon * Decoration: * 100 g sugar * 50 g butter * 50 ml liquid cream
