Upside Down Apple Skillet Cake

From The Cake Mix Doctor

Remove the skillet from the heat, and with a fork stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon. Using the fork, spread the mixture out evenly in the bottom of the skillet. Arrange the apple slices over the bottom of the skillet.

To prepare batter: Place the cake mix, melted butter, corn syrup, eggs and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. Blend with an electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute. Stop the machine and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes more, scraping the sides down again if needed. The batter should look creamy and smooth.

Pour the batter on top of the apples in the skillet, smoothing it out with the rubber spatula. Place the skillet in the oven.

Bake the cake until it rises high in the skillet and springs back when lightly pressed with your finger, 43 to 47 minutes. Remove the skillet from the oven and run a long, sharp knife around the edges. Carefully invert the skillet onto a heatproof serving plate. The cake should release itself from the skillet. If it does not, simply run the knife around the side of the pan one more time and let the skillet rest on the plate until the cake releases. Lift off the skillet. This cake is best served warm, therefore, serve immediately. Good with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Yields 16 servings.

Note: If serving the cake later in the day, let it cool on a platter and cover it with plastic wrap. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Slice and serve it at room temperature or reheat it, uncovered, in a microwave oven on high power for about 30 seconds.

Cake Doctor tip: "To bake skillet cakes, or cornbread, or biscuits in a cast-iron skillet, the pan needs to be cared for properly so the food doesn't stick and, in the case of skillet cakes, so they release from the pan without a struggle. You want the pores of the skillet so oil-saturated they create their own natural nonstick finish.

I know some folks who are deeply religious about their cast iron. They fry bacon in them each day and never, ever, wash them with anything but hot water and a stiff brush. I think it's fine to use a little mild dishwashing soap, as long as you scrub gently. Then, rinse the skillet, dry it with a towel, and let it rest on top of the stove for several hours before storing in the cabinet. Cast-iron pans are happiest when they're left out on the stove or are hanging overhead for ready use. There's an old saying: Smile at your cast-iron skillet and it should smile back."

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(Updated: 10/30/08 SN)