Cast-Iron Gala Apple Upside-Down Cake with Salted Caramel

Upside-down cakes flip the usual order, caramelizing fruit beneath the batter so it becomes a glossy crown when inverted. This cast-iron skillet bake nestles Gala apple wedges in salted caramel for a warm, fragrant fall dessert.

Serves 6 · 20 min prep · 40 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 410 cal
• 5g protein
• 55g carbs
• 20g fat
• 3g fiber

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Ingredients

• 3 medium Gala apples
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• pinch for finish flaky sea salt

Instructions

1. 1Preheat oven to 350°F. Peel, core, and slice the Gala apples into 1/2-inch wedges.
2. 2Melt butter with the brown sugar in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture bubbles, about 2 minutes.
3. 3Arrange apple wedges in a snug single layer over the caramel; cook 3 minutes without stirring so the fruit begins to soften and the caramel thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
4. 4In a bowl cream the remaining butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
5. 5Whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl. Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture in two additions, alternating with milk, mixing just until smooth.
6. 6Spoon the batter gently over the apples in the skillet and smooth the top without disturbing the fruit layer.
7. 7Bake 28 to 34 minutes until the cake is golden, springs back when lightly pressed, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. 8Cool in the skillet 10 minutes. Run a knife the edge, invert onto a serving plate, and lift the skillet away so the caramel apples crown the cake.
9. 9Sprinkle with flaky salt while warm. Slice and serve plain or with a dollop of whipped cream.