I know a traditional Thanksgiving often centers on pie, but there are so many wonderful desserts to choose from. We do love the familiar flavors of apple pie—especially apple—but sometimes it’s fun to present those flavors in a new way without straying too far from what we love.
This recipe takes the classic apple pie elements, including apple pie filling, and turns them into an Apple Upside Down Cake. The result is a moist, flavorful cake topped with caramel-glazed apples that captures the cozy spice and sweetness of the season while offering a fresh presentation.
Apple Upside Down Cake is an excellent choice for holiday gatherings—especially Thanksgiving—because it preserves the classic apple-and-spice flavor profile of apple pie, but serves it as a dramatic, shareable cake. It’s simple to make, attractive on the table, and pairs wonderfully with ice cream or whipped cream.
Is this a healthy Apple Upside Down Cake recipe?
This version is intended as a dessert and includes cake mix, apple pie filling, and caramel sauce—ingredients chosen for flavor rather than nutrition. If you prefer a slightly lighter option, you can substitute 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce for the three eggs called for in the recipe. That swap reduces calories and cholesterol while keeping moistness in the cake.
What is the best way to serve Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake?
My favorite way to serve this cake is a la mode—warm slices topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The hot cake and cold ice cream create a lovely contrast, and the caramel sauce melts into the ice cream for extra indulgence. You can also serve the cake plain or add a few fresh apple slices alongside to scoop up any leftover caramel.
Can the kids help?
Kids can be a big help in the kitchen with this recipe. Consider assigning them safe, supervised tasks such as:
- Spreading the apple pie filling evenly in the pan
- Mixing the batter by hand or with a low-speed electric mixer (with adult supervision)
- Pouring the batter into the pan
- Drizzling caramel sauce over the cooked cake
For anything involving the oven—preheating, placing the pan in the oven, or flipping the cake—an adult should take the lead to ensure safety.
What supplies do you need to make Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake?
Basic supplies for this recipe:
- Bundt cake pan or similar fluted cake pan
- Silicone spatula
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Toothpicks for checking doneness
- Serving dish or cake stand
Hungry for more?
If you enjoy apple desserts, try these other fall favorites:
- Slow Cooker Pumpkin Apple Cider
- Apple Cider Donuts
- Fresh Apple Fritters
- Brown Sugar Cinnamon Apple Crescents
- Apple Cinnamon Pork Loin
Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake
This caramel apple upside down cake is a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for fall gatherings and holiday meals. It combines sweet apple pie filling, warm spices, and a tender cake base finished with a drizzle of caramel.
Ingredients
- 1 (20-ounce) can apple pie filling
- 1 box spice cake mix
- 1 cup apple cider or apple juice
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs (or 3/4 cup applesauce to substitute)
- Caramel sauce for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a Bundt cake pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Spread the apple pie filling in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the spice cake mix, apple cider or juice, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat until smooth and fully combined.
- Pour the batter over the apple pie filling, smoothing the top as needed.
- Bake 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time varies by oven and pan type, so begin checking at 35 minutes.
- Allow the cake to cool until the pan is cool enough to handle. Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate so the apples are on top. Drizzle caramel sauce over the warm cake before serving.
