There’s nothing quite like the cozy smell of apples, cinnamon, and caramel wafting through your kitchen. This gluten-free caramel apple upside down cake is the ultimate fall cake recipe—warm spices, tender cake, and caramelized apple slices that create a beautiful presentation every time. Whether you’re new to gluten-free baking or a seasoned pro, this cake delivers all the flavor without the gluten.

Why You’ll Love Gluten Free Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

If you’re searching for the perfect dessert to highlight apple season, this cake checks every box. It combines the classic comfort of apple pie with the ease of a boxed gluten-free yellow cake mix. The result? A moist, flavorful cake with caramelized apple topping that looks bakery-worthy but is incredibly easy gluten to make at home. You’ll love how quickly it comes together and how it pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

1 box gluten-free yellow cake mix – A great shortcut that saves time while still producing soft, fluffy cake. Many brands like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur are excellent options.
4 eggs – Provide structure and richness to the batter, helping the cake bakes evenly with a tender crumb. Make sure they’re at room temperature for best results.
¾ cup butter, divided (½ cup + ¼ cup) – The cup butter adds richness. We’ll use ½ cup melted butter in the batter for moisture and ¼ cup in the brown sugar mixture that caramelizes the apple slices at the bottom of your pan.
2 tablespoons neutral oil – Vegetable, canola, or avocado oil keeps the cake extra tender. The combination of butter and oil makes for a moist crumb.
? cup milk of your choice – Adds moisture to the wet ingredients. Use whole milk, almond milk, or oat milk depending on your preference.
2–3 Granny Smith apples – The best apples for baking, with a tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the caramel sauce. Slice thinly (a mandolin works great). Fresh apples are essential here.
½ cup brown sugar – Creates the brown sugar mixture that caramelizes into a golden topping. Coconut sugar can be used for a natural alternative.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – Brings warm spices and cozy fall flavors to every bite.
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Complements the cinnamon, adding depth and warmth.
Caramel sauce – Drizzle over the top of the cake before serving for a decadent finish. Store-bought works, but homemade caramel sauce on medium heat in a small saucepan with sugar and butter is unbeatable.

How to Make Gluten Free Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

Prepare the apples: Preheat oven to 350°F. Peel, core, and slice apples thinly. Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning (optional).
Make the caramelized topping: In a small saucepan, melt ¼ cup butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar. Cook for 1–2 minutes until combined. Pour into a prepared pan (9×13 cake pan or springform pan), spread out evenly. Arrange apple slices in an even layer on the bottom of the pan.
Mix the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, cinnamon, nutmeg, ½ cup softened butter, oil, eggs, milk.. Use a whisk attachment on low speed to combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients. Increase to medium speed until a smooth flour mixture forms.
Assemble the cake: Carefully pour the free cake batter over the sliced apples in your prepared pan. Spread evenly with a spatula so it reaches the outside edge of the pan.
Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center of the cake is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool and invert: Allow the warm cake to rest for 10 minutes (waiting about 30 minutes works best), then run a knife around the outside edge of the pan. Invert onto a serving plate so the caramelized apple topping is on the top of the cake.
Serve: Drizzle with caramel sauce and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips and Tricks

• Use parchment paper at the bottom of the pan to ensure the apple topping releases cleanly.
• For the most beautiful presentation, layer sliced apples in a spiral pattern.
• Let the cake cool slightly before inverting—too hot and it may fall apart, too cold and it will stick.

Variations

This fall cake recipe can be adapted in many ways.
• Vegan/Dairy-Free: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan butter and use almond milk instead of dairy.
• Refined Sugar-Free: Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar for a lighter option.
• Apple Variety: Try Pink Lady or Ambrosia apples for a sweeter twist.

Substitutions

• Milk: Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk in place of dairy.
• Flours: While this recipe uses boxed gluten-free flour, you could make your own blend with almond flour, oat flour, tapioca flour, and xanthan gum.
• Butter vs. Oil: You can replace oil with extra butter, or vice versa, depending on what you have on hand.

Best Served With

• A generous drizzle of caramel sauce.
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of the apples.
• Whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
• Hot coffee or spiced cider for a cozy fall pairing.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or place on a wire rack in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes until the caramelized apple topping softens.

Common Questions

Can I make this gluten free apple upside down cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cake as directed, let it cool completely, then cover and store in the fridge overnight. Simply reheat before serving for that warm cake flavor.

Can I use a cast iron skillet instead of a cake pan?
Absolutely. A cast iron skillet is one of the best ways to make an upside down apple cake because it caramelizes the apple slices beautifully on medium heat and makes flipping onto a serving plate easier.

This gluten-free apple cake has everything you love about apple pie in a simple, moist type of cake. With fresh apples, warm spices, and a touch of caramel sauce, it’s the perfect dessert for fall gatherings, birthdays, or just a cozy weeknight treat. Try it once and it’s sure to earn a five-star rating from your family and friends!

More Gluten Free Fall Recipes to Try!

Turkey Chili

Gluten Free Southern Chicken and Dumplings

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

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