By: Jill Mills Posted: Nov 15, 2019 Updated: Aug 13, 2023

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This Apple Cinnamon Roll Upside Down Cake is a unique and delicious version of a typical upside-down cake recipe. Soft flaky crescent cinnamon rolls topped with caramelized apples. Quick, easy and always a huge hit for Fall.

Upside Down Cinnamon Roll Apple Cake

I guess you could also consider this another version of caramel apple cinnamon rolls, but we call this a “cake” because you serve it in cake slices. My family always begs me to make this cake because it’s so good.

Making this cake takes more effort than our traditional upside down cake, but it’s totally worth it. This cinnamon roll cake recipe is not difficult because it uses semi-homemade ingredients. And when it’s done, it’s not only delicious but also looks really pretty.

What You Need

For the Cinnamon Roll Cake: The base of the cake is made using refrigerated crescent sheets. It is layered with a mixture of butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
Caramel Sauce: This homemade caramel sauce comes together so easily with butter, salt, brown sugar, light corn syrup, and heavy cream.
Apples: I like gala apples for this recipe, but any type of baking apple can be used.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Roll Upside Down Cake

Prep the pan: You will begin by preparing your pan with parchment paper to help prevent sticking. Set the pan aside, and preheat your oven as directed.
Make the caramel: Next, you will make the caramel by cooking down your heavy cream, sugar, salt, corn syrup, and vanilla on the stovetop as directed. Once the sauce is ready, you will pour half of it directly into the cake pan.

Make the Topping: Slice your apples, and arrange the apple wedges over the caramel sauce on the bottom of the cake pan. It doesn’t have to be done perfectly, but taking the time to arrange them will result in a nicer display after cooked.
Filling: Mix together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla and set aside. In another bowl, blend the cinnamon and sugar.
Assembly: Spread out your crescent dough, add the cream cheese mixture and then brush with butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and then cut into strips to then roll and place inside the cake pan.
Bake: as directed, then flip over onto a plate.

Serve as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

What Are The Best Apples For This Cake?

When making any kind of apple dessert, like this caramel apple upside down cake, you want to use apples that are good for baking. I also prefer a tart apple when I make desserts. I use gala apples in this recipe but you can also use granny smith apples, Honeycrisp, gala, or Pink Lady. Make sure whatever apples you use are baking apples because otherwise the apples will either not soften or will soften too much.

Can I Use Homemade Crescent Dough For This Cinnamon Roll Cake?

Yes! Our recipe for homemade crescent dough can also be used in this recipe. Most people prefer the convenience of using the premade packaged crescent dough.

Variations for Apple Upside Down Cake

You can change up the apple upside down cake in a few different ways:

Fruit Swap: Instead of apples, you can use other fruits like pears, peaches, or even pineapple to create different flavors.
Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the caramel topping for a crunchy twist.
Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices, like nutmeg or ginger, to give it extra flavor.
Caramel Flavor: Instead of regular caramel, try using flavored caramel sauces, like salted caramel or butterscotch.
Choco-Apple Fusion: Sprinkle chocolate chips or chunks over the caramelized fruit before adding the batter for a delightful combination.
Coconut Infusion: Add shredded coconut to the batter or sprinkle it on top of the fruit for a tropical twist.