Apple Fritter Skillet Cake: A Cozy Autumn Delight
Introduction
Hello, dear friends! As the crisp autumn air ushers in November, I can’t help but feel grateful for the seasonal flavors that fill our kitchens. Today, I’m excited to share a heartwarming recipe that perfectly embodies the essence of fall: the Apple Fritter Skillet Cake. This delightful dessert combines the comforting goodness of spiced apples with a wonderfully soft and tender cake. Its heavenly aroma wafting through your home will leave you feeling warm and nostalgic, and you won’t be able to resist serving it warm from the skillet! So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this scrumptious treat. If you’d like to receive more lovely recipes like this one by email, feel free to subscribe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to absolutely adore this recipe! Not only does it burst with flavors of sweet, caramelized apples and warm spices, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. This family-friendly cake is perfect for cozy evenings and gatherings with loved ones. What’s more, it can be whipped up in just under an hour, giving you more time to enjoy the company of those you love. Each bite is a comforting hug that screams autumn, and I promise you will be coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
– 2 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and diced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for sautéing apples)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for apples)
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for cake)
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar (for cake)
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
– 1-2 tbsp milk (for glaze)
– 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
Necessary Tools
– Oven
– Skillet (preferably cast-iron)
– Mixing bowls
– Whisk
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Spatula
– Toothpick (for testing doneness)
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
Feel free to customize this delightful cake! You can swap out the apples for pears for a different fruity twist. If you’re looking for a nutty flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter. For a caramelized touch, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top before serving, or enhance the spice with a pinch of ginger!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a perfect baking environment.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced apples, 1/4 cup sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook this heavenly mixture for about 5-7 minutes until the apples are soft and lightly caramelized. Once they’re done, set them aside.
3. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and 3/4 cup sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this is where the magic begins!
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This combination will provide the cake structure.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients for best results; don’t rush this step!
7. Gently fold in the caramelized apples, ensuring they’re evenly dispersed throughout the batter. Carefully transfer this mixture into your skillet.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You’ll know it’s done when it’s beautifully golden and smells divine!
9. For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. This will create a lovely finishing touch for your cake.
10. Drizzle the glaze over the warm skillet cake and serve immediately. You won’t want to wait—the aroma alone is irresistible!
Serving Suggestions
This cake is amazing on its own, but you can elevate it even more by pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh whipped cream adds an elegant touch, or you can serve it with a warm cup of spiced cider or coffee.
Pro Tips for Success
– Make sure your butter is softened enough for creaming; this will ensure you get that light and fluffy texture.
– Do not skip the step of folding in the apples gently; you want to maintain the lightness of the cake batter.
– Keep an eye on the cake towards the end of the baking time, as ovens can vary, and you want to avoid overbaking.
Storing and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until heated through. Enjoy that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth again!
FAQ Section
– Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the batter, bake the cake, and store it for a day. Just add the glaze before serving.
-What type of apples work best? A mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, works beautifully.
– Can I freeze this cake? Yes, it can be frozen! Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
There you have it! This Apple Fritter Skillet Cake not only encapsulates the essence of autumn but is also a breeze to prepare. It’s a perfect dessert that will wow your family and friends, making your gatherings extra special. I hope you give this recipe a try; don’t forget to leave a review, share your photos, or tag me on Pinterest or Instagram if you do.
Nutritional Information
Approximate nutritional information per serving:
– Calories: 300
– Fat: 12g
– Carbohydrates: 44g
– Protein: 3g
– Fiber: 1g
So gather those apples and get baking! Enjoy every delicious bite of this cozy, heartwarming cake!
