Experience the unparalleled warmth and flavor of a homemade Apple Skillet Cake – a simple yet exquisitely comforting dessert that brings joy to every bite.
Discover the Ultimate Comfort: Your Go-To Apple Skillet Cake Recipe
There are few things more comforting than the aroma of freshly baked apple cake wafting through your home. This Apple Skillet Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. Imagine a warm, tender cake bursting with sweet, spiced apples, served straight from the oven with a cloud of whipped cream. It’s the epitome of cozy, making it the perfect indulgence for chilly autumn evenings, festive holiday gatherings, or simply a sweet treat any time of the year. Its rustic charm and irresistible flavor are sure to make it an instant favorite.
A Beloved Addition to Our Family Dessert Repertoire
Baking with apples holds a special place in our family traditions. We cherish recipes passed down through generations, like my Mom’s Special Apple Pie, my Great Aunt Ina’s Apple Dumplings, and Great Aunt Ruthie’s Fresh Apple Cake. Each recipe tells a story, fills our homes with nostalgic scents, and creates lasting memories around the table. And now, this incredible Apple Skillet Cake has officially joined that esteemed list of family favorites. Its ease of preparation and utterly delicious outcome ensure it’s always a hit, captivating everyone with its homey flavors and inviting presentation.
Effortlessly Versatile and Incredibly Easy: The Skillet Cake Advantage
What makes this apple cake truly exceptional is its remarkable versatility and straightforward preparation. It’s the ideal dessert for almost any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a Sunday supper, enjoying afternoon coffee with friends, or preparing a special weekend brunch, this skillet cake rises to the challenge with minimal fuss. We even love serving it for breakfast alongside savory bacon and eggs – a sweet and satisfying start to any day. The beauty of baking in a cast iron skillet lies in its ability to create a perfectly golden crust and moist interior, while also offering a charming, rustic presentation that transitions seamlessly from oven to table.
This recipe transforms a few simple apples you likely already have on hand into a comforting cake that bakes up quickly and effortlessly. It’s proof that you don’t need complex techniques or exotic ingredients to create something truly spectacular and deeply satisfying.
Key Ingredients and Essential Supplies for Your Apple Skillet Cake
Creating this delightful apple skillet cake requires a handful of common pantry staples and a few essential kitchen tools. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, relying on fresh, high-quality ingredients to deliver maximum flavor. (Detailed measurements can be found in the recipe section below).
Ingredients:
- Unsalted butter: For richness and sautéing the apples.
- Large McIntosh apples: Peeled and diced, providing that signature sweet-tart apple flavor. Other firm, tart-sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith can also work beautifully.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramelized sweetness and moisture to the cake.
- Ground cinnamon: The quintessential spice that perfectly complements apples, adding warmth and aroma.
- Large eggs: Act as a binder, contributing to the cake’s structure and tenderness.
- Pure vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors, adding a touch of sweetness and depth.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake’s structure.
- Baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise and achieve a light texture.
- Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Whipped topping or homemade whipped cream: An optional but highly recommended accompaniment for serving, adding a cool, creamy contrast.
Supplies:
- 10-inch cast iron skillet: The star of the show, perfect for even baking and a beautiful presentation.
- Large mixing bowl: For combining your cake batter.
- Whisk: Essential for blending wet ingredients smoothly.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Apple Skillet Cake
Follow these detailed instructions to create a truly irresistible Apple Skillet Cake. Each step is designed to be straightforward, ensuring a delicious result even for novice bakers.
- Prepare your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your cake is ready to bake, promoting even cooking.
- Sauté the apples: In your 10-inch cast iron skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced McIntosh apples, 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften but still retain a slight bite. This step pre-cooks the apples, concentrating their flavor and ensuring they are tender in the finished cake. Once softened, turn off the heat and set the skillet aside.
- Melt butter and combine with sugar: In a large, microwave-safe mixing bowl, melt the remaining 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Allow the melted butter to cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely. Once slightly cooled, whisk in the remaining 1 cup of light brown sugar until thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Incorporate eggs and vanilla: Whisk in the large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This creates a more stable emulsion and a smoother batter. Stir in the pure vanilla extract, which adds a lovely aromatic depth to the cake.
- Add dry ingredients: To the wet ingredients, add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt.
- Mix until just combined: Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough cake. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Fold in the apples: Gently fold the sautéed apples into the cake batter. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout for apple-filled goodness in every bite.
- Transfer to skillet and bake: Spread the prepared cake batter evenly back into the same cast iron skillet where you sautéed the apples. This not only saves on washing up but also infuses the cake with any lingering caramelized apple flavors.
- Bake to perfection: Bake for 30 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. This indicates the cake is fully cooked through.
- Serve and enjoy: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. It’s absolutely divine served warm, perhaps with an extra dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s equally delicious when cooled, making it perfect for grab-and-go treats!
Storage and Reheating Tips for Your Apple Skillet Cake
To ensure your delicious Apple Skillet Cake stays fresh and delightful for as long as possible, proper storage is key. Whether you have leftovers from a gathering or simply want to enjoy a slice later, these tips will help maintain its quality.
To store: Keep any leftover Apple Skillet Cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to three days. For extended freshness, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to five days. Ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent it from drying out.
To reheat: For a whole cake or a large portion, wrap it in aluminum foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through. If you’re only reheating a single slice, place it on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 20-30 seconds, or until it reaches your desired warmth. Reheating brings out the spices and makes the cake wonderfully tender again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Skillet Cake
Here are answers to some common questions you might have when making this delightful Apple Skillet Cake:
- Can I use different types of apples? Absolutely! While McIntosh apples are recommended for their balance of sweetness and tartness, varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith (for a tarter cake) also work well. Choose firm apples that hold their shape when baked.
- What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet? No problem! You can bake this cake in a standard 9 or 10-inch round baking dish or oven-safe pan. The cooking time might vary slightly, so keep an eye on it and use the toothpick test for doneness. While a cast iron skillet gives a unique crust, the flavor will still be fantastic in another pan.
- Can I add nuts or other spices? Yes! Feel free to customize. Toasted pecans or walnuts would be a lovely addition to the batter. You could also enhance the spice profile with a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or ginger for even more warmth.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? This cake is wonderful served warm, but it’s also delicious at room temperature. You can bake it a day in advance, store it as directed, and gently reheat it before serving to bring out its fresh-baked qualities.
- How do I prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom? Sautéing the apples slightly as instructed helps to reduce their moisture content and gives them a head start in softening, which prevents them from sinking. Ensuring your batter is thick enough also helps support them.
Share Your Creations!
We absolutely love seeing your culinary masterpieces! If you make this Apple Skillet Cake, please be sure to snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @thebakermama. I can’t wait to see your delightful creations! If you’re on Facebook, I invite you to join our vibrant community in the Friends of The BakerMama group. It’s a wonderful space to connect, share your baking adventures, and discover even more fun and yummy recipes from my kitchen. Your inspiration and creativity truly make this community special. Enjoy every comforting bite!
xoxo,
Apple Skillet Cake Recipe
- Author: Maegan – The BakerMama
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
Description
A simple, scrumptious skillet cake full of sweet apples and comforting spice – perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 9 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 large McIntosh apples, peeled and diced
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Whipped topping or homemade whipped cream, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add the diced apples, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Sauté for 3-5 minutes or until apples start to soften. Turn off heat.
- In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, melt the remaining 8 tablespoons butter and let cool slightly before whisking in the remaining 1 cup light brown sugar. Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, until well incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract. Add the flour, baking soda, and salt, and stir until just combined. Fold in the apples.
- Spread the cake batter evenly back into the skillet that you sautéed the apples in. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve warm or cooled.