Rustic Sourdough Apple Skillet Cake: A Cozy Treat for Any Occasion

Ever find yourself with extra sourdough discard and no idea what to do with it? Look no further! This 🍰🍏Rustic Sourdough Apple Skillet Cake🍏🍰 is the ultimate way to transform leftovers into something magical. Picture this: tender apple slices infused with cinnamon, honey, and lemon zest, baked into a moist, lightly tangy cake—all in a single cast-iron skillet! Whether you’re looking for a rustic weekend breakfast or a cozy dessert, this recipe will hit the spot.

The Magic of Sourdough in Baking

You might be wondering: Why sourdough? Well, aside from reducing food waste, sourdough discard adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor to baked goods. Plus, it helps create an airy, tender crumb—no dense cakes here!

Benefits of Using Sourdough Discard

• Enhances texture and moisture in baked goods
• Adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness
• Provides natural fermentation benefits, making it easier to digest
• Reduces food waste—win-win!

What You’ll Need

Ingredients & Substitutions

• 🍏 5 apples (any kind, such as Honeycrisp for sweetness or Granny Smith for tartness), sliced
  • Substitutions: Pears or peaches for a slightly different flavor.
• 🌿 1 heaping tsp ground cinnamon
  • Use for: Enhancing warmth and depth of flavor.
  • Substitutions: Nutmeg or allspice for a variation.
• 🍋 1 lemon (juice & zest)
  • Use for: Adding brightness and balancing sweetness.
  • Substitutions: Orange zest for a milder citrus touch.
• 🌾 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • Use for: Providing structure to the cake.
  • Substitutions: Gluten-free 1:1 flour for a GF option.
• 🍰 2 tsp baking powder
  • Use for: Helping the cake rise and stay fluffy.
  • Substitutions: ½ tsp baking soda + 1 tsp vinegar.
• 🧂 ¼ tsp salt
  • Use for: Enhancing all flavors.
  • Substitutions: Sea salt or kosher salt.
• 🍞 1 cup sourdough discard
  • Use for: Adding moisture and a slight tang.
  • Substitutions: Buttermilk or yogurt.
• 🥚 2 eggs
  • Use for: Binding ingredients together.
  • Substitutions: Flaxseed eggs for a vegan alternative.
• 🍯 1 cup honey
  • Use for: Natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Substitutions: Maple syrup or brown sugar.
• 🏺 ½ cup oil (vegetable or coconut oil works best!)
  • Use for: Keeping the cake moist and soft.
  • Substitutions: Melted butter for a richer taste.
• 🧈 2 tbsp butter
  • Use for: Adding richness to the skillet and flavor to the crust.
  • Substitutions: Ghee for a nuttier flavor.

Kitchen Tools

• Cast-iron skillet (highly recommended for even baking!)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Measuring cups & spoons

Step-by-Step Directions

Follow these simple steps to make the most delicious 🍰🍏Rustic Sourdough Apple Skillet Cake🍏🍰.

1️⃣ Preheat & Prep: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cast-iron skillet with 🧈 butter.

2️⃣ Prepare the Apples: In a bowl, toss the 🍏 apple slices with 🍋 lemon juice, 🍯 honey, and 🌿 cinnamon. Let them sit for at least 5 minutes to soak up all the flavors. Tip: This step helps the apples caramelize beautifully when baked.

3️⃣ Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 🥚 eggs, 🏺 oil, and 🍞 sourdough discard until smooth. Tip: Whisking thoroughly ensures a uniform texture.

4️⃣ Combine the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix 🌾 flour, 🍰 baking powder, and 🧂 salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and airy.

5️⃣ Assemble the Cake: Fold in half of the 🍏 apple mixture into the batter to distribute flavor evenly. Pour the batter into your prepared skillet, smoothing the top. Arrange the remaining apples on top in a circular pattern for a rustic presentation.

6️⃣ Bake: Place your skillet in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, it’s done! Tip: If the edges brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.

7️⃣ Cool & Serve: Let your cake cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor. Tip: Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgence! 🍽️

Pro Tips for the Best Sourdough Apple Cake

• Use different apple varieties for a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
• Try coconut oil for an extra hint of richness.
• Add a handful of chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar for a special touch.

How to Store & Reheat

To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If refrigerating, it will last up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Tips

• Oven: Warm at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to maintain its crisp edges.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for 15-20 seconds for a quick treat.
• Toaster Oven: A great option to bring back a slightly crispy texture!

How to Serve & What to Serve With?

This cake is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:

• For breakfast: Serve warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey.
• As a dessert: Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• With drinks: Enjoy with a cup of spiced chai, coffee, or warm apple cider.
• Extra indulgence: Drizzle caramel sauce or sprinkle with powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish!

FAQs

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There’s something truly special about baking a 🍰🍏Rustic Sourdough Apple Skillet Cake🍏🍰. The warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of apples, and the subtle tang of sourdough create a flavor-packed treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a cozy breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a comforting dessert, this skillet cake is sure to become a favorite. So grab your cast-iron skillet and get baking—your taste buds will thank you! 🍽️✨