Easy Apple Skillet Cake Recipe: A Sweet Twist on Classic Comfort

Crisp autumn days call for a delightful apple skillet cake that wraps comfort around your senses like a warm embrace.

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and caramelized fruit will drift through your kitchen, promising pure magic.

Baking this dessert feels like creating a nostalgic memory with minimal effort.

Home cooks can master this simple yet impressive treat using just a few basic ingredients.

Rustic and unpretentious, the skillet method ensures a golden, crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender, moist interior.

Seasonal apples transform into a dessert that celebrates simplicity and flavor.

Why Apple Skillet Cake Belongs on Your Table

• Whip Up Easily: This apple skillet cake requires minimal kitchen skills, perfect for bakers of all levels with simple mixing and straightforward instructions.
• Versatile Delight: Adaptable for different occasions like brunch, dessert, or casual gatherings, making it a go-to recipe for unexpected guests or family treats.
• Quick Comfort: Ready in under an hour from start to finish, this warm cake delivers homemade goodness without complicated preparation or extensive baking experience.
• Rustic Charm: Using a cast iron skillet adds a cozy, homestyle touch that makes the dessert feel extra special and nostalgic, elevating a basic cake into something memorable.

Apple Skillet Cake Ingredient Breakdown

• Flour: Essential base for the cake's structure.
• Eggs: Binding agent for the cake batter.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with texture.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and tanginess.

• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor.
• Alcohol (Optional): Provides depth of flavor.
• Turbinado Sugar: Creates a crunchy, caramelized top.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds a sweet finishing touch.

Skillet Apple Cake Baking Guide

Step 1: Prepare Baking Equipment

Heat the oven to 350°F. Generously coat a 9-inch cast iron skillet with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.

Step 3: Create Wet Mixture

In a separate large bowl, whisk eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add your preferred alcohol (such as rum or brandy) and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.

Step 4: Combine Cake Batter

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Alternate adding dry ingredients with buttermak, stirring gently. Mix until the batter is just combined – avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Pour the smooth batter into the prepared cast iron skillet. Sprinkle turbinado sugar across the top for a delightful crunchy texture.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Place the skillet in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. The toothpick should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the cake to cool slightly in the skillet. Dust the top with powdered sugar. Serve warm for maximum flavor and enjoyment.

Easy Ideas for Apple Skillet Cake

Choose the Right Skillet: Use a cast iron skillet for the best crispy edges and even heat distribution, ensuring a perfectly baked cake every time.

Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Thoroughly grease the skillet with butter or cooking spray to help the cake release easily and develop a golden, crisp bottom layer.

Alcohol Variations: Experiment with different alcohol options like bourbon, rum, or brandy to add depth and complexity to the cake’s flavor profile.

Master the Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing the batter – stir just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender and prevent a tough, dense texture.

Serve with Flair: Top the warm cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.

How To Keep Apple Skillet Cake Tasting Fresh

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Keeps well for 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Let cake sit at room temperature for no more than 2 hours. Cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel to prevent drying out.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5-7 minutes to restore original moisture and texture.

Skillet Cake Goes Best With

• Craft Boozy Bourbon Pairing: Match the cake's subtle alcohol notes with a smooth Kentucky bourbon, enhancing the dessert's warm, rich flavors and creating a delightful adult treat.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Gelato: Complement the cake's tender crumb and apple hints with a creamy, cold vanilla gelato that provides a luxurious temperature and texture contrast.
• Apple Cider Companion: Pour a chilled, crisp local apple cider alongside the skillet cake to echo the fruit's essence and create a harmonious autumn-inspired dessert experience.
• Spiced Caramel Drizzle: Top the warm cake with a homemade salted caramel sauce infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, intensifying the dessert's depth and adding a luxurious finishing touch.

Apple Cake Flavor Add-Ons

• Gluten-Free Wonder: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour to make the cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap buttermilk with almond or oat milk and use coconut oil instead of butter for a lactose-free version.
• Vegan Friendly: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or applesauce and use plant-based milk to create a completely vegan apple skillet cake.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated sugar and reduce the amount to create a lower-calorie dessert for health-conscious bakers.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pan if I don't have a cast iron skillet?

Yes, you can substitute with a 9-inch round cake pan or any oven-safe baking dish. Just make sure to grease it well and adjust baking time slightly if needed.

• What kind of alcohol works best in this recipe?

Brandy, rum, or Calvados are excellent choices that complement the apple flavor. Choose one that you enjoy and matches your taste preferences.

• How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch.

• Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Look for a mix that includes xanthan gum for best texture results.

Apple Skillet Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and brown sugar dance through kitchens with this classic Apple Skillet Cake, promising warm comfort in every delectable slice. Rustic charm meets simple elegance, inviting you to savor a slice of homemade happiness straight from the cast-iron pan.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 180 g (6.3 ounces) granulated sugar
• 140 g (4.9 ounces) all-purpose flour

Liquid Ingredients:

• 45 ml (1.5 fluid ounces) whiskey, bourbon, Cognac, or apple brandy
• 75 ml (2.5 fluid ounces) buttermilk

Baking and Finishing Ingredients:

• 3.4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1.2 teaspoons fine sea salt
• 1.2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 30 g (1.1 ounces) turbinado sugar
• Powdered sugar for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 180°C (350°F) and thoroughly coating a 9-inch cast iron skillet with a thin layer of grease to prevent sticking.
2. Create the dry foundation by whisking flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium mixing bowl until fully integrated and free of lumps.
3. In a separate large bowl, vigorously beat eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, airy, and develops a pale, fluffy texture.
4. Enhance the flavor profile by incorporating your selected alcohol and vanilla extract into the egg mixture, stirring until harmoniously blended.
5. Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, and gently mix until just combined to maintain the cake’s delicate texture.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared cast iron skillet, ensuring an even distribution, and generously sprinkle turbinado sugar across the surface for a delightful caramelized crunch.
7. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool slightly, creating a brief moment of anticipation.
9. Finish the presentation by delicately dusting the warm cake with a light snowfall of powdered sugar, then serve immediately to capture the optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Swap out alcohol for apple juice or extra vanilla for a kid-friendly version that keeps the cake’s delicate flavor profile.
• Use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blend to make this cake more nutritious and accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising texture.
• Test cake doneness by gently pressing the center – it should spring back quickly and have a golden-brown surface indicating perfect baking.
• Enhance apple flavor by adding diced fresh apples directly into the batter or creating a quick caramelized apple topping before serving for extra richness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg