गुरुवार, 7 अक्तूबर 2021

Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake

Caramel apple upside-down cake is just the dessert you need for fall! It’s rich, moist, and smothered in a scrumptious caramel glaze!

Can’t get enough of the caramel apple combination? Try out my tasty caramel apple cheesecake bars, cinnamon rolls, and french toast casserole!

Taking a slice out of caramel apple upside down cake, served on a white dish.

Moist and Delicious Caramel Apple Cake

Utah is finally cooling down. We’ve been loving it! Besides being able to wear my comfiest sweaters, fall is my favorite season because of the desserts! Time to put pumpkin spice aside for a second. I love pumpkin season but apple has a special place in my heart. I always have a bowl of fresh apples on hand because my kids and I love them so much. To be honest, I just got done obsessing over apple hand pies. Now it’s time for a perfect fall take on a classic upside-down cake! I can’t wait for you guys to try it!

Let’s talk about this caramel apple upside-down cake. Have you ever made a cake that you couldn’t stop eating because it was so amazing? Yeah, this was one of those. Holy cow it was amazing. When I flipped it upside down, the brown sugar caramel goodness on the bottom drizzled down the sides. The apples were perfectly soft and flavorful! You get those amazing fruity, fall spices in every bite. I had my slice with a scoop of homemade ice cream on top. Whipped cream tastes great, too! Honestly, though, this cake is so moist and flavorful, it tastes incredible served on its own!

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake

These are all of the ingredients you need for this perfect cake! It starts with your favorite fresh apples. Add in the delicious spiced cake and you have the ultimate fall dessert! I love that so many of these ingredients are things I already have in my kitchen.

  • Butter: Used in caramel glaze and cake base. Butter adds fat content for moisture and also gives your cake a rich flavor!
  • Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives your glaze its amazing color and sweetness.
  • Cinnamon: A little ground cinnamon is key for the perfect fall flavor!
  • Apples: I use medium apples here, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch wedges.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Perfect for a light, airy cake structure.
  • Baking Powder: Makes your caramel apple upside-down cake nice and fluffy!
  • Salt: Salt is added to enhance overall flavor.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness to your upside-down cake. It also melts down when baked for the perfect texture!
  • Eggs: Used to add moisture and bind everything together.
  • Vanilla: Adds a richer flavor. I like using pure vanilla extract for best results!
  • Milk: Used to make the cake batter nice and smooth. I like using whole milk for its fat content. The more fats in your cake, the more moist it will be!

Whipped Cream Topping

Adding whipped cream on top is completely up to you, but I think it is the perfect finishing touch! Once you make whipped cream at home, it is so hard to go back to canned!

  • Heavy Whipping Cream: This is the base of your topping.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adding a little powdered sugar gives your whipped cream its perfect sweetness. Keeps it nice and smooth, too!

Making Your Cake

Making a caramel apple upside-down cake is super easy! In just a few steps of mixing and baking, you’ll create a flavorful fall treat! It’s the perfect dessert to throw together for parties. These flavors are irresistible!

  1. Preheat Oven and Prep Pan: First, preheat your oven to 325 degrees. Spray an 9 inch round or square pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
  2. Melt Glaze Ingredients Together: In a medium saucepan, melt ¼ cup butter over medium heat until melted. Then, add in the brown sugar. Bring it to a boil and remove from heat. Stir in ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon. Pour into the bottom of the greased pan. Next, arrange the apples over the brown sugar mixture.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium size bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, ½ teaspoon cinnamon and salt. Set bowl aside.
  4. Beat Sugar, Butter, Eggs, and Vanilla: In a large bowl or mixer, beat together 1 cup sugar, and ½ cup butter on medium speed until fluffy. Add in eggs and vanilla.
  5. Mix in Flour and Milk: Next, beat in flour mixture alternating with the milk until smooth. Pour the batter over the apples and spread evenly.
  6. Bake: Bake 55-60 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes.
  7. Prepare Whipped Topping: Meanwhile, to make the whipped topping, beat whipping cream on high until soft peaks start to form. Add in 2 tablespoons sugar.
  8. Flip Cake and Serve: Run knife along the edges of the cake and flip upside down on a pan. Serve warm with whipped cream on top.
Process shots of preparing glaze and cake.

Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake Tips and Suggestions

This mouthwatering upside-down cake loaded with the sweet-tart combination of the caramel apple is absolutely delicious. As easy as it is to put together, here are some of my personal tips and tricks on getting the best results every time!

  • Grease Pan Well: Use a heavy coating of your favorite nonstick cooking spray before adding apples and cake batter into your pan! Add a little more when you think you’ve added enough. This cake gets really sticky when it bakes, and fruit is notorious for sticking to the bottom. A well-greased pan will help it slide out perfectly once its done!
  • Flavor Additions: Adding some chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to your cake batter is so delicious! They taste great alongside fall spice.
  • Let Cake Cool: It’s important to let your cake cool for 10-15 minutes after pulling it out of the oven. This will help it set into place! Don’t let it cool completely, though, or it may become dense and hard to slide out of the pan.
  • Choosing Apples: I like using tart baking apples like Granny Smith or Jonagold in desserts. If you want a sweeter cake, opt for Golden Delicious or Honeycrisp apples!
  • Toppings: Aside from ice cream or whipped cream, top your caramel apple upside-down cake with chopped nuts or even some homemade salted caramel sauce for extra decadence!
A full caramel apple upside-down cake on a white serving dish.

Storing Leftover Cake

Because this tasty caramel apple upside-down cake has a high moisture content, it will only stay good for a few days. Wrap it tightly and store it in the fridge to keep it fresh for as long as possible!

  • In the Refrigerator: Either store your cake in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap. It will keep for 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: If you want to serve your leftover cake warm, pop it into the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Close-up of a slice of apple cake with caramel glaze.

A Reader’s Review

“I made this Sunday for a family dinner. There were four of us, and only one slice of cake left. I think it went over well!!!” -Ashley
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Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

A delicious apple upside down cake that is perfectly moist and has a caramel glaze on top!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword caramel apple cake, caramel apple upside down cake, upside down cake recipes
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 8 Slices
Calories 555kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 medium apples peeled, cut into 1/2-inch wedges
  • 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/4 cup milk

Whipped Cream topping:

  • 1 cup whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons sugar

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray a 9 inch round or square pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan melt ¼ cup butter over medium heat until melted. Add the brown sugar. Bring it to a boil and remove it from heat. Stir in ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon. Pour into the bottom of the greased pan. Arrange the apples over the brown sugar mixture.
  • In a medium-size bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and salt. Set bowl aside.
  • In a large bowl or mixer, beat together 1 cup sugar, and ½ cup butter on medium speed until fluffy. Add in eggs and vanilla.
  • Beat in flour mixture alternating with the milk until smooth. Pour the batter over the apples and spread evenly.
  • Bake 55-60 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, to make the whipped topping beat whipping cream on high until soft peaks start to form. Add in 2 tablespoons sugar.
  • Run a knife along the edges of the cake and flip upside down on a pan. Serve warm with whipped cream on top.

Notes

Updated on October 6, 2021
Originally Posted on September 21, 2014

Nutrition

Calories: 555kcal | Carbohydrates: 70g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 128mg | Sodium: 262mg | Potassium: 193mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 51g | Vitamin A: 1065IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 1mg


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बुधवार, 6 अक्तूबर 2021

Croissant Bread Pudding

Croissant bread pudding is the perfect breakfast food! Drizzled with a creamy, vanilla sauce, this soft bread pudding is so amazing that you won’t want to stop at just one piece! 

Rich and silky smooth, this soft croissant bread pudding has quickly become a favorite of mine! It is absolutely delicious. If you want to create the perfect brunch then make this Monkey Bread, Coconut Banana Bread, and these amazing Egg Muffins to go with it!

A slice of croissant bread pudding.

Croissant Bread Pudding

If you love bread pudding as much as I do then making them with croissants will blow you away! It brings in the best taste and texture and you won’t want to make this any other way again! The croissants really add to the bread pudding by soaking in all of the delicious flavors. And when you add in that vanilla sauce on top, well, it just takes this to a whole new level! Plus, you can change it up by topping it with some Homemade Blueberry Syrup, or Homemade Imitation Maple Syrup instead!

Croissant bread pudding is a delicious take on traditional bread pudding. Using croissants instead of bread really makes this recipe a lot lighter in texture. This means that you can eat more, which I always consider a good thing! I also love that I can use my stale croissants to make this recipe. They don’t need to be fresh and then the ones that I already have don’t have to go to waste! It’s the perfect solution. It makes an excellent hot and sweet breakfast or brunch option! Go ahead and try it, I know that you will love it!

Ingredients in Croissant Bread Pudding

Made from ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, this croissant bread pudding is so easy! See the recipe card below for a list of exact measurements.

  • Whole milk: You can use 1% or 2% but the whole milk will really give it an excellent taste and texture.
  • Heavy cream: This ingredient makes it thick and easy to soak up into the croissants.
  • Eggs: Make sure that you use eggs that are at room temperature so that they mix in better!
  • Granulated sugar: The sugar brings in a delicous and sweet taste.
  • Vanilla extract: This will add a flavor to the sweetness of the sugar!
  • Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of all of the other ingredients!
  • Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a must in this dish! It adds so much to the flavor.
  • Croissants: Make sure that when you are cutting up the croissants that they are cut into 1 inch cubes.

Vanilla Sauce

  • Butter: I used unsalted butter in this recipe.
  • Granulated sugar: Using granulated sugar will really create a yummy taste and thicker texture in this sauce.
  • Heavy cream: It makes the sauce thick and creamy!
  • Vanilla Bean Paste: Using a vanilla bean paste will really bring an amazing and distinct flavor. But, if you don’t have the paste you can use vanilla extract instead!

Let’s Start Baking!

This croissant bread pudding is so delicious and simple! It takes about an hour and a half from start to finish and most of that time is spent soaking and baking.

  1. Preheat and spray: Preheat the oven to 350° and spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. Whisk, add croissants and soak: In a large bowl whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, salt and cinnamon. Add the croissant cubes and mix together until the croissants are fully coated in the cream mixture. Let it sit for 25-30 minutes, stirring about 15 minutes in.
  3. Bake: Once the croissants have soaked pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the custard is set and the croissants are starting to brown. While the bread pudding is baking prepare the vanilla sauce.
  4. Make vanilla sauce: In a medium saucepan combine the butter, sugar and cream. Whisk constantly over medium heat until the sauce thickens and coast the back of a spoon. Remove from the heat and add the vanilla.
  5. Let bread putting sit and then add sauce: Allow the bread pudding to sit for least 20 minutes before serving. Serve with warm vanilla sauce.
4 images showing how to make croissant bread pudding.

Tips For Croissant Bread Pudding

Croissant bread pudding is so easy and amazingly delicious! Use these tips to make the BEST bread pudding you’ve ever had!

  • Stale croissants: Croissants are a huge hit for breakfast in my house, but they tend to lose their appeal after a few days. Once they begin to get stale (usually by day 3) they are perfect for this recipe! Acting as buttery sponges for the custard base of this bread pudding, they soak everything in making the taste and the flavor absolutely delightful!
  • Milk and cream: Using both milk and heavy cream for the custard base will give your bread pudding a silky, rich texture. You can use 4 cups of milk and no cream if you would prefer it a little bit lighter.
  • Let the bread soak: Giving your croissants time to soak in the custard mixture before baking will give it time to really absorb the liquid. If you don’t allow it to soak long enough you may end up with dry pieces throughout your pudding.
Vanilla sauce being drizzled on croissant bread pudding.

How to Store Leftovers

You can totally make this ahead or store your leftovers so that you can enjoy them later! Follow these tips and you can have croissant bread pudding for days!

  • Refrigerator: Once your bread pudding has cooled, store it in an airtight container or cover it with foil. Then, you can store it in your frige for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: You can reheat an individual piece by putting it in the microwave for 45 seconds or until it’s warm! Or, you can reheat the entire pan. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and cook it (uncovered) for 10-15 minutes until it is heated through.
A pan of croissant bread pudding with a piece taken out of the pan.
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Croissant Bread Pudding

Croissant bread pudding is the perfect breakfast food! Drizzled with a creamy, vanilla sauce, this soft bread pudding is so amazing that you won't want to stop at just one piece! 
Course Breakfast, brunch, Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword bread pudding, croissant bread pudding
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 12 People
Calories 515kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

  • 2 Cups Whole Milk
  • 2 Cups Heavy Cream
  • 8 large Eggs
  • 2 Cups Granulated Sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
  • 2 Teaspoons Cinnamon
  • 12 Day old Croissants cut into 1 inch cubes

Vanilla Sauce

  • ½ Cup Unsalted Butter
  • 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • ½ Cup Heavy Cream
  • 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Bean Paste Or Vanilla Extract

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350° and spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  • In a large bowl whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon. Add the croissant cubes and mix together until the croissants are fully coated in the cream mixture. Let it sit for 25-30 minutes, stirring about 15 minutes in.
  • Once the croissants have soaked pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the custard, is set and the croissants are starting to brown. While the bread pudding is baking prepare the vanilla sauce.
  • In a medium saucepan combine the butter, sugar, and cream. Whisk constantly over medium heat until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from the heat and add the vanilla.
  • Allow the bread pudding to sit for at least 20 minutes before serving. Serve with warm vanilla sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 515kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 216mg | Sodium: 182mg | Potassium: 145mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 53g | Vitamin A: 1212IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 1mg


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मंगलवार, 5 अक्तूबर 2021

Baked Buttery Herb Chicken and Potatoes

Baked buttery herb chicken and potatoes are absolutely delicious! Moist and juicy chicken combined with perfectly tender potatoes will make this a meal that you will make over and over!

When I can cook almost an entire meal all at one time, you can count me in! This herb chicken and potatoes are so simple but it looks gorgeous and tastes amazing! If you want to finish off this recipe with some more vegetables, try this Asparagus, Broccoli, and these amazing Carrots!

Chicken and potatoes on a baking sheet.

Sheetpan Chicken and Potatoes

My fall season begins and ends with a crazy schedule! I am always running around getting my kids to all of their activities. This means that I am always on the lookout for a good recipe that is quick, easy, and delicious! Anything that I can cook in under 30 minutes is a win and this herb chicken and potatoes tastes absolutely incredible. It is one of my favorite go-to meals for busy weeknights! Add in a quick salad and or vegetables and you have yourself a delicious meal that will fill you right up and get you on your way!

This meal is one of my very favorites! In fact, with just a few ingredients that are cooked together, you’ve got a main dish and a side dish all in one. You can’t beat that! Because you bake the chicken, it is incredibly moist and juicy. The flavor of this herb chicken and those seasoned potatoes is so amazing and full of earthy flavors. I love this recipe so much and I think that your kids will love it too! I bet that once you try it, you will make this dish over and over again!

What You Need to Make Chicken and Potatoes

You probably already have everything that you need to make these amazing herb chicken and potatoes! In fact, this recipe only uses a few ingredients so go ahead and get baking that chicken! See the recipe card below for the exact ingredient measurements.

  • Chicken breasts: I use boneless, skinless chicken so that I can pound it out to an even thickness.
  • Potatoes: You can use baby red or gold potatoes in this recipe! Make sure that when you cut them, that they end up as about the same size so that then they will all cook evenly.
  • Salt and pepper: I like to use this to add additional flavoring to the chicken!
  • Dried Italian dressing: 1 packet will be enough for this chicken.
  • Butter: This is the ingredient that, when you melt the butter and put it on the chicken, will make the chicken moist and tender!
  • Garlic: I cannot get enough of this flavor!
  • Fresh herbs: To garnish this chicken, I like to use thyme, rosemary, or parsley. They will give it that amazing, earthy flavor!

Let’s Bake Some Chicken!

Herb chicken and potatoes are a dish that everyone will love! It is so tender and delicious, you won’t be able to resist cooking this all the time!

  1. Grease and preheat: Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease a rimmed baking sheet.
  2. Season chicken: Place chicken and potatoes on baking sheet and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Whisk and drizzle: Whisk together butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic. Brush or drizzle over chicken and potatoes.
  4. Bake and serve: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. Sprinkle fresh herbs over the top and serve immediately.
2 pictures showing how to place chicken and potatoes on a baking sheet and glaze them with butter.

Tips for Baking Chicken

Baked chicken is the best way to get that tender and juicy texture! One of the biggest problems that I hear people have when cooking chicken is that it comes out dry. Here are a few tips to make sure that doesn’t happen to you! Once you understand how to bake it, then you won’t be able to stop! When it’s cooked right, chicken is the absolute best!

  • Check the temperature: To make sure that your chicken isn’t pink and undercooked (or dry and overcooked!) then you NEED a meat thermometer! This completely takes any guesswork out and then you will know exactly when it’s done! Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches 165 degrees farenheit.
  • Cook it in fat: This herb chicken and potatoes calls for you to cook this recipe in butter. When you cook chicken in fat, it allows the chicken to withstand high heat without burning! This keeps in all of the yummy moisture, making the meat so tender!
  • Meat is best if you LET IT REST: Don’t skip this step! People think that it’s just wasted time but I promise you that it’s not! In fact, it’s probably the most important step to getting a moist and juicy chicken. Once you are done baking the chicken and take it out of the oven then leave it alone! Let it rest in the pan for about 5-10 minutes. That means no touching or cutting into it! This is absolutely important because it is the time when the chicken is locking all of that moisture inside! Cutting into it too soon will let that escape and make for some dry chicken.
Close up of buttery baked herb chicken and potatoes.

How to Store Leftovers

This recipe makes for some fantastic leftovers! After eating it the first night then you can have the same thing for lunch tomorrow or even chop up this chicken and add it into a salad! It’s so delicious and flavorful that you definitely don’t want it to go to waste!

  • Refrigerator: After your herb chicken and potatoes have cooled, place them in an airtight container. Then, place them in your fridge. They will last for 2-3 days in your refrigerator.
  • Reheating: You can either eat the chicken cold, sliced and in a salad. Or you can reheat it and use it over some rice, with some vegetables or on its own! Take the chicken and potatoes out and place them on your counter. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and then put your chicken in a baking dish. Add in a few tablespoons of chicken broth or water to the bottom of the dish. Cover it with foil and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees farenheit.
A chicken breast a potatoes on a plate with a fork.
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Baked Buttery Herb Chicken and Potatoes

Baked buttery herb chicken and potatoes are absolutely delicious! Moist and juicy chicken combined with perfectly tender potatoes will make this a meal that you will make over and over! 
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword sheet pan chicken and potatoes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 152kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded to even thickness
  • 4 cups quartered baby red and/or gold potatoes
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 packet dried Italian salad dressing
  • 6 tablespoons butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • fresh herbs for garnish such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and grease a rimmed baking sheet.
  • Place chicken and potatoes on a baking sheet and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Whisk together butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic. Brush or drizzle over chicken and potatoes.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender. Sprinkle fresh herbs over the top and serve immediately.

Notes

Updated on October 5, 2021
Originally Posted on September 26, 2016

Nutrition

Calories: 152kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 150mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 525IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 5mg


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