Description
This Chai Apple Skillet Cake is a warm and comforting dessert featuring spiced apples atop a moist, flavorful cake infused with chai spices. Perfectly baked in a cast iron skillet, it combines the sweetness of honeycrisp apples with the aromatic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, and black pepper, creating a delightful treat ideal for cozy gatherings or a special dessert.
Ingredients
Apple Topping
- 4 apples (honeycrisp, peeled and sliced)
- 1/3 cup light or dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch kosher salt
Cake Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup shaken buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 5 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the Apple Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the peeled and sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly, then set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat and Prepare Skillet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cast iron skillet thoroughly to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, white sugar, baking powder, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, cardamom, and kosher salt until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a 4-cup measuring cup or medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and pure vanilla extract until smooth and blended.
- Combine Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. It’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy; overmixing can make the cake tough.
- Assemble in Skillet: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cast iron skillet. Spread the apple topping over the batter, gently pressing some of the sliced apples slightly into the batter. If any juices have formed from the apples, drizzle them over the top.
- Bake the Cake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a skewer or toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the cake to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, optionally topped with ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Notes
- Honeycrisp apples are recommended for their balance of sweetness and tartness, but you can use any apple variety you prefer.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and moist.
- Using a cast iron skillet helps achieve a nice crust and even baking.
- This cake is delicious served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Leftovers can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for 4 days.
