Can You Bake Cake in Cast Iron?

When it comes to baking, using the right cookware is just as important as the ingredients and the recipe.

Cast iron is known for its durability and versatility, but can it be used to bake cakes? In this article, we will explore whether or not you can bake cake in cast iron and provide tips on how to do it successfully.

Advantages of Using Cast Iron

Cast iron has several advantages when it comes to baking. First, it is an excellent heat conductor, which means that it heats up evenly and retains heat well.

This is important when baking cakes, as it ensures that the cake bakes evenly and does not burn.

Second, cast iron is very durable and can last for decades if properly cared for. This means that you can use your cast iron pan to bake cakes for many years to come.

Finally, cast iron is versatile and can be used for a variety of cooking methods, including baking, frying, and even grilling. This makes it a great investment for any home cook.

Factors to Consider When Baking Cake in Cast Iron

While cast iron is a great choice for baking cakes, there are a few factors to consider before getting started.

First, it is important to choose the right size cast iron pan for your recipe. If your pan is too small, the cake may overflow and not bake properly. If your pan is too large, the cake may not rise properly and may be dry.

Second, it is important to properly season your cast iron pan before baking. This will help prevent the cake from sticking to the pan and make it easier to remove once it is baked.

Finally, it is important to monitor the cake closely while it is baking. Cast iron pans can retain heat very well, which means that the cake may continue to bake even after it has been removed from the oven. This can result in a dry, overcooked cake.

Tips for Baking Cake in Cast Iron

To ensure success when baking cake in cast iron, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always preheat your cast iron pan in the oven before adding the cake batter. This will help ensure that the cake bakes evenly.
• Grease the pan well with butter or oil to prevent the cake from sticking.
• Use parchment paper on the bottom of the pan to make it easier to remove the cake.
• Be careful not to overfill the pan with batter, as the cake may overflow and not bake properly.
• Monitor the cake closely while it is baking and remove it from the oven as soon as it is done.

Recipes to Try: Cast Iron Cake

Now that you know how to bake cake in cast iron successfully, here are some delicious cast iron cake recipes to try:

Classic Yellow Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

My apologies, here’s the continuation of the article:

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and place your cast iron pan in the oven to preheat.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Add in the flour mixture and milk alternately, beginning and ending with the flour mixture, and mix until just combined.
7. Remove the cast iron pan from the oven and grease it well with butter.
8. Pour the cake batter into the greased pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan and allowing it to cool completely on a wire rack.

Chocolate Fudge Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and place your cast iron pan in the oven to preheat.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the eggs and then stir in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth and well combined.
6. Remove the cast iron pan from the oven and grease it well with butter.
7. Pour the cake batter into the greased pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan and allowing it to cool completely on a wire rack.

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, baking cake in cast iron is not only possible but can result in delicious and evenly baked cakes.

By following the tips and recipes provided in this article, you can successfully bake cakes in your cast iron pan for years to come.