Description
This Caramel-Apple Skillet Buckle is a warm, comforting dessert perfect for fall. Featuring tender, caramelized apples cooked in a skillet and topped with a moist, cinnamon-spiced batter, this recipe combines the best of apple and caramel flavors in a single, easy-to-make cake. It’s ideal for serving warm with vanilla ice cream or extra caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Mixture
- 2 large apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Topping
- 1/3 cup store-bought or homemade caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Apples: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 10-inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the peeled, cored, and sliced apples, packed light brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples become soft and caramelized, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure even distribution of leavening agents in the batter.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, whole milk, plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream), large egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Whisk these together until smooth and well incorporated.
- Combine Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Assemble Skillet Buckle: Pour the batter evenly over the caramelized apple mixture in the skillet, spreading gently with a spatula to cover the apples.
- Add Caramel Sauce: Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the top of the batter to add a rich, sweet finish.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The buckle is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the buckle to cool slightly. Serve warm, optionally topped with additional caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- For best flavor and tartness, use Granny Smith or other tart apples.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can sauté the apples in a regular pan and then transfer them and the batter to a greased baking dish before baking.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or extra caramel sauce for a decadent dessert experience.
- Make sure to not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
