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- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 cup granulated sugar, divided - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided - 1½ cups all-purpose flour - 2 teaspoons baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon fine salt - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - ½ cup milk, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Each main ingredient plays a role in the cake's taste and texture. The apples give it a sweet and tangy flavor. The sugar adds sweetness, while cinnamon brings warmth. Flour and leavening agents create the cake's soft structure. Butter keeps it moist, and eggs add richness. Milk and vanilla enhance the overall flavor. - Powdered sugar for dusting - Ice cream pairing suggestions Adding powdered sugar on top gives the cake a nice look and extra sweetness. Pairing it with ice cream makes each bite even better. Vanilla ice cream works well, but you can choose your favorite. The warm cake and cold ice cream create a lovely contrast that everyone will enjoy. 1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This sets the stage for perfect baking. 2. Next, prepare the apple mixture. In a medium bowl, mix the thinly sliced apples with 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Add ¼ cup of granulated sugar and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Toss gently until the apples are well-coated. This step helps soften the apples and enhances their flavor. 1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1½ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of fine salt, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Make sure it’s well mixed. 2. In another bowl, whisk ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, 2 large eggs, ½ cup of milk, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract until smooth. Then, pour this mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. The batter should be a little lumpy. Don’t overmix! 3. Now, prepare your skillet. Place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Grease it lightly with cooking spray or a dab of butter to prevent sticking. 1. Carefully pour the batter into the skillet. Spread it evenly across the bottom. 2. Neatly arrange the marinated apple slices on top of the batter. Press them down gently so they sink slightly into the batter. 3. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean. 4. Once baked, take the skillet out of the oven. Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before serving. For a sweet finish, dust with powdered sugar. Enjoy your warm Cinnamon Sugar Apple Skillet Cake! How to avoid dense texture when mixing To keep your cake light, mix the batter gently. When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until you see no dry flour. It's okay if the batter is a bit lumpy. Overmixing makes the cake dense and tough. Best apples for flavor and texture I recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. They provide a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake. Both types hold their shape when baked, giving a lovely texture. You want apples that are crisp and flavorful for the best result. Presentation styles for serving Serve the cake warm in the skillet for a cozy feel. You can cut it into wedges or spoon it out. For a more elegant touch, place a slice on a plate and sprinkle with powdered sugar. This adds a nice contrast against the warm cake. Complementary toppings and pairings This cake goes great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melts slightly on the warm cake. You can also add a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon to enhance the flavors. These toppings make the dish even more special. {{image_4}} You can add more flavor to your Cinnamon Sugar Apple Skillet Cake. Try using spices like nutmeg or a hint of vanilla bean. Nutmeg gives a warm taste that pairs well with apples. Vanilla bean adds a lovely aroma and depth. You might also consider adding nuts or dried fruit. Chopped walnuts or pecans provide a nice crunch. Dried cranberries or raisins can add sweetness and chewiness. Mix these into the batter or sprinkle on top for a fun twist. If you need a gluten-free option, you can swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for one that contains xanthan gum for better texture. This keeps the cake light and fluffy. For vegan adjustments, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use a plant-based milk instead of regular milk. You can also use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free cake. These changes make it easy for everyone to enjoy this treat! To keep your cinnamon sugar apple skillet cake fresh, follow these simple steps: - Allow the cake to cool completely. - Store it in an airtight container. - Place it at room temperature for up to three days. Using a cake dome works great too. It keeps the cake moist and tasty. If you want to keep it in the fridge, use a container. This way, it stays fresh for about a week. If you want to enjoy your cake later, freezing is the best option. Here’s how to do it: - Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap. - Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. - It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to eat it, thaw the cake in the fridge overnight. For reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat the cake for about 10-15 minutes. This will help bring back its warmth and flavor. Enjoy your delicious cake whenever you like! How can I make the cake moister? To make the cake moister, use more apples. Adding an extra apple boosts moisture. You can also try adding a bit more milk. If you do, add just a tablespoon or two at a time. This helps keep the balance right. Can I use a different type of skillet? Yes, you can use any oven-safe skillet. A non-stick skillet works well too. Just make sure it is safe for high heat. If you use a different size, adjust the baking time as needed. What to do if the cake sinks in the middle? If the cake sinks, it may be underbaked. Check the baking time and test with a toothpick. If the toothpick comes out wet, return it to the oven for a few more minutes. Make sure you mix the batter gently to avoid air pockets. How to adjust for high altitude baking? At high altitudes, reduce the sugar by one to two tablespoons. You might need to add a bit more flour too. This helps keep the cake from rising too fast and collapsing. Increasing the oven temperature by 15 to 25 degrees can also help. How many servings does this cake yield? This cake yields about eight servings. It is perfect for sharing with family and friends. It's a great dessert for gatherings or cozy nights. Can I double the recipe for larger gatherings? Yes, you can double the recipe easily. Just use a larger skillet or two skillets. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may take longer with more batter. This blog post covered how to make a delicious apple cake. We discussed the main and optional ingredients, preparation steps, and mixing methods. I shared tips for perfecting your cake and creative variations to try. You learned about storing your cake for short and long-term freshness, along with answers to common questions. Remember, baking is fun and a creative outlet. Enjoy making this cake and share it with friends and family. Your skills in the kitchen can grow with every bite!

Cinnamon Sugar Apple Skillet Cake

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this delicious Cinnamon Sugar Apple Skillet Cake! Made with fresh apples, warm spices, and a fluffy texture, this easy recipe is perfect for any occasion. Learn how to create this delightful treat in just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert. Click through to discover the recipe and impress your family and friends today!
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Ingredients
  

2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 cup granulated sugar, divided

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided

1½ cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon fine salt

½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

2 large eggs, at room temperature

½ cup milk, at room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Optional: powdered sugar for a light dusting

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.

    In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples with lemon juice, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Toss gently until the apples are evenly coated and set aside. This will allow the flavors to meld and the apples to soften slightly.

      In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, the remaining ¾ cup of sugar, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon until thoroughly mixed.

        In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk the melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.

          Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined; the batter should remain slightly lumpy. Overmixing can result in a denser cake, so be cautious!

            Place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat, greasing it lightly with cooking spray or a dab of extra butter to prevent sticking.

              Carefully pour the prepared batter into the skillet and spread it evenly across the bottom to create a smooth layer.

                Neatly arrange the marinated apple slices on top of the batter, pressing them down gently so they are partially submerged.

                  Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it's done.

                    Once finished baking, take the skillet out of the oven and allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. For an added touch of sweetness, dust with powdered sugar just before enjoying.

                      Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 50 mins | Servings: 8

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the cake warm from the skillet, accompanied by a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream and a dusting of extra cinnamon for an enticing finish. The contrast of warm cake and cold ice cream is truly delightful!