Imagine a warm, gooey chocolate cake, fresh from the oven, with a rich chocolate frosting that oozes down the sides. Now picture that same cake, but baked in a cast iron skillet, giving it a rustic charm and a depth of flavor that only cast iron can provide. Welcome to the world of the Texas Skillet Cake, a decadent dessert that will have you reaching for seconds (and thirds).
This delightful creation is the cast iron cousin of the beloved Texas Sheet Cake, but with a twist that elevates it to new heights of indulgence. The chocolate cake itself is a perfectly moist and wonderful chocolate cake, but it’s the addition of the warm chocolate icing, poured over the cake while it’s still hot from the oven, that truly sets this dessert apart.
A Skillet Full of Tradition
The Texas Skillet Cake is a testament to the enduring appeal of cast iron cooking. This recipe comes from “The Best Cast Iron Baking Book” by Roxanne Wyss and Kathy Moore, a treasure trove of recipes that showcase the versatility of this timeless kitchen tool. From cakes and cookies to pies and breads, the book celebrates the art of baking in a cast iron skillet, infusing each dish with a rustic charm and a depth of flavor that only cast iron can provide.
To create this masterpiece, you’ll need a few simple ingredients: unsalted butter, water, cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, white sugar, baking soda, salt, egg, sour cream, vanilla extract, milk, powdered sugar, and, of course, pecans. These humble ingredients come together in a symphony of flavors that will have you savoring every bite.
A Chocolate Lover’s Dream
The process of making the Texas Skillet Cake is as enjoyable as the final product. First, you’ll prepare the cake batter, a rich and velvety concoction that combines the warmth of melted butter and cocoa with the sweetness of sugar and the tanginess of sour cream. Once the batter is poured into the greased cast iron skillet, it’s time for the magic to happen in the oven.
Just before the cake is finished baking, you’ll prepare the icing, a luscious blend of milk, cocoa powder, butter, and powdered sugar. As soon as the cake emerges from the oven, still warm and fragrant, you’ll pour the icing over the top, allowing it to seep into every nook and cranny. Finally, a sprinkling of toasted pecans adds the perfect crunch and a touch of nutty goodness.
A Slice of Heaven
The best way to enjoy this Texas Skillet Cake is to savor it while it’s still a little warm, when the chocolate icing is at its most decadent and the cake itself is soft and inviting. Serve it on plates, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting slowly over the top, and prepare to be transported to a state of pure bliss.
For those who can’t get enough of chocolate cake, this recipe is just the beginning. Explore other delectable options like Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Marshmallow Frosting, Glazed Milk Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Wedding Cake, Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake, and Kit Kat Cake. Each one is a testament to the enduring appeal of chocolate and the joy it brings to dessert lovers everywhere.