Caramelized Apple German Pancake

Heat the oven to 350 F.In a small bowl, toss apple slices, 2 tablespoons sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice together; set aside.Cut the butter into four pieces, and place them in a deep cast iron skillet (I used a 10-inch) or 8x8-inch baking dish.Put the skillet or baking dish in the oven for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the butter has melted.Take the pan out of the oven; sprinkle brown sugar over the melted butter.Add apple slice mixture evenly over brown sugar.Put the pan back in the oven while you make the remaining batter.In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, and salt.Whisk in milk, and continue whisking until no flour lumps remain.Add eggs, one at a time, and whisk until incorporated.Stir in the vanilla extract.Take the pan out of the oven, and pour the batter over the apples.Bake for 18-25 minutes, or until the center is set and sides are lightly browned.The pancake with start to deflate once it is removed from the oven. Serve warm.