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Brown Butter Apple Cinnamon Skillet Cake topped with fresh apples and cinnamon

Brown Butter Apple Cinnamon Skillet Cake

A delicious and comforting dessert that combines the nutty flavor of brown butter with sweet apples and fragrant cinnamon, resulting in a moist and flavorful cake.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the cake

  • 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Browned for flavor
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour No alternatives
  • 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar Can use brown sugar for a richer taste
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Ensure it’s fresh
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon No alternatives
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavors
  • 1 Large Egg No alternatives
  • 1/3 cup Milk Whole milk preferred
  • 1 large Apple Peeled and diced, about 1 1/2 cups (200 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract No alternatives
  • 1/3 cup Chopped Pecans or Walnuts Optional, for topping or folding in

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Melt the butter in your skillet over medium heat, swirling constantly until it foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and peel and dice the apple into small, even pieces.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
  • In another bowl, whisk the egg, milk, vanilla extract, and slightly cooled brown butter until smooth.
  • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Fold in the diced apples carefully to avoid overmixing.

Baking

  • Pour the batter into the skillet with the browned butter and smooth the top gently.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is set but slightly soft to touch.
  • Let the cake cool in the skillet for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use a heavy-bottom skillet for even heat distribution while browning the butter. Measure your flour correctly to avoid a dense cake; spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off. Let the butter cool for a few minutes after browning to prevent cooking the egg when mixed. Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg for an extra hint of warm spice. For added texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Keyword Apple Cinnamon Cake, Brown Butter, Comfort Food, Easy Dessert, Skillet Cake