There is something truly magical about the warm aroma of baked apples swirled with cinnamon and wrapped in tender dough, all coming together in the Apple Cinnamon Roll Upside Down Cake Recipe. This dessert combines the soft, gooey texture of cinnamon rolls with the luscious sweetness of caramelized apples, baked in a way that transforms a classic favorite into a show-stopping cake. The delightful layers and the golden caramel topping make this treat an instant crowd-pleaser and an absolute must-try for anyone who loves cozy, comforting sweets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this cake because each one plays an essential role in delivering the perfect combination of flavor and texture. From the buttery richness of cream cheese to the sweet tang of Gala apples, these simple components come together in a harmonious, unforgettable way.
- 16 oz refrigerator crescent sheets: These bring a buttery, flaky base that’s easy to work with and bakes beautifully.
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted but slightly cooled): Adds rich moisture and helps bind the cinnamon-sugar filling.
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar: Offers a deep, caramel-like sweetness that enhances the apple flavor.
- 2 tsp cinnamon: Infuses the cake with warm spice, balancing out the sweetness perfectly.
- 8 oz cream cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy filling that contrasts the sweet apples and cinnamon.
- 1/4 cup sugar: Adds sweetness to the cream cheese filling and overall cake batter.
- 1 tsp vanilla: Intensifies the flavors and adds a lovely aromatic note.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter: Essential for the caramel glaze, providing richness and a velvety mouthfeel.
- 1 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Key for the sticky, luscious caramel topping.
- 2 tsp light corn syrup: Keeps the caramel smooth and glossy, preventing crystallization.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Adds creaminess and smoothens the caramel consistency.
- 2-3 Gala apples, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch slices: These tender, sweet-tart apples are perfect for melting and caramelizing on top of the cake.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Roll Upside Down Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan Like a Pro
Start by giving your cake pan a good spritz of baking spray—this is crucial for easy removal later on. Then cut a piece of parchment paper to fit snugly at the bottom. Spray the parchment lightly once placed to keep it anchored during baking. This step ensures your cake comes out perfectly intact without sticking, setting the stage for a beautiful presentation.
Step 2: Create the Caramel Apple Topping
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the 3/4 cup butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp salt, 2 tsp light corn syrup, and 1/4 cup heavy cream. Stir gently and let the mixture simmer until it thickens and becomes a glossy caramel. Pour half of this luscious caramel into your prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Next, layer your thinly sliced Gala apples in an eye-catching pattern atop the caramel to build that signature upside-down look.
Step 3: Roll the Cinnamon Filling
Mix 2 tsp cinnamon with 1/3 cup brown sugar. Unroll the crescent dough sheets and brush them with 2 Tbsp melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the dough, then roll it tightly into a log. Slice this log into even pieces that resemble cinnamon rolls. These will form the cake’s soft, swirling center, bursting with cinnamon sweetness.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a bowl, beat together 8 oz cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla until smooth and fluffy. This rich cream cheese mixture is spooned and swirled into the cake batter, adding a luscious layer of tangy decadence that contrasts beautifully with the apples and cinnamon.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Arrange the cinnamon roll slices on top of the apple and caramel layer in your cake pan, fitting them snugly together. Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture between and on top of the rolls. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 75 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through. Allow it to cool completely before flipping out the pan to reveal the gorgeous upside-down caramelized apple topping.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Roll Upside Down Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce can elevate the cake’s presentation effortlessly. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a dollop of whipped cream adds extra texture and an indulgent finish. Fresh apple slices or a cinnamon stick beside each serving intensify the cozy vibe.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a splash of rich whipped cream to balance the richness. For a brunch twist, serve alongside a cup of hot coffee or spiced chai tea that complements the cake’s warm cinnamon notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in mini ramekins for a charming touch at parties. You can also layer slices between a lightly toasted bread for an unforgettable apple cinnamon roll sandwich dessert. Even topping the cake with crunchy granola or streusel before baking gives it an exciting new dimension.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftovers tightly covered in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The flavors tend to meld and deepen overnight, making this cake just as delightful the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to maintain that gorgeous gooey texture.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat slices in a low oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or microwave individual servings for 20-30 seconds. Adding a small pat of butter before warming revives the moist, rich mouthfeel beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples?
Absolutely! While Gala apples are perfect for their sweetness and tenderness, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp will also work nicely. Just keep in mind that tart apples might require a touch more sugar in the caramel to balance the flavors.
What can I substitute for crescent dough?
If you prefer, you can make homemade cinnamon roll dough or use store-bought puff pastry. Crescent dough is convenient and flaky, but the others will add their own wonderful textures to the cake.
Is this cake suitable for making ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the cake a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just let it come to room temperature before baking. This makes it perfect for busy schedules or holiday gatherings.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free crescent dough or puff pastry and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. The texture may vary a bit, but the flavors will remain just as fantastic.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
The combination of baking spray and parchment paper is essential. Make sure to thoroughly grease the pan and lightly spray the parchment after placing it. This creates a non-stick surface that helps the cake release cleanly after baking.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Apple Cinnamon Roll Upside Down Cake Recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your dessert rotation. Its perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and buttery elements wrapped up in a stunning presentation will have you coming back for seconds. So go ahead and gather those simple ingredients—your kitchen is about to smell incredible, and your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Apple Cinnamon Roll Upside Down Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Apple Cinnamon Roll Upside Down Cake is a delightful fusion of classic cinnamon rolls and a moist upside-down cake topped with caramelized apples. Featuring layers of crescent dough swirled with cinnamon sugar and cream cheese filling, it’s baked to perfection with a rich buttery brown sugar glaze and tender apple slices on top. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this cake offers warm flavors and a beautiful presentation that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Roll Dough and Filling
- 16 oz refrigerator crescent sheets (2 – 8 oz tubes)
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted but slightly cooled)
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Caramel Apple Topping
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2–3 Gala apples (peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch slices)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Pan: Spray a cake pan generously with baking spray. Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the pan, spray the parchment too, and press it into the pan to secure. Set aside to prepare the topping.
- Make the Caramel Apple Topping: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 3/4 cup butter. Add 1 teaspoon salt, 1 cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons light corn syrup, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream. Pour the caramel sauce evenly into the prepared pan. Arrange the peeled and sliced Gala apples in a decorative pattern on top of the caramel sauce, covering the entire surface.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Mixture: Unroll the crescent dough onto a lightly floured surface. Brush with 2 tablespoons melted butter. In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup brown sugar with 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the dough. In another bowl, beat together 8 ounces cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Cake Layers: Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cinnamon-sugar dusted crescent dough evenly. Carefully roll the dough lengthwise into a tight log. With a sharp knife, cut the log into 1-inch thick slices. Arrange these slices cut side up over the apple layer in the cake pan, placing them snugly to cover the entire surface.
- Bake the Cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled cake for 75 minutes or until the cinnamon roll slices are golden brown and cooked through. The caramel should be bubbling and bubbly around the edges.
- Cool and Invert: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 15 minutes in the pan. Run a knife around the edges if needed, then place a serving plate over the pan and carefully invert the cake so the caramelized apple topping is on top. Peel off the parchment from the bottom.
- Serve: Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Ensure that the melted butter for brushing the dough is slightly cooled to avoid melting the cream cheese filling.
- Using Gala apples provides sweetness and holds shape well, but you can substitute with Fuji or Honeycrisp apples.
- For easier slicing, chill the rolled dough log in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before cutting.
- This cake is best enjoyed the same day but can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven before serving to refresh the caramel texture.
