Imagine a dessert that combines the rustic charm of a cast iron skillet with the tangy burst of fresh cranberries and the rich, caramel-like sweetness of brown sugar. This Cast Iron Cranberry Brown Sugar Cake is not just a recipe—it's a culinary experience that will transform your ordinary baking routine into an extraordinary moment of pure deliciousness. With its crispy edges, tender crumb, and stunning presentation straight from the skillet, this cake is guaranteed to become your new favorite showstopping dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a 10-inch cast iron skillet in the oven while preheating to warm it up.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Remove the hot cast iron skillet from the oven and lightly grease it with additional butter or cooking spray.
- Carefully spread the cake batter evenly into the hot cast iron skillet. Scatter fresh cranberries across the top of the batter, gently pressing them slightly into the surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the skillet for 10-15 minutes. The cast iron will continue to cook the bottom and create a delightful crispy edge.
- Serve warm, optionally dusted with Oreo Dream Extreme Cheesecake"
Tips
- Always preheat your cast iron skillet to ensure a perfectly crispy exterior and even baking.
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother batter incorporation and better texture.
- Don't overmix the batter—mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender.
- Fresh cranberries work best, but frozen can be used if thawed and patted dry.
- Test cake doneness with a toothpick—a few moist crumbs are perfect, indicating a moist cake.
- Let the cake cool slightly in the skillet to develop those delightful crispy edges.
- For extra indulgence, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
