Buttery Caramel Apple Skillet Cake

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

2. 2

   In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the buttermilk, beating well after each addition. Pour the batter into a greased 12-inch cast-iron or other oven-safe skillet.

3. 3

   For the topping, in a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and flour. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture is crumbly. Stir in the pecans and oats, then sprinkle the topping over the batter. Arrange the sliced apples on top.

4. 4

   Bake the skillet cake for 60-70 minutes, or until the apples are golden brown. Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack.

5. 5

   In a microwave, melt the caramels with the 1 tablespoon of buttermilk, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the cooled cake and let it stand until set. Serve the Caramel Apple Skillet Cake warm, with optional toppings like vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and additional chopped pecans and ground cinnamon.