Decadent Apple Date Skillet Sponge with Butter Caramel
A delightful dessert that combines tart apples and sweet dates, resulting in a moist, rich skillet sponge drizzled with luxurious butter caramel.
Ingredients
For the Skillet Sponge
- 4 medium medium apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Can use gluten-free blend as a substitute
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted plus 1/4 cup for caramel
- 2 large eggs Can substitute with flax eggs for a vegan option
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Butter Caramel
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream Can substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free version
- ¼ cup butter
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients. Peel and slice the apples, removing the core. Chop the pitted dates into small pieces.
- Melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the sliced apples along with the sugar and chopped dates. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the apples soften and begin to caramelize.
Batter Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Fold them together gently using a spatula until just combined.
Baking
- Pour the batter over the apple-date mixture in the skillet. Spread it evenly.
- Place the skillet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare Butter Caramel
- In a saucepan, heat the brown sugar and heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to boil. Stir continuously and then add the remaining 1/4 cup of butter, stirring until smooth and glossy.
Serving
- Once the sponge is baked, let it cool slightly. Serve warm with the butter caramel drizzled over each slice.
Notes
For best results, allow ingredients to come to room temperature before mixing. Add nuts for extra crunch or experiment with different fruits.