Honeycrisp Apple Skillet Cake

Ingredients

• 1 stick unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 1/4 pounds Honeycrisp apples (4 or 5 small (see my note above for other apple recommendations))
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons whiskey, bourbon, Cognac or apple brandy
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar
• Powdered sugar for serving

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees (175C)

2. 2

   Brush a 9 or 10-inch cast iron skillet enough of the melted butter (about 1 tablespoon) to lightly coat it on the bottom and sides.

3. 3

   Core the apples and peel all but one. Slice the unpeeled apple into half moons about ¼-inch thick. Cut the remaining apples into ½-inch chunks.

4. 4

   Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt together in a mixing bowl.

5. 5

   Lightly beat the eggs in another bowl with the sugar just until foamy (an immersion blender is great for this task). Stir in the whiskey, vanilla and buttermilk.

6. 6

   Pour half of the egg mixture over the flour mixture and fold briefly. Pour in the remaining butter and stir. Add the remaining egg mixture and stir until no flour is visible. Add the chopped apples and stir gently to blend.

7. 7

   Spoon the batter into the skillet. Arrange the sliced apples on the top, then sprinkle with the turbinado sugar.

8. 8

   Bake until the cake springs back when poked in the center, and the edges are golden brown, 55-60 minutes. Cool 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm or at room temperature.