Sweet Cast Iron Creations: Dessert Recipes For Your Skillet

A Sweet Symphony of Autumn

Imagine a warm, cozy kitchen filled with the intoxicating aroma of caramelized apples and warm spices. A sizzling cast iron skillet, a masterpiece in the making. This is the heart of our culinary journey today, a dessert that pays homage to the bountiful harvest and the comforting flavors of autumn.

Ingredients:

Image Source: purewow.net

For the Cake:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup buttermilk

For the Caramel Apple Topping:

4-5 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

½ cup packed light brown sugar

¼ cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes

¼ cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Preparation:

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Instructions:

1. Prep the Skillet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 10-inch cast iron skillet with butter.
2. Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared skillet and spread evenly.
6. Prepare the Caramel Apple Topping: In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, butter, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer until the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened.
7. Assemble and Bake: Pour the caramel apple mixture over the cake batter.
8. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool in the skillet for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Pair with a cup of hot apple cider or a glass of red wine.

Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream.

A Fusion of Flavors

This Cast Iron Caramel Apple Skillet Cake is a delightful fusion of classic American comfort food and European dessert traditions. The warm, spiced cake batter is reminiscent of traditional apple pie, while the caramelized apples pay homage to the French dessert, Tarte Tatin. The cast iron skillet adds a rustic touch, bringing a sense of homey warmth to the dish. It’s a simple yet elegant dessert that is perfect for sharing with loved ones on a chilly autumn evening.