Decadent Caramel Apple Delight Cakes
Indulge in the sweetness of fall with our Decadent Caramel Apple Delight Cakes. These delightful upside-down cakes feature tender apple wedges perfectly glazed in rich homemade caramel, complemented by a fluffy vanilla cake batter. Each individual serving is a cozy bite of heaven, ideally served warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Perfect for gatherings, dessert parties, or a cozy family dinner, these cakes will surely impress and satisfy any sweet tooth!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar
2 1/4 cups (divided into 1 1/2 cups for caramel and 3/4 cup for batter)
Water
1/4 cup (for caramel)
Unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (for sautéing apples)
Unsalted butter
1/2 cup (room temperature for batter)
Golden delicious apples
4 large (peeled, cored, and cut into 8 wedges each)
Cake flour
1 3/4 cups (for batter)
Baking powder
1/2 teaspoon (for batter)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (for batter)
Large eggs
2 (for batter)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (for batter)
Whole milk
1/2 cup (for batter)
Vanilla ice cream
to serve (for topping each cake)
Instructions
1
In a heavy small saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups sugar and 1/4 cup water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat and allow to boil without stirring until the mixture reaches a deep amber color, around 8 minutes. Occasionally swirl the pan and brush down the sides with a pastry brush dipped in water to prevent crystallization.
2
Quickly and carefully divide the hot caramel among six 1 1/4-cup custard cups. Use pot holders to tilt and rotate the custard cups, ensuring the bottoms are fully coated in caramel. Set the cups aside to cool slightly.
3
In a large nonstick skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the apple wedges and sauté for approximately 12 minutes, or until just tender. Once done, arrange the sautéed apple wedges in the bottom of the caramel-coated custard cups.
4
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
5
In another medium bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the remaining 1/2 cup of butter with the remaining 3/4 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix until blended.
6
Gradually mix in the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the whole milk in two additions. Mix until just combined.
7
Spoon the batter evenly over the arranged apples in the custard cups, using about 1/2 cup of batter for each.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Caramel Apple Delight Cakes?
These are individual upside-down cakes featuring tender apple wedges glazed in homemade caramel and topped with a fluffy vanilla cake batter.
What type of apples should I use for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 4 large Golden Delicious apples for the best results.
How should the apples be prepared?
The apples should be peeled, cored, and cut into 8 wedges each before being sautéed.
How do I make the caramel glaze?
Combine 1 1/2 cups sugar and 1/4 cup water in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, then boil without stirring until it reaches a deep amber color.
How can I prevent the caramel from crystallizing?
Occasionally swirl the pan and brush down the sides with a pastry brush dipped in water during the boiling process.
What size custard cups are needed?
This recipe requires six 1 1/4-cup custard cups.
Do I need to coat the custard cups with anything?
Yes, you should divide the hot caramel among the cups and rotate them to ensure the bottoms are fully coated.
How long do the apples need to be sautéed?
Sauté the apple wedges in 2 tablespoons of butter for approximately 12 minutes or until they are just tender.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) before baking the cakes.
What type of flour is used in the batter?
The recipe calls for 1 3/4 cups of cake flour to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
How much sugar is used in the cake batter itself?
The batter uses 3/4 cup of sugar, while the rest of the sugar is reserved for the caramel.
Should the butter be at a specific temperature for the batter?
Yes, the 1/2 cup of butter used for the batter should be at room temperature for proper creaming.
How should the eggs be added to the batter?
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
What is the method for combining the dry and wet ingredients?
Gradually mix in the sifted flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the whole milk in two additions.
How much batter goes into each custard cup?
Spoon approximately 1/2 cup of batter over the arranged apples in each cup.
What is the best way to serve these cakes?
They are ideally served warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on top.
Can I use regular sugar for the caramel?
Yes, the recipe uses standard white sugar for both the caramel and the cake batter.
Is vanilla extract used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is mixed into the batter for flavor.
Does the recipe require baking powder?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder is sifted with the flour and salt.
What kind of milk is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of whole milk.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total, including the optional vanilla ice cream for serving.
What is the classification of this dessert?
It is classified as an upside-down apple cake and is often served as a fall dessert.
Should I stir the caramel while it is boiling?
No, once the sugar dissolves, you should allow it to boil without stirring to achieve the correct color and texture.
What should I use to handle the custard cups when coating them with caramel?
Use pot holders, as the caramel and the cups will be very hot.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 6 individual servings.
What makes these cakes 'upside-down'?
The caramel and apples are placed at the bottom of the cup, and the batter is poured over them; when served, the cake is inverted.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe specifies unsalted butter, but you can use salted if you adjust the additional salt in the batter.
What should the final color of the caramel be?
The caramel should reach a deep amber color, which takes about 8 minutes of boiling.
Are these cakes suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, their individual presentation and decadent flavor make them perfect for gatherings or parties.
How do I arrange the apples in the cups?
After the caramel has cooled slightly in the cups, arrange the sautéed apple wedges evenly in the bottom of each cup.