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Irresistible Caramel Apple Upside-Down Skillet Cake Recipe with Bourbon Sauce

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A cozy and indulgent caramel apple upside-down skillet cake topped with a rich bourbon sauce, perfect for fall or any special occasion. This recipe combines tender caramelized apples with a moist buttery cake baked in a skillet and finished with a velvety bourbon drizzle.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium-sized (about 600g / 1.3 lbs) Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons (56g / 4 tbsp) unsalted butter, divided
  • ½ cup (100g / 3.5 oz) packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup (125g / 4.4 oz) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ⅓ cup (67g / 2.4 oz) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup (120ml / ½ cup) whole milk, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅓ cup (80ml / 2.7 fl oz) bourbon
  • ⅓ cup (80ml / 2.7 fl oz) heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons light corn syrup or honey (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In your skillet, melt 2 tablespoons (28g) of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the ½ cup (100g) brown sugar and stir until it starts to dissolve and bubble gently.
  3. Add the sliced apples to the caramel mixture. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften slightly and look glossy and tender but not mushy.
  4. Remove the skillet from heat and arrange the caramelized apples evenly across the bottom.
  5. In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
  6. In another bowl, beat ⅓ cup (67g) granulated sugar with the remaining 2 tablespoons (28g) butter until light and fluffy.
  7. Beat in the 2 large eggs one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  8. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients alternately with ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, starting and ending with the flour. Stir gently until just combined.
  9. Pour the batter over the caramelized apples in the skillet, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  10. Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  11. While baking, make the bourbon sauce: In a small saucepan, combine ⅓ cup (80ml) bourbon, ⅓ cup (80ml) heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons light corn syrup or honey. Simmer gently over low heat, stirring, until slightly thickened, about 8 minutes. Avoid boiling vigorously.
  12. Let the cake cool in the skillet for 10 minutes. Place a serving plate over the skillet and invert the cake carefully so the caramelized apples are on top.
  13. Serve warm, drizzled generously with the bourbon sauce.

Notes

Keep heat moderate when caramelizing apples to avoid burning the sugar. Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture. Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender. Let the cake cool slightly before flipping to prevent caramel spill. Simmer bourbon sauce gently to maintain velvety texture. Can substitute bourbon with apple cider or brewed tea for alcohol-free version. For vegan or gluten-free adaptations, use plant-based substitutes and gluten-free flour.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple cake, upside-down cake, skillet cake, bourbon sauce, fall dessert, easy dessert, caramelized apples, cozy dessert

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/irresistible-caramel-apple-upside-down-skillet-cake-recipe-with-bourbon-sauce/