Quick Apple Cake in a Pan

Some desserts ask you to preheat the oven, dig out three mixing bowls, and turn your kitchen into a baking laboratory. This apple cake in a pan takes a much more relaxed approach. With two apples, everyday baking ingredients, and a skillet on the stove, you can make a soft cake with sweet apples.

This dish starts with apple slices arranged over a layer of brown sugar in a greased skillet. A simple cake batter made with eggs, flour, milk, vegetable oil, cinnamon, vanilla, and baking powder goes on top. The cake cooks before being flipped and given another five minutes to finish cooking.

This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers, busy students, families with hungry children, and anyone who fancies a homemade treat without switching on the oven.

What Is Apple Cake in a Pan?

In this particular recipe, the apples sit at the bottom of the pan beneath the batter, so flipping the finished cake reveals a beautiful layer of tender, sweet apples. The idea of combining apples and cake is not new, and has been used in puddings, tarts, cakes, and other desserts for centuries. Apples were practical ingredients because they were widely grown, stored well compared with many fresh fruits, and added moisture and natural sweetness to baked goods.

Pro Tips for the Best Apple Cake in a Pan

• Aim for medium slices of roughly equal thickness so they cook at a similar rate. Very thick slices may remain firm while thinner ones soften quickly and can become mushy.
• Coat the bottom and sides of your skillet with butter or a suitable cooking spray before sprinkling in the brown sugar and pay particular attention to the edges.
• A nonstick skillet makes flipping and releasing the cake much easier.
• Choose a pan with a well-fitting lid and enough depth to accommodate the batter as it rises.
• Low heat is the secret to getting the centre cooked without scorching the sugar and apples underneath.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is My Apple Cake Still Raw in the Middle?

The most common reason is that the heat is too high, causing the outside and bottom to cook faster than the centre. A thick layer of batter or a particularly small skillet can also increase the cooking time. Check the centre with a skewer before flipping, making sure it does not contain wet batter.

Do I Need to Peel the Apples?

No, peeling is optional. Apple skins are edible and provide a little extra texture, so you can leave them on if you prefer a more rustic cake. If you want a softer, more uniform topping, peel the apples before slicing them.

What Can I Serve With Apple Cake?

Serve a slice with tea, coffee, or a glass of milk. If you are serving it as a dessert after dinner, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or thick yoghurt also works.

How to Store Leftover Apple Cake

Because the recipe contains egg and milk, it is safest to refrigerate leftovers rather than leave them on the kitchen counter for hours, and enjoy it within three days. You can also freeze it and use it within about two months for the best texture.

How to Make Apple Cake in a Pan

Step 1

Step 1

Start by greasing a nonstick skillet with butter and sprinkle brown sugar across the base of the pan.

Start by greasing a nonstick skillet with butter and sprinkle brown sugar across the base of the pan.

Step 2

Step 2

Wash the apples, remove their cores, and cut them into medium slices. Arrange the slices over the brown sugar.

Wash the apples, remove their cores, and cut them into medium slices. Arrange the slices over the brown sugar.

Step 3

Step 3

Crack the egg into a mixing bowl and whisk with brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon.

Crack the egg into a mixing bowl and whisk with brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon.

Step 4

Step 4

Pour the vegetable oil into the egg mixture, followed by milk, and mix

Pour the vegetable oil into the egg mixture, followed by milk, and mix

Step 5

Step 5

Sift the flour and baking powder into the wet ingredients and mix.

Sift the flour and baking powder into the wet ingredients and mix.

Step 6

Step 6

Pour the batter into the prepared skillet, covering the arranged apple slices. Use a spatula to guide the mixture towards the edges so the apples are covered.

Pour the batter into the prepared skillet, covering the arranged apple slices. Use a spatula to guide the mixture towards the edges so the apples are covered.

Step 7

Step 7

Place the lid on the skillet and cook over low heat for 20 minutes.

Place the lid on the skillet and cook over low heat for 20 minutes.

Step 8

Step 8

Grease a plate and use it to flip the cake. Cook for another five minutes before serving.

Grease a plate and use it to flip the cake. Cook for another five minutes before serving.

Step 9

Step 9

Enjoy!

Enjoy!