Apple Cinnamon Cake in a Cast Iron Skillet

This Apple Cinnamon Cake baked in a cast iron skillet is the perfect blend of warm cinnamon spice, soft apples, and a golden, crisp outer crust. With its moist, fluffy center and crunchy topping, this cake is a must-try for fall baking or any time you crave a cozy treat.

Apple Cinnamon Cake

One of my favorite recipes on my blog right now is this cinnamon roll apple pie filling baked in a cast iron skillet, it always gets rave reviews. It has the same delicious cinnamon and apple flavors that are featured in this apple cinnamon cake, such a perfect pair.

Apple Cinnamon Cake is like the cinnamon roll bake, but honestly a lot better. This recipe features fresh apples that are mixed into the cake and after being baked are bursting with so much apple flavor.

Another one of our favorite apple flavor treats is a good old fashioned apple crisp. This recipe also has fresh apple with a crunchy, buttery, granola topping. Another simple skillet dessert recipe to give a try.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Cake

• Moist & Flavorful – Apples and cinnamon create a cozy, spiced cake.
• Easy Dessert – Mix and pour into the skillet to bake.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack.
• No Special Equipment Needed – Just a cast iron skillet and basic ingredients.

Recommended Equipment

• 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet– this is the skillet I bake it. It bakes up evenly with just the most perfect crust.
• Mixing Bowls– for mixing up the cake ingredients.
• Grater– used to grate the apple into very small pieces.

Why Bake in a Cast Iron Skillet

Cast iron skillets are so easy to bake in, they make the best cakes and giant skillet cookies while also giving that rustic charm.

Cast iron skillets are for more than just making the perfect steak. They are great for making all kinds of simple cast iron desserts like this cinnamon apple cake, or even this peanut butter skillet cookie.

Cast iron is known for its even heat distribution, helping to make the perfect crunchy outer crust and moist cake in the middle.

Additionally, the beautiful non-stick surface means the cake will easily be released from the pan and makes cleanup a breeze.

Can I Bake This Cake Without a Skillet?

Yes! If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, you can bake this Apple Cinnamon Cake in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Simply:

1. Grease the dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Pour in the batter and spread evenly.
3. Bake as directed (check doneness with a toothpick).

Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Cake

Basic baking ingredients is what you will use for this cake recipe.

Cake Batter:

• 1 cup butter softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 3/4 cup finely chopped apples granny smith or honeycrisp
• 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Crumb Topping:

• 1/3 cup rolled oats
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons butter melted

How To Make Apple Cinnamon Cake In A Cast Iron Skillet

Mix the wet ingredients

• combine together the butter, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer, stand mixer, or wooden spoon to blend the wet ingredients together until they are smooth and well combined.

Add in the dry ingredients

• add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg into the mixing bowl with the wet ingredients. These can be sprinkled over the top of the butter mixture, or sifted in with a wire mess sifter. Once they are added, continue to mix with the electric mixer or wooden spoon until a soft dough has formed.

Grate and fold in the apples

• use a cheese grater to get small pieces of apple then mix right into the cake batter. Be sure to scrape the sides and the bottom of the mixing bowl to make sure everything is well incorporated.

Spread in the cast iron skillet and bake

• evenly spread the cake batter out into a greased cast iron skillet. Top with the oatmeal crumb topping and bake in a 350º F oven for 25-30 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center of the cake should come out clean and the edges will be golden brown.
• let the apple cake cool for at least 10 minutes in the skillet before serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream of whipped cream.

Storing Tips

• Room temperature: store on the counter in an airtight container for 2-3 days
• Refrigerator: store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 4 days
• Freezer: freeze slices of this cake for up to 4 months

Apple Cinnamon Cake FAQs

What Type of Apples Work Best?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala are ideal because they hold their shape and provide a balance of sweetness and tartness.

Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Can I Add More Toppings?

Absolutely! Try adding:

Powdered Sugar for a simple finishing touch.

Caramel Drizzle for extra sweetness.

Pecans or Almonds for a nutty crunch.

Apple Cinnamon Skillet Cake Recipe

When you have finished Feeding Your Fam this delicious, moist apple cinnamon cake, come back and leave me a review here! I can’t wait to hear how this recipe turned out for you!

If you are looking for more detailed recipes and ideas to help with the daily dinner dilemma, or maybe a sweet treat, be sure to follow along with me on YouTube, and if you feel like sharing your masterpieces, be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook.

Other Cast Iron Skillet Desserts We Love: