The Best Cast Iron Skillet Cake

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 8 tbsp butter (softened)
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 2 eggs + 1 egg yolk (room temperature)
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter
• 1/3 cup cream
• 1/8 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 1/4 cups pecans (chopped)

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Skillet Cake ---

2. 2

   Preheat oven to 375°F and spray a 12 inch cast iron skillet with non-stick baking spray.

3. 3

   In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

4. 4

   In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

5. 5

   Add the eggs and egg yolk one at a time, beating for 1 minute between each addition and scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally. Add the vanilla and mix until just combined.

6. 6

   Add half the dry mixture and mix on low speed until just combined. Add the buttermilk and mix until mostly combined. Then add remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined. The batter will be thick.

7. 7

   Pour the batter into the prepared skillet and spread evenly to the edges. Bake for 25-35 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Don't overbake.

8. 8

   --- Praline Sauce ---

9. 9

   Combine the brown sugar, butter, cream, and salt in a small saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat until melted.

10. 10

    Bring the mixture to a soft boil for 3-5 minutes, stirring often. The sugar should be dissolved.

11. 11

    Remove from the heat and mix in the vanilla and pecans. Let cool for 15-20 minutes to thicken while the cake finishes baking.

12. 12

    --- Assemble ---

13. 13

    Remove cake from the oven and cool for 5 minutes. Pour warm praline sauce on warm cake and spread with a spatula to the edges. Allow to cool for 10 minutes, then serve warm! Top with vanilla ice cream if desired.