I have always had a soft spot for desserts that combine the warmth of home baking with a touch of indulgence. One of my absolute favorites is the Apple Skillet Cake With Salted Caramel Frosting. This delightful cake is not only easy to make but also brings a comforting aroma of baked apples and cinnamon that fills the kitchen. The salted caramel frosting adds a rich and sweet finish that takes this cake to another level.
Why I Love Apple Skillet Cake With Salted Caramel Frosting
I remember the first time I made this cake. It was a chilly autumn afternoon, and I had just picked fresh apples from a local orchard. The idea of baking a cake in a skillet seemed so inviting. The combination of soft, spiced apples and the warm, gooey caramel frosting made my heart sing. It quickly became a go-to recipe for family gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients for Apple Skillet Cake With Salted Caramel Frosting
To make this scrumptious Apple Skillet Cake, you will need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you need:
Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Salted Caramel Frosting:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Apple Skillet Cake With Salted Caramel Frosting
Making this cake is a fun and straightforward process. Follow these steps to create your masterpiece.
Step 1: Prepare Your Skillet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with butter or non-stick spray. This ensures that your cake comes out easily after baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir them together until well mixed. This is the base for your cake, and the spices will give it that warm flavor.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Make sure everything is well blended. The buttermilk adds moisture and a slight tang, which balances the sweetness of the cake.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake tough.
Step 5: Fold in Apples
Gently fold in the diced apples. I love seeing the chunks of apple throughout the batter. It adds texture and flavor to every bite.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared skillet. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake will be golden brown and smell heavenly.
Making the Salted Caramel Frosting
While the cake is baking, it’s time to prepare the salted caramel frosting. This frosting is rich and adds a wonderful contrast to the cake.
Step 7: Prepare Caramel
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the sugar. Stir continuously until it melts and turns a golden brown color. Be careful not to burn it. This process takes a bit of patience but is so worth it.
Step 8: Add Butter and Cream
Once the sugar is melted, carefully add the butter and stir until melted. Then, slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious.
Step 9: Add Salt and Vanilla
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the sea salt and vanilla extract. Allow it to cool slightly before using it as frosting.
Frosting the Cake
Once the cake is out of the oven and cooled for a few minutes, it’s time to frost it. Drizzle the salted caramel frosting over the warm cake. The warmth of the cake will slightly melt the frosting, creating a beautiful, gooey layer.
Serving Apple Skillet Cake With Salted Caramel Frosting
I love serving this cake warm, right out of the skillet. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of warm cake, cold ice cream, and rich caramel is simply divine.
Tips for Apple Skillet Cake With Salted Caramel Frosting
Here are a few tips to ensure your Apple Skillet Cake is a hit every time:
- Choose the Right Apples: I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the ingredients to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the cake is done. It should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
Storing Leftover Cake
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house), store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also refrigerate it for a longer shelf life.
Why Apple Skillet Cake With Salted Caramel Frosting is a Keeper
This Apple Skillet Cake With Salted Caramel Frosting has become a staple in my home. It’s perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to holiday gatherings. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser.
Baking this cake brings back memories of cozy afternoons spent in the kitchen. The aroma of cinnamon and apples is comforting and inviting. I hope you enjoy making this Apple Skillet Cake With Salted Caramel Frosting as much as I do.