If you love baking and have yet to try whipping up a dessert in a cast iron skillet, you're in for a treat! Cast iron skillet cake recipes have taken the baking world by storm, offering a delicious combination of crispy edges and a moist crumb that's hard to beat. In this article, we'll explore some of the best cakes you can bake in a cast iron skillet, along with tips and tricks to ensure your bakes turn out perfect every time.

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Why Choose Cast Iron for Baking?

Cast iron skillets are renowned for their ability to provide even heat distribution, which is crucial in baking. This even cooking ensures that your cake bakes consistently, with no hot or cold spots. Furthermore, the solid construction of cast iron means it retains heat better than other materials, giving your cake a beautiful golden crust.

Benefits of Baking with Cast Iron

• Even heat distribution for consistent baking
• Retains heat well for a perfect crust
• Versatile goes from stovetop to oven seamlessly
• Durable and long-lasting

Classic Recipe: Cast Iron Skillet Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

One of the timeless classics, the cast iron skillet pineapple upside-down cake offers a moist base, caramelized pineapple rings, and a pop of cherry. Here's a simple yet amazing recipe to try:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 can pineapple rings in juice
• Maraschino cherries
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350F (175C).
2. Melt 1/4 cup of butter in your cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar and stir until combined and melted, creating a caramel-like sauce.
3. Arrange the pineapple rings in the skillet on top of the caramel sauce. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
5. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
7. Pour the batter over the arranged pineapples and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate.

Enjoy this mouth-watering dessert warm or at room temperature. The caramelized top paired with the moist, fluffy cake is a crowd-pleaser!

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Chocolate Lovers: Cast Iron Skillet Brownie Cake

If you're a chocolate aficionado, you'll love this cast iron skillet brownie cake. It's gooey, fudgy, and bursting with rich chocolate flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350F (175C).
2. In your cast iron skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the sugar until well combined.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the skillet mixture, stirring until well combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
6. Spread the batter evenly in the skillet and bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly gooey.
7. Allow the brownie cake to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

This indulgent dessert is a guaranteed hit for chocolate lovers of all ages.

Summer Delight: Cast Iron Skillet Peach Cobbler Cake

During summer months, there's nothing like a fresh cast iron skillet peach cobbler cake to capture the season's flavors. This recipe is easy and results in a scrumptious dessert that's perfect for backyard BBQs or family gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350F (175C).
2. Melt the butter in your cast iron skillet over medium heat.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk and stir until just combined.
4. Pour the batter over the melted butter in the skillet, but do not stir.
5. In a separate bowl, toss the peach slices with the lemon juice, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
6. Spoon the peach mixture evenly over the batter in the skillet. Again, do not stir.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cobbler cake to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

This peach cobbler cake is a celebration of summer's finest produce, combining tender peaches with a fluffy cake base.

Tips for Perfecting Cast Iron Skillet Cakes

Baking cakes in a cast iron skillet can be a unique experience, but these tips will help ensure your cakes turn out perfectly every time.

1. Preheat Your Skillet

One of the keys to even baking is to preheat your cast iron skillet before adding any ingredients. This step helps in achieving a consistent bake from center to edge.

2. Properly Grease the Skillet

Even though cast iron is naturally non-stick, it's important to grease the skillet to ensure your cake doesn't stick. Use a generous amount of butter or oil, and don't forget the sides. Check out our detailed guide on how to properly clean your cast iron skillet for more tips.

3. Mind the Baking Times

Cast iron retains heat very well, so your cake might cook more quickly than it would in a traditional pan. Keep an eye on it and use a toothpick to test for doneness.

FAQ

• Can I use any cake recipe in a cast iron skillet?

  Yes, you can adapt most cake recipes for use in a cast iron skillet. However, you might need to adjust the baking time slightly due to the skillet's heat retention properties.

• Do I need a seasoned skillet?

  It's a good idea to use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet to ensure even baking and to prevent sticking. If your skillet isnt well-seasoned, make sure to grease it well before adding your batter.

• How do I clean my cast iron skillet after baking?

  Wait until the skillet has cooled down before cleaning. Use a gentle brush or sponge with mild soap and water. Dry completely and apply a thin layer of oil to maintain seasoning. For more specific cleaning tips, read our comprehensive guide on how to season a rusty cast iron skillet.

Cast iron skillet cakes are not just a delightful treat but also bring an element of rustic charm to your baking routine. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and start baking your way into dessert heaven!

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For more detailed cast iron tips and recipes, visit Lodge Cast Iron.

Looking for more amazing recipes? Dont miss out on our tips for achieving the perfect crust, as discussed here.