Ingredients
Scale
- For the Apple Base:
- 3 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- For the Cake Batter:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- For the Sweet Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preparation and Sautéing the Apples
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a 10-inch oven-safe cast iron skillet over medium heat. Melt the 3 tablespoons of butter and add the sliced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Sauté the apples for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are slightly softened and coated in a bubbling caramel sauce. Remove the skillet from the heat and spread the apples in an even layer across the bottom. - Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Ensure there are no large clumps of flour to guarantee a smooth batter texture later on. - Step 3: Creaming Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl or a stand mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 minutes of high-speed mixing. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. - Step 4: Combining the Batter
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix, as this can make the cake tough. Pour the batter carefully over the sautéed apples in the skillet, smoothing the top with a spatula. - Step 5: Baking to Perfection
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Once finished, remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes. - Step 6: Glazing and Serving
While the cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cake. Serve directly from the skillet while still warm for the best experience.
- Cook Time: 60 minutes