Description
This Indulgent Decadent Apple Date Skillet Sponge is a comforting dessert that combines the natural sweetness of caramelized apples and dates with a tender, fluffy sponge cake baked right in a skillet. Finished with a rich butter caramel sauce, it offers a perfect balance of fruity tartness, sweetness, and buttery decadence, ideal for sharing with family or guests after a meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit and Caramel Base
- 2-3 pieces Apples (Mix of sweet and tart varieties), peeled and sliced
- 1 cup Dates, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup Sugar (adjust to taste, reserve some for caramel)
- 1/4 cup Unsalted butter (use plant-based for vegan option)
Sponge Cake Batter
- 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour (substitute with gluten-free blend if needed)
- 2 teaspoons Baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1 pinch Salt
- 1/4 cup Unsalted butter, melted
- 2 pieces Eggs (flax eggs can be used for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Butter Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup Brown sugar
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream (substitute with coconut cream for dairy-free)
- 1/4 cup Unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sponge cake.
- Prepare Fruit: Peel and slice 2-3 apples and chop 1 cup of dates into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and texture.
- Caramelize Fruit: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter then add apples, dates, and 1/4 cup sugar. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fruit is soft and caramelized, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and a pinch of salt to evenly distribute leavening agents.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, whisking until smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Batter: Fold the wet ingredients into the dry mix just until combined to create a light batter without overmixing, which can toughen the cake.
- Assemble in Skillet: Pour the batter evenly over the caramelized apple and date mixture in the skillet, smoothing it out with a spatula for uniform thickness.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—the cake is done when it comes out clean or with few moist crumbs.
- Make Butter Caramel Sauce: Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup heavy cream and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup butter until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Cool and Serve: Let the sponge cool in the skillet for about 10 minutes to set before serving. Drizzle generously with the warm butter caramel sauce for an indulgent finish.
Notes
- For a vegan option, substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).
- Use plant-based butter and coconut cream to make the recipe dairy-free.
- The mix of sweet and tart apples provides a balanced flavor, but you can use all one type according to preference.
- If gluten-free is required, use a trusted gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the sponge light and fluffy.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
