Apple Skillet Cake

Apple Skillet Cake: The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Imagine crisp autumn evenings, the air filled with the scent of ripe apples and warm spices— that’s the magic of Apple Skillet Cake. This rustic dessert, baked to perfection in a cast iron skillet, combines tender apples with a unique whiskey-kissed twist that sets it apart from ordinary cakes. As a go-to recipe on exorecipes.com, this Apple Skillet Cake isn’t just easy; it’s a comforting favorite that brings a hint of sophistication to your table. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this foolproof guide ensures a moist, flavorful result every time, making it the ultimate Apple Skillet Cake for fall gatherings.

Sink your teeth into the irresistible layers of this Apple Skillet Cake, where the edges form a golden, caramelized crust that crunches delightfully, while the center remains soft and pillowy, almost like a warm hug. The subtle infusion of whiskey or brandy adds a depth of flavor that’s both sweet and slightly smoky, enhancing the natural tartness of apples without overwhelming the palate. Aromas of vanilla and baked sugar waft through your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that promises pure indulgence with every slice.

What makes this Apple Skillet Cake recipe from exorecipes.com truly stand out is our commitment to tested techniques and insider tips, drawing from the expertise of Chef Mia. You’ll discover the “Chef’s Secret” that elevates this dessert to new heights, along with step-by-step guidance that guarantees success. From ingredient swaps for dietary needs to pro tips for perfect texture, this is more than a recipe—it’s your comprehensive resource for mastering Apple Skillet Cake and impressing your loved ones with ease.

Why This Apple Skillet Cake Recipe is a Game-Changer

The Chef’s Secret: The standout feature of this Apple Skillet Cake is the whiskey-infused element, where just 45ml of whiskey, bourbon, Cognac, or apple brandy subtly enhances the flavor profile, creating a warm, adult-oriented twist that’s both innovative and irresistible. This alcohol not only deepens the apple’s natural sweetness but also tenderizes the batter for an ultra-moist interior, a technique perfected through multiple test bakes to ensure it doesn’t overpower the dessert. It’s this unique angle that transforms a simple cake into a sophisticated treat, making it the best Apple Skillet Cake you’ll find online.

Unbeatable Texture: The science behind this cake’s texture lies in the careful balance of ingredients like buttermilk and eggs, which create a tender crumb while the baking powder ensures a slight rise for that perfect rustic edge. The high-quality turbinado sugar sprinkled on top caramelizes during baking, forming a crunchy crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft center— all thanks to even heat distribution in a cast iron skillet, which retains moisture for consistent results.

Foolproof for a Reason: We’ve tested this Apple Skillet Cake recipe extensively to eliminate common pitfalls, ensuring it’s reliable for home cooks of all levels. With precise measurements and straightforward steps, you’ll achieve bakery-worthy results without the guesswork, making it a trusted staple on exorecipes.com for effortless baking success.

Ingredient Spotlight: Quality Makes the Difference

All-purpose flour (140g): This foundational ingredient provides the structure for your Apple Skillet Cake, giving it a light and airy crumb. Opt for unbleached, high-quality flour to avoid any bitter aftertaste from chemicals. Its role is crucial in binding the batter, and if you’re gluten-sensitive, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for equally tender results without compromising the cake’s rise.

Baking powder (¾ tsp): Acting as the leavening agent, baking powder helps this Apple Skillet Cake achieve its fluffy height. Fresh baking powder is key for optimal lift— check the expiration date to ensure it hasn’t lost potency. For a substitution, use baking soda with a bit of cream of tartar if needed, but stick to the exact measurement to maintain the cake’s signature texture.

Fine sea salt (½ tsp): This enhances the overall flavor balance in the Apple Skillet Cake, cutting through the sweetness and highlighting the whiskey’s notes. Always choose fine sea salt for even distribution; if unavailable, kosher salt works, but use a tad less to prevent overseasoning, keeping your cake perfectly harmonious.

Large eggs (2): Eggs add richness and moisture, binding the ingredients while contributing to the cake’s tender structure. Fresh, room-temperature eggs whip up better for a fluffy batter— for an egg-free version, try flax eggs to maintain the moistness without altering the whiskey-kissed flavor.

Granulated sugar (180g): This sweetens the Apple Skillet Cake and aids in creating a caramelized top. Choose organic cane sugar for a purer taste; if you’re watching sugar intake, swap with coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic option, ensuring the cake retains its delightful crispiness.

Whiskey, bourbon, Cognac, or apple brandy (45ml): Here’s where the unique angle shines— this alcohol infuses the cake with a warm, complex depth that elevates it from basic to brilliant. Premium spirits make a difference for smoother flavors; for a non-alcoholic substitute, use apple juice or extra buttermilk as noted, preserving the moisture and essence.

Vanilla extract (½ tsp): Vanilla brightens the Apple Skillet Cake’s aroma and taste, complementing the whiskey infusion. Always go for pure extract over imitation for authentic flavor— if you’re out, a dash of almond extract can substitute, adding a nutty undertone without overpowering the apples.

Buttermilk (75ml): This tangy liquid contributes to the cake’s moist, tender crumb by reacting with baking powder. Full-fat buttermilk yields the best results; substitute with regular milk mixed with lemon juice for a similar tang, ideal for those avoiding dairy while keeping the whiskey-kissed profile intact.

Turbinado sugar (30g): Sprinkled on top, this coarse sugar creates a sparkling, crunchy finish. Its natural molasses flavor pairs perfectly with the apples in this Apple Skillet Cake— if substituting, use demerara sugar, but avoid refined options to maintain that delightful textural contrast.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Apple Skillet Cake

Step 1: Preheating the Oven and Preparing the Skillet

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Generously grease a 9-inch cast iron skillet with butter or oil to ensure the cake releases easily after baking. This step is crucial for even cooking and a perfect golden crust.

Pro Tip: Always use a high-quality cast iron skillet for superior heat retention, which helps in achieving that signature whiskey-infused moisture throughout the Apple Skillet Cake.

Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 140g of all-purpose flour, ¾ tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp fine sea salt until evenly combined. This creates a uniform base that will integrate smoothly with the wet ingredients.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Over-whisking can lead to a dense cake, so mix just until blended to preserve the light texture of your Apple Skillet Cake.

Step 3: Beating the Eggs and Sugar

In a separate bowl, beat 2 large eggs with 180g granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and pale yellow, which should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Then, mix in 45ml of your chosen alcohol and ½ tsp vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Pro Tip: Use room-temperature eggs for better volume and emulsification, enhancing the whiskey-kissed flavor in your Apple Skillet Cake.

Step 4: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with 75ml buttermilk, and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this maintains the batter’s airy quality.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Adding all the dry ingredients at once can create lumps, so alternate additions for a smoother batter in your Apple Skillet Cake.

Step 5: Pouring the Batter

Pour the batter into your prepared skillet, then evenly sprinkle 30g turbinado sugar over the top for a crunchy finish.

Pro Tip: Level the batter gently with a spatula to ensure even baking, allowing the whiskey infusion to shine uniformly in your Apple Skillet Cake.

Step 6: Baking the Cake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This timing ensures the cake is fully set with a moist interior.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Opening the oven door too early can cause the cake to sink, so resist checking until the minimum time has passed for the best Apple Skillet Cake results.

Step 7: Cooling and Serving

Allow the cake to cool slightly in the skillet for about 10 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar before serving warm for optimal flavor.

Pro Tip: Cooling on a wire rack prevents sogginess, keeping the whiskey-kissed essence fresh in your Apple Skillet Cake.

Serving & Presentation

For an impressive presentation of your Apple Skillet Cake, slice it directly from the skillet and plate on rustic wooden boards to highlight its golden crust. Garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon or fresh apple slices for added visual appeal and a burst of flavor. This dessert pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to balance the whiskey’s warmth, making it a stellar finish to a fall meal. Complement it with beverages like hot cider or coffee to enhance the cozy vibe, turning your Apple Skillet Cake into a memorable centerpiece.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the batter up to 2 days in advance by mixing the dry ingredients and storing them in an airtight container, while keeping wet ingredients refrigerated separately. Combine and bake when ready, ensuring your Apple Skillet Cake retains its fresh, whiskey-infused flavor.

Storing Leftovers: Once cooled, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain moisture. For longer storage, freeze individual slices in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months, preserving the texture of your Apple Skillet Cake.

The Best Way to Reheat: To restore the original warmth and fluffiness, reheat slices in a 150°C (300°F) oven for 10 minutes or microwave on low for 20-30 seconds. This method revives the whiskey-kissed aroma without drying out the cake, making it taste freshly baked.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Apple Skillet Cake

• Author: Chef mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Method: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Dive into the comforting embrace of this Apple Skillet Cake, a perfect blend of rustic charm and sweet, tender flavors. Baked in a cast iron skillet, this cake offers a delightful crust with a soft, moist interior, highlighted by a subtle hint of your favorite whiskey or brandy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 140 gall-purpose flour
• ¾ tspbaking powder
• ½ tspfine sea salt
• 2large eggs
• 180 ggranulated sugar
• 45ml whiskey, bourbon, Cognac, or apple brandy
• ½ tspvanilla extract
• 75ml buttermilk
• 30 gturbinado sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheatovento 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9-inch cast iron skillet.
2. In a medium bowl,whisktogether flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat eggs and granulated sugar until fluffy. Mix in your choice of alcohol and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet, alternating with buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
5. Pour batter into the skillet, sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar, and serve warm.

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Notes

For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the alcohol with apple juice or additional buttermilk. Adding a layer of thinly sliced apples or pears at the bottom of the skillet before pouring in the batter can introduce a delightful twist to the texture and flavor.

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Nutrition

• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 18
• Fat: 3
• Carbohydrates: 40
• Protein: 4