Vegan Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

Name: Vegan Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Fall
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons vegan butter; ½ cup brown sugar; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, sliced thin; 1 ¾ cups (225g) all-purpose flour; ½ cup sugar; ½ cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg; ¾ cup unsweetened non-dairy milk; ⅓ cup neutral oil; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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This Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake is soft, perfectly sweet, and full of cozy fall flavor. It consists of tender apples coated in rich vegan caramel on top of a fluffy spiced cake. It looks impressive, yet it’s simple to make with pantry ingredients. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or an autumn treat.

close up of a lifted slice of caramel apple upside down cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

100% vegan
Made with basic ingredients
No mixer needed
Moist, flavorful, and not overly sweet
Great for fall or any time you crave apple desserts

all purpose flour, non dairy milk, apple cider vinegar, oil, vanilla extract, brown sugar, vegan butter, sugar, baking soda, apples, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt

Ingredients Needed to Make This Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

For the Caramel Apple Topping

Apples – Use crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith. They hold shape and balance the sweetness.
Brown Sugar – Creates a deep caramel flavor and pairs well with the apples.
Vegan Butter – Helps form the caramel and adds richness.
Cinnamon – Enhances the warm flavor of the caramel and apples.

For the Cake Batter

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure for the cake.
Sugar + Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture.
Baking Powder + Baking Soda – Helps the cake rise and stay soft.
Salt – Balances sweetness and brings out flavor.
Cinnamon + Nutmeg – Adds warm, cozy spice.
Non-Dairy Milk – Keeps the cake moist. Almond, oat, or soy milk all work well.
Neutral Oil – Makes the crumb tender. Use canola, sunflower, or avocado oil.
Apple Cider Vinegar – Reacts with baking soda to create lift.
Vanilla Extract – Adds aroma and depth of flavor.

whole caramel apple upside down cake with a slice cut

Equipment You’ll Need

adding brown sugar and butter to sauce pan

How to Make This Vegan Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

Preheat and Prep. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
Make the Caramel Layer. In a saucepan, melt vegan butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon until combined. Pour into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Arrange Apples. Lay the apple slices neatly over the caramel mixture, slightly overlapping each slice.
Make the Batter. In a large bowl, whisk flour, both sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, whisk non-dairy milk, oil, vinegar, and vanilla. Pour wet ingredients into dry. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Assemble and Bake. Pour the batter over the apples and spread it evenly. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and Invert. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges, then flip onto a plate while still warm.
Serve. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for success

Don’t overmix the batter. It can make the cake dense.
Invert the cake while still slightly warm so the caramel releases easily.
Slice the apples evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
Serve this cake with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of dairy-free caramel sauce.

lifting a slice of caramel apple upside down cake out

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Bake the cake a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving.

Which apples work best?

Crisp, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp give the best texture and flavor.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes. Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Can I use coconut oil instead of neutral oil?

Yes. Melt it first before mixing with wet ingredients.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling gives a softer texture, but leaving the skins on adds color and fiber.

slice of vegan caramel apple upside down cake on a plate

Storage and Serving

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or at room temperature for 1 day.
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Freeze tightly wrapped after baking and cooling for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for about 2 hours. Keep it covered to prevent drying out.

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