Apple Pumpkin Upside-Down Cake

This Apple Pumpkin Upside-Down Cake is the perfect combination of fall flavors, blending the sweetness of apples with the warmth of pumpkin and spices. The caramelized apple topping provides a beautiful and delicious presentation, while the moist and spiced pumpkin cake underneath is soft and flavorful. This dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy family dinners, or as a delightful treat with a cup of coffee. With its stunning upside-down appearance and rich taste, this cake is sure to impress both your eyes and taste buds!

Ingredients:

For the Topping:

• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Topping: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt the butter in a 9-inch round cake pan over low heat or in a small saucepan. Once melted, add the brown sugar and cinnamon, stirring until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is bubbling. Arrange the sliced apples in an even layer over the sugar mixture in the pan.
2. Make the Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Assemble and Bake: Pour the cake batter over the apple topping in the pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Invert: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cake. Place a serving plate over the pan and carefully invert the cake onto the plate. Allow the pan to sit for a minute to let the caramelized topping settle before lifting it off.
7. Serve: Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Enjoy your delicious Apple Pumpkin Upside-Down Cake!