Microwave Apple Upside Down Cake with Salted Maple Caramel
Need a dessert on a moment's notice? This cake has you covered - from start to table in 30 minutes. The spice and apples pair perfectly together and the touch of salt elevates the sweet maple caramel.
Brush the inside of a 2.5qt round, microwave safe dish with the oil. It needs to be completely coated, including the sides
Peel, core, and slice the apples to about ¼” thickness
Arrange the apples in a single layer, slightly overlapping, around the edges of the dish until the circle is completed. Place a few halved pecans (upside down) in the center if desired
In a large bowl mix all of the remaining ingredients with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes, the batter will be quite thick
Spoon the batter over the apples evenly and carefully as not to move them, smooth out the batter to make a level top
Microwave covered for 10-11 minutes
While the cake is cooking, make your sauce
In a small saucepan, heat the syrup, stirring occasionally, until small bubbles start to form all around the edges
Add the butter, and stirring continuously, bring the mixture to a boil. Boil for one minute stirring constantly
Remove from heat and let cool about 15 minutes or until it is the consistency of honey
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean and the cake springs back to the touch. Uncover and let cool on a wire rack in the dish for 10 minutes
Once the cake has cooled, carefully invert onto a serving dish
Just before serving, pour the caramel over the cake, making sure the entire cake is covered
Lightly sprinkle with sea salt
Notes
To bake in a conventional oven, preheat the oven to 375F. Follow the directions as above, except bake on the center rack of the oven for about 30-35 minutes and make your sauce in the last 5 minutes of baking.