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Apple Spice Skillet Cake

Cake in a skillet? No oven required? Yes, thank you! This Apple Spice Skillet Cake was the perfect gift to take to a family member on a cold winter's day. And, while I usually do layered or tiered cakes, this simplistic approach sounded pretty dreamy!

It Started as a Fluke

I happened to be watching YouTube and it rolled over to a channel I'd never seen before. The presentation was in a different language but I watched the subtitles and enjoyed the video, which featured a homemade skillet cake. I'd never made one before (and the video featured a vanilla one with apples, completely from scratch). Sounded yummy. . .but complicated. I ain't about all that.

I'm a Little Too Out of the Box for That, Y'all

I think you've probably figured out that I'm a little on the lazy side. (Ahem.) I mean, I wrote 15 books in 2021, so I guess I'm not THAT lazy, but when it comes to baking I'm always looking for shortcuts. So, I decided there must be a better way to make a cake in a skillet, one that involved a cake mix.

I had two apples.

I had a box of spice cake.

I had a couple of skillets.

Hmm. What to do.

I Like to Make Things Up

You've probably also figured out by now that I throw things together and hope for the best. A scientist, I ain't. A culinary expert, I'm not. A scatterbrained A.D.D.-propelled woman with too much on her plate (figuratively and literally). . .I am. So, I decided to go for it.

Ahem.

I sizzled up some apples in a skillet. (That's Texas-talk for "I sautéed some apples in butter.") Then I dumped in some spice cake batter. (That's Texas talk for "I dumped in some spice cake batter.") I let it bake awhile and then flipped it over into a second pan. Yep, I forgot to mention that you'll need two similarly-sized skillets for this little project, so choose wisely.

Yummy and warm!

The result was a cake so dreamy, so spicy, so warm, that I swooned. (Yeah, Weight Watchers will have to forgive me. I actually ate about half of that slice you see in the photo above.)

But, y'all. . .

Check out the text message I received from my granddaughter after I took what was left of the cake (ahem) over to her house.

She loved it!

I mean, c'mon. If a teenager loves it, everyone will love it! Right?

Enough chit-chat. Let's get baking. Here's what you'll need to make my Apple Spice Skillet Cake.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 box spice cake mix
  • 3 eggs
  • ½ cup oil
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 apples (peeled and sliced)
  • ¼ cup butter
  • cinnamon
  • caramel topping

This cake is SO easy to make. You'll be shocked at how quickly it comes together. Just a few simple steps and you'll be eating one of the yummiest cakes you've ever tasted!

How to Make my Apple Spice Skillet cake

  • Find two matching skillets (similar size)
  • Add ¼ cup butter to one skillet and place on the stove.
  • Peel and slice apples, then add them to the skillet.
  • Simmer for 5-6 minutes or until apples begin to soften. Add cinnamon.
  • In a separate bowl combine cake mix, eggs, oil, and water.
  • Pour the cake mix over the apples and cover completely, smoothing out to the edges.
  • (Isn't that a beautiful sight?!)
  • Put the second skillet upside down over the one that's on the stove. (Voila! It's your lid!)
  • Continue to cook over low/medium heat for 15 minutes.
  • Remove top pan. (You might notice that the cake is still a little gummy in the middle. This is okay.)
  • Spray interior of top pan with cooking spray (away from flame)
  • Put the skillets back together and "flip" the cake.
Flipped!
  • Cook for another five minutes.
  • Turn off the burner and let the cake sit for ten minutes.
  • Transfer to serving platter/dish. (It took a couple of flips to accomplish this when I did it!)
Oh yum. Caramel.
  • Serve warm with caramel on top!

Spice cake is nothing new, by the way. The ancient Egyptians were the first to come up with the tasty treat. They combined cereal, spices, and honey to make their cake. I think King Tut would be proud of my version. He might even try it himself. If he had a skillet.

Hey, if you liked this recipe. . .

If you're into warm flavors, I've got a terrific cookie butter cupcake recipe that'll make you swoon.

I'm also pretty crazy about this chunky oatmeal craisin recipe, which is terrific on a cold day.

And hey, our friends over at South Your Mouth posted an apple-based recipe that sounds amazing. I can't wait to try their Apple Pie Bread. Sounds yummy!

Other Apple-licious Treats from Out of the Box Baking

Old-Fashioned Apple Fritters: If you love the light, sweet taste of a donut but you’re in the mood for the flavor of apples and cinnamon, this is the recipe for you! These Old Fashioned Apple Fritters are out of this world!

Easy Apple Pie with Homemade Crust: If you love the warm rich flavors of apple and cinnamon and the lovely crisp crunch of a flaky crust, this is the recipe for you! Thanks to the addition of canned apple pie filling this Easy Apple Pie comes together so easily. . .but it tastes like it took hours!

Apple Pie Coffee Cake: If you love apple pie but you’re in the mood for a delicious coffee cake, one you would be happy to serve at a breakfast gathering or brunch, have I got a great new recipe for you! This “from scratch” cake is light and luscious and covered in a crisp streusel. 

Apple Pie Cobbler with Crescent Rolls: Every now and again you stumble across a recipe that changes everything. This apple pie cobbler is one of those. It’s luscious, gooey, chewy, and perfect for fall! But it’s so easy to make you won’t want to wait until then to make it!


Check out Full Plate Thursday over at Miz Helen's!

That's it for now, y'all. Happy baking!


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Apple Spice Skillet Cake

Apple Spice Skillet Cake

Yield: 8
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Additional Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

This rich, buttery cake is loaded with warm spices and perfect for a cold day!

Ingredients

  • 1 box spice cake mix
  • 3 eggs
  • ½ cup oil
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 apples (peeled and sliced)
  • ¼ cup butter
  • cinnamon
  • caramel topping

Instructions

  1. Find two matching skillets (similar size)
  2. Add ¼ cup butter to one skillet and place on the stove.
  3. Peel and slice apples, then add them to the skillet.
  4. Simmer for 5-6 minutes or until apples begin to soften. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
  5. In a separate bowl combine cake mix, eggs, oil, and water.
  6. Pour the cake mix over the apple and cover completely, smoothing out to the edges.
  7. Put the second skillet upside down over the one that's on the stove. (Voila! It's your lid!)
  8. Continue to cook over low/medium heat for 15 minutes.
  9. Remove top pan. (You might notice that the cake is still a little gummy in the middle. This is okay.)
  10. Spray interior of top pan with cooking spray (away from flame)
  11. Put the skillets back together and "flip" the cake.
  12. Cook for another five minutes.
  13. Turn off the burner and let the cake sit for ten minutes.
  14. Transfer to serving platter/dish. (It took a couple of flips to accomplish this when I did it!)
  15. Serve warm with caramel on top!

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Janettafudgemessmer@gmail.com

Tuesday 6th of September 2022

Another recipe to add to the ones I've saved. This sounds yummy!

booksbyjanice

Tuesday 6th of September 2022

Thank you!

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