Have you ever heard of the mouthwatering Texas Skillet Cake? This scrumptious dessert is a chocolate cake baked in a cast iron skillet, topped with a decadent chocolate frosting and crunchy pecans.
Its origins can be traced back to the early days of Texas when settlers would gather around campfires to share meals. The cake was originally made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and water. Over time, the recipe evolved to include more rich ingredients like sour cream, vanilla extract, and milk.
The Charm of Texas Skillet Cake
There’s something undeniably charming about Texas Skillet Cake. Perhaps it’s the rustic simplicity of its origins or the way the warm cake bakes up with a slightly crisp exterior and a moist, fudgy interior. Whatever the reason, this cake has a way of winning hearts with its irresistible flavor and down-home appeal.
A versatile dessert for any occasion
Texas Skillet Cake is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed for any occasion. It’s perfect for potlucks, birthday parties, or simply a cozy night in. The cake can be served warm or at room temperature, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
The Rich History of Texas Skillet Cake
The exact origins of Texas Skillet Cake are, unfortunately, unknown. However, it is believed to have originated in the early days of Texas, when settlers would gather around campfires to share meals.
The cake was originally made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and water. Over time, the recipe evolved to include many different ingredients like sour cream, vanilla extract, and milk.
Variations on the classic Texas Skillet Cake
For a fun twist on the classic Texas Skillet Cake, try adding a layer of chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter. You can also top the cake with a scoop of ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of ganache.
The allure of cast iron skillets
For centuries, cast iron skillets have stood the test of time as a versatile tool in the culinary world. Renowned for their robustness, impeccable heat distribution, and remarkable heat retention capabilities, these kitchen staples have been an integral part of cooking traditions across cultures. Their enduring popularity stems from their ability to handle diverse recipes and withstand high temperatures without compromising their functionality.
One of the lesser-known but incredibly satisfying uses of cast iron skillets is in the realm of baking. While commonly associated with stovetop cooking, these skillets surprisingly excel in the art of baking cakes. Their unique properties contribute significantly to the creation of a cake that boasts a delightful contrast—a crispy, golden exterior enveloping a moist, tender interior.
Moreover, the skillet’s remarkable ability to retain heat plays a pivotal role in baking cakes to perfection. This quality ensures that once removed from the oven, the cake continues to cook gently, completing the baking process and allowing the flavors to meld while retaining the desired moisture within.
The result? A cake that embodies the best of both worlds—a sumptuously crispy outer layer complemented by a moist and fluffy interior. The cast iron skillet, with its unique characteristics, elevates the baking experience, transforming a simple cake into a culinary delight that captivates the senses and leaves a lasting impression.
Texas Skillet Cake: A symbol of Texas hospitality
Texas Skillet Cake is a beloved dessert that is often served at gatherings and celebrations. It is a symbol of Texas hospitality and generosity. The cake is easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Texas Skillet Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 teaspoon 5g unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup 120ml water
- 1/2 cup 113g unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons 8g unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup 125g all-purpose flour
- 1 cup 200g granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon 3g baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon 1g salt
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 1/4 cup 60g sour cream
- 1 teaspoon 5ml vanilla extract
Frosting
- 3 tablespoons 45ml milk
- 2 tablespoons 8g unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup 57g unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 2 cups 240g powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons 45g chopped toasted pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch (25cm) cast iron skillet with softened butter.
Prepare the cake:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring to a boil the water, butter, and cocoa powder, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the chocolate mixture into the flour mixture and stir until just combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared skillet.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare the frosting:
- While the cake is baking, combine the milk, cocoa powder, and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.
- Whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth.
Assemble the cake:
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before pouring the frosting over the top.
- Sprinkle with toasted pecans.
Notes
Tips for making the perfect Texas Skillet Cake
For the best results, use a good quality cast iron skillet. The cast iron will help to distribute the heat evenly, resulting in a perfectly cooked cake.
Be sure to preheat your oven to the correct temperature. If the oven is too hot, the outside of the cake will burn before the inside has a chance to cook through.
Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
Be sure to grease the skillet well before adding the batter. This will help to prevent the cake from sticking.
Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool slightly before adding the frosting. This will help to prevent the frosting from melting.
Conclusion
Texas Skillet Cake is a delicious and versatile dessert that is sure to please everyone who tries it. With its rich history and irresistible flavor, this cake is a true Texas treasure.
Looking for more cake recipes, here is a suggestion: chocolate mocha cake.
