Apple Skillet Cake Recipe

A soft, moist vanilla cake topped with tender spiced apples and finished with a optional bourbon glaze—or keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Serves 6–8 | Prep: 15 min | Bake: 35–40 min

Ingredients

(For the Cake)

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup buttermilk (or ½ cup milk + 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice)
1 ½ to 2 medium apples, peeled (if desired), cored, and sliced thin
1 tbsp brown sugar
½ tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Optional Bourbon Glaze:

½ cup powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp bourbon (or milk if alcohol-free)
Small pinch of salt

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the skillet:
Lightly butter a 10-inch oven-safe skillet (cast iron works great), or use some of your melted butter to grease it.
Mix the batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until smooth and slightly thick.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Combine:
Add dry ingredients to wet in two additions, alternating with the buttermilk. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix.
Assemble the cake:
Pour batter into the skillet and spread evenly. Arrange the apple slices over the top in a circular or fanned pattern. Sprinkle with brown sugar and a little extra cinnamon if desired.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Make the glaze (optional):
While the cake cools slightly, whisk powdered sugar with bourbon (or milk) and a pinch of salt until smooth. Drizzle over the warm cake.
Serve warm straight from the skillet—great with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.