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Maple Apple Skillet Cake Recipe

4.9 from 108 reviews

This Maple Apple Skillet Cake is a warm, comforting dessert featuring tender apple slices baked atop a moist, spiced cake sweetened naturally with maple syrup. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a special treat, this cake combines classic autumn flavors like cinnamon and nutmeg with the rich sweetness of maple syrup, all baked in a rustic iron skillet or cake pan for a charming presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

Apples and Topping

  • 34 medium sized apples, sliced (If your apples are large, 2 will cover the batter)
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Cake Batter

  • 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • ⅔ cup milk
  • 6 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C). Butter an 8-inch iron skillet or an 8-inch cake pan generously to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the Apples: Core and slice the apples thinly to ensure even cooking. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 3 tablespoons of maple syrup. Stir well to coat all apple slices evenly with the spice and sweet mixture.
  3. Make the Cake Batter: In another medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Warm the milk in the microwave for about 40 seconds until warm to the touch. In a separate small bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, beaten egg, and 3 tablespoons of maple syrup. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined; avoid overmixing.
  4. Assemble the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared skillet or cake pan, smoothing the surface. Arrange the spiced apple slices evenly over the top of the batter in a circular pattern. If there is any leftover syrup from the apples, spoon 1-2 tablespoons over the top of the apples for extra caramelization.
  5. Bake: Place the skillet or cake pan on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly in the skillet or pan. Once cool enough to handle, slice and serve warm directly from the skillet for a cozy presentation. Store leftovers in a covered airtight container for freshness.

Notes

  • Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to maintain texture during baking.
  • Thinly slicing the apples ensures they cook evenly with the cake batter.
  • If you have leftover apple slices, freeze them for another use.
  • Butter the skillet or pan well to avoid sticking and to help form a golden crust.
  • Check the cake a few minutes before the end of baking time as ovens vary.
  • Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

Keywords: Maple Apple Cake, Skillet Cake, Apple Dessert, Fall Dessert, Maple Syrup Cake, Easy Bake Cake