Skillet Apple Cake With Caramel Frosting

Ingredients

CAKE

• 2 1/3 cups flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 4 cups apples, peeled and grated (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
• 2 eggs

FROSTING

• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 pecans, chopped (to garnish)

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350F (325F convection).

2. 2

   Butter a 10-inch cast iron skillet, dust with flour, and tap out excess.

3. 3

   To make the cake, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg in a large bowl and mix well. Add the apples, shortening and eggs to the flour mixture and beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. The batter will be stiff. Spread the batter evenly in the skillet.

4. 4

   Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean, 40-45 minutes. Cool in the pan.

5. 5

   To make the frosting, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves. Add the milk and bring to a boil. Pour into a mixing bowl and let cool for 10 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar and beat with a whisk until creamy (or use an electric mixer). The frosting will thicken as it cools. Spread evenly over the cooled apple cake. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top.