Skillet Caramelized Apple Cake from Brittany
Apple season holds a very special place in the hearts of the Brittany and Normandy people. At this time of year, both regions boast orchards of blooming apple trees of all varieties and hence nurture an extensive repertoire of apple recipes – be it sweet or savory. Countless apples pies, chicken and pork roasts with stewed apples, apple cider in Brittany, Calvados in Normandy… apples are the Queen of the local gastronomy year-round. And frankly, as a Brittany native, I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of cooking and baking…
- Prep time
- 15 min
- Cook time
- 31 min
- Yield
- 6 servings
- Difficulty
- EASY
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- For the batter:
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup (80g) salted butter, melted
- 1 2/3 cup (400ml) milk (2% or whole) Scrapping of 1/2 vanilla bean or 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the filling:
- 1.1lbs (500g) apples (peeled, cored and cut in 8)
- 1/3 cup + 2 tbsp (80g + 30g) salted butter
- 2 tbsp (25g) sugar, for topping
Instructions
- 1
Pre-heat your oven to 350 °F (180°C) with a rack in the middle
- 2
Step 1 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar and eggs until smooth. Whisk in the melted butter until completely incorporated, and finally the milk and vanilla (seeds or extract). You should have a smooth batter, similar to a thin pancake batter. Set aside.
- 3
Step 2 - In a 9-inch skillet, melt 1/3 cup (80g) of butter and add the apple slices. Cook for about 10 minutes until the apples are soft and slightly caramelized. Scatter the apples evenly at the bottom of the skillet and pour the batter over the apples. Place in the oven.
- 4
Step 3 - After 15 minutes, open the oven and scatter tiny cubes of butter (2 tablespoons/30g in total) evenly over the top of the cake and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden with brown, caramelized edges.
- 5
Serve warm, or let cool completely to room temperature to slice and serve like a cake.