Dessert

Maple Apple Skillet Cake Recipe

Byluca Carter December 9, 2025December 9, 2025

Introduction

This Maple Apple Skillet Cake is a cozy and delicious dessert perfect for autumn or any time you crave a warm, fruity treat. With tender apples infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, and a hint of maple syrup sweetness, it’s an easy-to-make cake that’s sure to impress. Baking it in a skillet gives it a rustic charm and lovely texture.

A round apple cake with a golden-brown crust sits inside a black cast iron skillet. The cake has one thick layer of light, fluffy cake at the bottom and a top layer of thin, evenly arranged slices of apple with a light dusting of cinnamon powder, giving it a slightly speckled look. One slice of cake is lifted on a metal spatula, showing the soft texture inside. Around the skillet, whole and halved shiny red and yellow apples are placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3-4 medium sized apples, sliced (if large, 2 apples will cover the batter)
3 tablespoons maple syrup

⅓ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt (for apples)

1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt (for batter)

1 large egg, beaten
⅔ cup milk
6 tablespoons butter, melted

3 tablespoons maple syrup (for batter)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter an 8-inch iron skillet or an 8-inch cake pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Core and slice the apples thinly. Place the slices in a medium bowl.

Step 3: Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 3 tablespoons maple syrup to the apples. Stir gently until combined and set aside.
Step 4: In another medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
Step 5: Warm the milk in the microwave for about 40 seconds until warm but not hot. In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, beaten egg, and 3 tablespoons maple syrup.

Step 6: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared skillet or cake pan and smooth the top.
Step 8: Arrange the apple slices on top of the batter in a circular pattern. If some apples don’t fit, save those slices for another use or freeze for later.

Step 9: If there is syrup left in the apple bowl, spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons over the arranged apples to enhance the flavor and moisture.
Step 10: Bake the cake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 11: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving directly from the skillet or pan.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apple varieties such as Granny Smith or Braeburn for a nice balance with the sweetness of the cake.
For extra texture, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the apples before baking.
Try adding a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the apple mixture for a warming spice twist.

If you don’t have an iron skillet, a regular 8-inch cake pan works well without altering the recipe.

Storage

Store leftover cake in a covered airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven until heated through.

How to Serve

A baked apple dessert arranged in a black cast iron skillet sits on a white marbled surface. The dish has multiple thin layers of apple slices, arranged in concentric circles from the outer edge to the center, with a light golden-brown color and sprinkled with cinnamon. The edges of the slices are slightly caramelized, and the dessert is pre-sliced into 10 wedges. Around the skillet, there are red apples, a serrated knife with a black handle on a white cloth, two cinnamon sticks, and a white cloth napkin. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this cake?

Yes, any firm apple variety works well. Tart or slightly sour apples like Granny Smith add a nice contrast, while sweeter apples will yield a softer, sweeter cake.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend of equal measure. Ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.