Let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat: the Apple Date Skillet Sponge with Butter Caramel! Oh wow, this dessert is such a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The tender apples and sweet dates create a moist sponge that just melts in your mouth, while the rich butter caramel drizzled on top takes it to a whole new level of indulgence. Seriously, whether you’re having it as a cozy afternoon snack or serving it up at a dinner party, it never fails to impress! This recipe is special to me because it reminds me of the warm family gatherings where we’d all gather around the table, savoring each bite. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll understand why it’s become a staple in my kitchen!
Ingredients List
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced – I love using a mix of tart and sweet apples for the perfect balance!
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped – These add such natural sweetness and a chewy texture that complements the apples beautifully.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – This is the base of our sponge, giving it that lovely structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – This helps the sponge rise and become light and fluffy!
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – A little extra lift, making sure our dessert doesn’t fall flat.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to enhance all those sweet flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – Butter makes everything better, trust me!
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed – This gives our sponge that rich, caramel flavor.
- 2 large eggs – They help bind everything together and add moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A must for that warm, comforting aroma.
- 1/2 cup milk – Makes the batter nice and smooth.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional) – I love adding this for a cozy spice note!
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for caramel) – This will be the star of our buttery caramel sauce.
- 1 cup brown sugar (for caramel) – Packed for that deep, luscious flavor.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream – This gives our caramel that silky richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for caramel) – More vanilla? Yes, please!
- Pinch of salt (for caramel) – Just a little to balance the sweetness.
How to Prepare Apple Date Skillet Sponge with Butter Caramel
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven fired up! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a hot oven helps our sponge rise perfectly. While that’s warming up, grab your 10-inch oven-safe skillet or a round cake pan and generously grease it with butter or a non-stick spray. Trust me, you don’t want your delicious sponge to stick!
Mix Dry Ingredients
Now, in a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and if you’re feeling spicy, the ground cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients well is crucial; it helps ensure an even distribution of the leavening agents, which means a nice, fluffy sponge in the end. Set this bowl aside; we’ll come back to it soon!
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, it’s time to bring the magic together! Start by mixing the melted butter with the packed brown sugar until it’s all smooth and creamy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step is key for a rich texture! After that, stir in the vanilla extract and milk until it’s all combined and silky.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, it’s time to combine! Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet. Here’s the trick: stir gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense sponge, and we definitely want to avoid that! Finally, fold in those gorgeous diced apples and chopped dates. I love how the fruit adds a burst of sweetness!
Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared skillet, spreading it evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Oh, the smell will be heavenly!
Prepare Butter Caramel Sauce
While the cake cools a bit, let’s make that luscious butter caramel sauce! In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter for the caramel. Stir in the brown sugar and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until it’s nice and smooth. Then, gradually whisk in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. This sauce is what dreams are made of!
Serve
Once your cake has cooled for about 10 minutes, carefully invert it onto a serving plate. Drizzle that warm butter caramel over the top, and if you’re feeling indulgent, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Trust me, it’s the perfect finishing touch!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Apple Date Skillet Sponge with Butter Caramel turns out perfectly, here are a few tips I swear by! First, don’t hesitate to mix and match your apples. A combination of tart Granny Smith and sweet Fuji creates a fantastic flavor balance! If you’re short on dates, you can substitute with raisins or dried apricots, but I promise, the dates really shine in this recipe.
Also, for a little extra crunch, consider sprinkling some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, on top before baking. And if you want to intensify that caramel flavor, let your caramel sauce simmer for an extra minute or two—just keep an eye on it! Lastly, don’t forget to serve it warm; that’s when the flavors are at their best! Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for one slice of my delicious Apple Date Skillet Sponge with Butter Caramel. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea!
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 4g
This delightful dessert is not only a treat but also packs in some wholesome ingredients like apples and dates. Enjoy it knowing you’re indulging in something truly special!
FAQ Section
Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Absolutely! While apples are the star of this Apple Date Skillet Sponge, you can experiment with other fruits like pears or even berries. Just keep in mind that different fruits may alter the flavor and moisture level.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover sponge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for a few seconds or warm it in the oven at a low temperature. It’s delicious warm!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before pouring it into the skillet. The caramel sauce can also be made ahead and reheated before serving.
Is this dessert suitable for a gluten-free diet?
You can make a gluten-free version by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that your other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I use less sugar in the recipe?
If you’re looking to cut back on sugar, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar by about 1/4 cup. Just remember that the sweetness from the dates will still contribute to the overall flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for any skill level!
- Delightful combination of sweet apples and chewy dates that creates a flavor explosion.
- Rich butter caramel sauce elevates the dish to pure indulgence.
- Versatile enough to serve as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast treat!
- All made in one skillet, which means less mess and more time to enjoy!
- Perfect for sharing with friends and family at gatherings or cozy nights in.
- Can be customized with different fruits or nuts for a unique twist every time.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious the next day.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Apple Date Skillet Sponge with Butter Caramel fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay good for up to 3 days, but trust me, it’s so tasty, it might not last that long!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is a breeze. For the microwave, just pop a slice on a plate and heat it for about 15-20 seconds, or until warmed through. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C), place the sponge in an oven-safe dish, and warm it for about 10 minutes. This way, it’ll regain that lovely soft texture and the caramel can melt into all the nooks and crannies. Yum!
And remember, serving it warm enhances all those wonderful flavors, so don’t skip that step! Enjoy your delightful treat all over again!
Print
Apple Date Skillet Sponge with Butter Caramel Blissfully Indulgent
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious Apple Date Skillet Sponge topped with rich butter caramel, perfect for dessert or an afternoon snack.
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for caramel)
- 1 cup brown sugar (for caramel)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for caramel)
- Pinch of salt (for caramel)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch oven-safe skillet or a round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using). Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and milk until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped dates.
- Pour the batter into the prepared skillet, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter for the caramel. Stir in the brown sugar and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is smooth. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the skillet for about 10 minutes. Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate. Drizzle the warm butter caramel over the top.
- Serve warm, either on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- For added flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking.
- For a more intense caramel flavor, let the caramel simmer a little longer.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Apple Date Skillet Sponge, Butter Caramel, Dessert Recipe