Why This Chocolate Skillet Cake is a Must-Try
This chocolate skillet cake stands out for its unique low-density batter, which eliminates the need for manual aeration. The combination of acidic ingredients like coffee and brown sugar activates baking soda, resulting in a beautifully risen cake. A 10-inch cast iron skillet is ideal for crafting this fudgy delight, making it perfect for gatherings.
When it comes to chocolate cakes, opinions vary on what constitutes the “best.” For family reunions or backyard barbecues, a classic Texas sheet cake fits the bill perfectly. However, if you’re hosting a New Year’s Eve celebration, nothing beats an elegant devil’s food layer cake. For cozy weekends with loved ones, I firmly believe this chocolate skillet cake takes the crown.
Both the cake and its frosting can be prepared by hand—no mixer required! This straightforward technique is so simple that even kids can join in on the fun. Since it’s baked in a 10-inch skillet, you can enjoy it as dessert one night and save leftovers for snacks later on. Plus, there’s something wonderfully nostalgic about serving up slices from a large skillet filled with rich chocolate goodness.
Recipe Inspiration
This recipe draws inspiration from BraveTart: Iconic American Desserts’ devil’s food layer cake but has been adapted to fit into a 10-inch cast iron skillet instead of three eight-inch layers. One of the best parts? You can use that same skillet as your mixing bowl!
The flavor profile of this cake is bold and deep thanks to Dutch cocoa powder combined with brown sugar and coffee—creating just enough bitterness to balance out its sweetness. The frosting consists of an easy milk chocolate ganache made from just two ingredients: milk chocolate and heavy cream—perfectly complementing the richness of the cake.
Choosing Your Chocolate Wisely
Finding good-quality milk chocolate is easy; most supermarkets carry options right in their candy aisles! You’ll need two three-ounce bars for your frosting (and don’t forget to grab some dark chocolate for your batter). Look for milk chocolates containing at least 25% cacao; those without specified cacao content often lack quality.
If you’re unsure where to start when selecting your milk chocolate brand, check our guide featuring top supermarket choices or order online directly from recommended brands.
For instance:
- Endangered Species’ 48% Milk Chocolate offers depth while remaining sweet enough without added sugar.
- Divine’s 26% Milk Chocolate provides classic cocoa flavor but leans towards sweeter notes—a great choice if you prefer frosting that could stand alone as dessert!
While premium chocolates like Valrhona’s Caramelia are fantastic options too—don’t feel pressured to splurge unless you’re feeling indulgent!
Making Your Ganache
To prepare your ganache ahead of time (which helps minimize dirty dishes), simply bring cream to simmering point before pouring it over chopped milk chocolate in a bowl. Whisk until smooth then refrigerate until needed—it’s that simple!
Baking Your Cake
Now onto creating this delightful treat! Start by melting butter along with hot coffee or tea directly in your cast iron skillet over low heat before removing it from heat once melted. Stir in Dutch cocoa powder followed by dark chocolate chunks until well combined before adding brown sugar along with vanilla extract and salt.
Next comes whisking eggs into this mixture gently followed by sifting flour mixed with baking soda into it—a crucial step ensuring no lumps remain without needing any electric mixers!
Once everything blends smoothly together within minutes—you’re ready! Bake at 350°F (175°C) until firm yet soft enough so fingerprints leave impressions upon touch—about thirty minutes should do depending on oven variations!
After cooling completely—which may take around an hour—it’s time to frost using chilled ganache thickened slightly through vigorous stirring till creamy consistency achieved resembling yogurt texture rather than buttercream style icing!
Feel free also add toppings such as crunchy pearls or nibs if desired before slicing up generous portions ready-to-serve immediately—or store leftovers wrapped individually at room temperature up-to-two days more after cutting them down further later on too!
Final Thoughts
This delectable Chocolate Skillet Cake topped off beautifully will yield around twelve modest slices—but let’s be honest here; my family usually devours eight-to-ten servings easily due sheer deliciousness factor involved here alone!
Whether enjoyed plain or paired alongside peanut butter frosting/cream cheese variations—the possibilities are endless when indulging into such heavenly desserts crafted right within home kitchens everywhere today!