Easy Apple Skillet Cake with Cinnamon Crumb Topping

By pjones-2

Ingredients

• For crumb topping:
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• For batter:
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 1/4 cups light brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 medium, sweet baking apples (about 1 pound) peeled and diced small (Pink Lady and Honey Crisp apples work well)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• For serving (optional):
• Vanilla ice cream
• Melted butter

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and set out a 10-inch preseasoned cast-iron skillet.
For topping:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour and cinnamon until blended. Work in the butter with your fingers until clumps form then incorporate walnuts and set aside.
For batter:
In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt until well combined and set aside. In a medium to large bowl and using a wooden spoon, stir together melted butter, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla until well combined. Add dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Batter will be thick. Stir in apples and walnuts until evenly distributed and spread into skillet. Sprinkle with reserved topping and bake for 40-45 minutes or until tester comes out clean. Allow cake to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Top with ice cream or drizzle with a little melted butter, if desired.
Tip: If your cast-iron skillet has been used primarily for savory uses, your desserts may absorb unwanted flavors. If necessary, give your skillet a good salt scrub prior to baking to help remove them.