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Apple fritter skillet cake topped with caramel glaze and sliced apples in a cast iron pan

Apple fritter skillet cake​


  • Author: Emma Hart
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Apple Fritter Skillet Cake brings all the nostalgic comfort of a warm fritter into a single-pan, oven-baked treat. Made with Honeycrisp apples caramelized in butter and brown sugar, the cake features a spiced, tender crumb enriched with applesauce and topped with a smooth vanilla icing. It’s the perfect balance of crisp edges and soft interior ideal for brunch, dessert, or a cozy snack.


Ingredients

Scale

Cinnamon Apples

3 cups peeled and diced Honeycrisp apples (about 3 medium apples)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
⅓ cup (65g) light brown sugar, packed
1 tsp ground cinnamon

Apple Fritter Cake

2½ cups (330g) all-purpose flour**
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
½ cup (110g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
½ cup (105g) light brown sugar, packed
½ cup (120g) unsweetened applesauce, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup (120g) milk
1 tbsp light brown sugar (for sprinkling on top)

Icing

2 cups (220g) powdered sugar
¼ cup (60ml) milk


Instructions

  • Cook the Apples
    In a large cast iron skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir occasionally and cook for 8–10 minutes, or until apples are tender and syrupy. Remove from heat and set aside.

  • Preheat the Oven
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using the same skillet, ensure it’s oven-safe. Grease it well if not already buttered from the apples.

  • Mix the Dry Ingredients
    In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

  • Combine the Wet Ingredients
    In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Whisk in applesauce, vanilla extract, and eggs until fully incorporated.

  • Finish the Batter
    Add the dry ingredients to the wet in two parts, alternating with the milk. Stir until just combined avoid overmixing. Fold in most of the cooked apples, reserving about ½ cup for topping.

  • Bake the Cake
    Pour the batter into the skillet and spread evenly. Top with reserved apples and sprinkle with 1 tbsp of brown sugar. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  • Make the Icing
    While the cake cools for 15 minutes, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Adjust consistency with more sugar or milk as needed.

  • Glaze and Serve
    Drizzle the icing over the warm cake. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Honeycrisp Apples: These retain their shape and offer a great sweet-tart flavor balance.

  • Flour Tip: For a lighter crumb, sift your flour before mixing.

  • Serving Suggestion: Top with vanilla ice cream for a cozy fall dessert.

  • Storage: Store covered at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of cake)
  • Calories: 365 kcal
  • Sugar: 34 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 78 mg

Keywords: Apple fritter skillet cake