Desserts

Cranberry Apple Skillet Cake

Name: Cranberry Apple Skillet Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen; 2 apples, peeled and diced; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup butter, melted; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 2 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Cranberry Apple Skillet Cake is a cozy, rustic dessert that smells like cinnamon and warm apples as it bakes. It’s quick to make, with a tender, buttery crumb studded with tart cranberries and soft apple pieces. Serve it warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that feels like home. If you like apple desserts, you might also enjoy this apple bundt cake recipe for another simple treat.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving:

Calories per serving: 255 kcal
Protein: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fat: 13 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 17 g
Sodium: 150 mg

Why Make This Cranberry Apple Skillet Cake

This skillet cake is perfect when you want a homey dessert without fuss. The tart cranberries balance the sweet apples and brown-butter notes from baking. It bakes in one pan, so cleanup is easy. The cake is moist, slightly dense, and dotted with bright bursts of cranberry that give each bite a lively pop. It’s great for holidays, a casual dinner, or an afternoon treat with tea.

How to Make Cranberry Apple Skillet Cake

This recipe mixes simple pantry ingredients into a quick batter, folds in fruit, and bakes until golden. Keep an eye on doneness with a toothpick. Cool slightly for easier slicing and better texture.

Ingredients:

1 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen
2 apples, peeled and diced
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a skillet or an oven-safe pan (a 9-inch cast-iron skillet works well). If using frozen cranberries, rinse and pat dry. Peel and dice the apples into small, even pieces so they cook through.

Step 2: Mixing

In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter and sugar until well combined and slightly glossy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 3: Cooking

Fold in the cranberries and diced apples gently so the fruit spreads evenly through the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared skillet and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden and fragrant. The kitchen will fill with a warm apple-cinnamon aroma.

Step 4: Finishing

Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes in the skillet so it firms up a bit. Dust with powdered sugar if you like. Serve warm or at room temperature. The cake will have a tender crumb and juicy pockets of fruit.

How to Serve Cranberry Apple Skillet Cake

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of heavy cream.
Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a festive touch.
Slice into wedges for a coffee or tea break.
For brunch, pair with yogurt and fresh fruit to balance the sweetness.

How to Store Cranberry Apple Skillet Cake

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Refrigerator: Keep covered for 3–4 days. Bring to room temperature or warm gently before serving.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in a low oven.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cranberry Apple Skillet Cake

Use tart apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) for contrast with the cranberries.
If cranberries are frozen, do not thaw them fully—toss them lightly into the batter frozen to prevent bleeding.
Dice apples small and uniform so they cook evenly.
Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender.
Test doneness with a toothpick; a few moist crumbs are fine.
For a deeper flavor, brown the butter before mixing—let it cool slightly first.

Delicious Variations

Walnut Crunch: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts for texture.
Orange Zest: Add 1 tsp orange zest to the batter for citrus brightness.
Maple Spice: Replace half the sugar with maple syrup and add 1/4 tsp nutmeg.
Streusel Top: Mix 1/3 cup flour, 2 tbsp butter, and 2 tbsp brown sugar; sprinkle on top before baking.
Gluten-Free: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check for doneness—baking time may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen cranberries?
A: Yes. Use them frozen or quickly rinse and pat dry. Adding them frozen reduces color bleed into the batter and keeps the fruit firmer during baking.

Q: What kind of skillet should I use?
A: Use a 9-inch cast-iron or oven-safe skillet. A metal or ceramic ovenproof pan of similar size also works. Avoid non-oven-safe pans.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes. Substitute melted coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine for butter. The flavor will change slightly but the texture stays good.

Q: How do I know when the cake is done?
A: Insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden and set.

Q: Can I add more fruit?
A: You can, but add modestly—extra fruit can make the batter too wet and lengthen baking time. If adding berries or pears, chop them small and reduce other liquids.

Q: Can I make this ahead for a gathering?
A: Yes. Bake the cake a day ahead, store covered in the fridge, and warm gently in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Apple Skillet Cake is an easy, cozy dessert that brings warm flavors and simple comfort to any table. It’s forgiving, adaptable, and perfect for sharing. For a similar skillet-style approach and more inspiration, check out this recipe: Skillet Cranberry and Apple Cake — Apt. 2B Baking Co.. Give this cake a try—bake, breathe in those lovely aromas, and enjoy a slice with people you love.