THE BEST APPLE FRITTER SKILLET CAKE
This apple fritter cake is essentially a colossal apple fritter baked right in a skillet! It features a moist, spiced cake combined with soft, cinnamon-infused apples, drenched in a rich, buttery sauce, and finished off with a sweet icing glaze.
Picture a dessert that blends the cozy charm of a classic apple fritter with the comforting warmth of a freshly baked cake: that’s exactly what this skillet apple fritter cake delivers. Baked in a single pan, it combines a moist, spiced cake base with tender, cinnamon-coated apple chunks. The thick, buttery sauce infuses every bite, creating an irresistibly rich experience. A glossy icing glaze finishes it off, making this cake a decadent fusion of flavors and textures that’s perfect for any occasion—or simply a delightful treat for yourself.
WHAT IS THIS APPLE FRITTER SKILLET CAKE?
The Apple Fritter Skillet Cake is a delightful twist on traditional apple fritters, combining the flavors and textures of both into a single, easy-to-make dessert. Here’s what makes it special:
- Moist Cake Base: This dessert starts with a rich, spiced cake, brimming with comforting cinnamon and nutmeg flavors.
- Cinnamon Apples: Tender apple chunks, coated in cinnamon-sugar, are folded into the batter to boost their sweetness and flavor.
- Buttery Sauce: A rich, buttery sauce swirls into or drizzles on top of the cake, adding extra richness and moisture.
- Sweet Glaze: The cake finishes with a glossy icing glaze, adding a sugary shine that perfectly complements the cake’s flavors.
- Skillet Baking: Baking everything in a skillet imparts a rustic charm and ensures even cooking throughout.
This skillet cake blends the best of apple fritters—tender spiced cake, juicy apples, and gooey sauce—into a single irresistible treat, perfect for any occasion.
TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST APPLE FRITTER SKILLET CAKE
Here are some tips to help you make the best Apple Fritter Skillet Cake:
- Use Fresh Apples: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape better during baking and provide a nice balance to the sweetness of the cake.
- Pre-Cook the Apples: For even more flavor, sauté the apple chunks with a bit of butter, cinnamon, and sugar before adding them to the batter. This step enhances the apple’s flavor and ensures they’re tender throughout the cake.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices according to your taste. You can add extra cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cloves for a more pronounced spice profile.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. It’s okay if there are a few lumps in the batter.
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THE BEST APPLE FRITTER SKILLET CAKE
Ingredients
CINNAMON APPLES
- 3 cups peeled and diced Honeycrisp apples
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
APPLE FRITTER CAKE
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 110 g unsalted butter melted and cooled
- 105 g light brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1/2 cup milk
THE ICING
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
PREHEAT AND PREPARE THE SKILLET
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place an 11-12″ cast iron or oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the apples, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir frequently and cook until the apples are tender and coated in a syrupy glaze, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
PREPARE THE BATTER
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a separate large bowl, combine the melted butter, light brown sugar, and applesauce. Whisk in the vanilla extract and eggs until well mixed. Gradually add the dry ingredients to this mixture, stirring until smooth. The batter will be quite thick. If necessary, pour in the milk halfway through mixing to help loosen the batter.
COMBINE APPLE AND BATTER
- Remove 1/2 cup of the apple mixture with some of the syrup and set it aside. Pour the remaining batter into the skillet with the apples, folding gently to combine. The mixture doesn’t need to be fully mixed—just enough so the apples and syrup are evenly distributed.
TOP AND BAKE
- Spoon the reserved 1/2 cup of apples over the top of the batter in a random pattern. Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of brown sugar over the apples, focusing on the apple sections. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
MAKE THE ICING
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the icing. Whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth, with a consistency similar to Elmer’s glue. If the icing is too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar until you achieve the desired thickness.
- After the cake has cooled for about 15 minutes, pour the icing over it. Slice and enjoy your delicious Apple Fritter Skillet Cake!