The Ultimate Easy Chocolate Skillet Cake: Baked in Cast Iron Perfection

Indulge in the pure bliss of this decadent Chocolate Skillet Cake, an effortlessly simple chocolate cake baked directly in an 8-inch cast iron skillet. The magic of cast iron transforms the cake, creating wonderfully crispy, caramelized edges while ensuring the center remains incredibly soft, moist, and tender. Serving it warm, perhaps with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate ganache, elevates this easy dessert into an truly unforgettable, indulgent treat.

As we often celebrate special occasions, or simply crave a comforting dessert, this chocolate skillet cake emerges as a perfect choice. While it can be wonderfully adapted for festive times like St. Patrick’s Day—especially when infused with a hint of Guinness for an Irish twist—its universal appeal makes it a staple for any day of the year. Forget the fuss of multiple pans or elaborate frosting; this easy cast iron cake is designed for minimal effort and maximum flavor, served straight from the skillet.

One of the greatest advantages of baking this cake in a cast iron skillet is the immediate gratification it offers. There’s no need to wait for it to cool completely; in fact, it’s best enjoyed while still warm, allowing the rich chocolate to melt in your mouth. And the best part? It doesn’t even require frosting to be absolutely divine! A simple scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or for a truly unique experience, Guinness ice cream, is all you need. Of course, for those who adore an extra layer of chocolatey goodness, a simple pour of chocolate ganache would certainly not be turned down.

The combination of stout beer and chocolate is a match made in culinary heaven. Just as vanilla enhances other flavors, stout beer, particularly Guinness, deepens the chocolate notes in a truly remarkable way. This is why I’ve explored this fantastic pairing in other recipes, like my Guinness brownies. The malty, slightly bitter notes of the stout beautifully complement the sweetness and richness of the chocolate, creating a more complex and satisfying flavor profile that’s truly irresistible.

However, if stout beer isn’t to your taste, don’t fret! You can easily substitute it with strong brewed coffee. Coffee is another secret ingredient often used by bakers to intensify chocolate flavor without making the dessert taste like coffee itself. The result is still a deeply rich and flavorful chocolate skillet cake that everyone will adore. Alternatively, whole milk can be used for a classic, mild chocolate flavor.

The Magic of Baking in a Cast Iron Skillet

For years, I dreamt of owning a cast iron skillet, and finding an 8-inch cast iron beauty at an antique store was a delight. It needed a little tender loving care, but with some research and effort learning how to restore a rusty pan and how to reseason it, it’s now as good as new and a treasured piece in my kitchen. Baking a chocolate cake in a skillet like this brings unique advantages that traditional cake pans simply can’t replicate.

The inherent properties of cast iron make it an exceptional vessel for baking. It distributes heat incredibly evenly, ensuring that your cake bakes uniformly. More importantly, it retains heat magnificently. This means that as your skillet chocolate cake bakes, the edges in direct contact with the hot metal develop a delightful crispness and a subtly caramelized flavor, while the cake’s interior remains incredibly soft and wonderfully moist. And because cast iron holds onto heat so well, your skillet chocolate cake stays beautifully warm throughout your dessert service, making every bite a comforting experience.

Of course, if you don’t yet own a cast iron skillet, you can still enjoy a delicious chocolate cake. You can adapt my chocolate stout cake recipe and bake it in an 8-inch round cake pan. While the texture will be slightly different—the edges won’t achieve that signature cast iron crispness—it will still be a remarkably delicious and moist chocolate cake that’s sure to please.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Chocolate Skillet Cake

Crafting this easy cast iron chocolate cake requires a straightforward list of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in its irresistible flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Stout beer: Often, Guinness is the go-to for its rich, malty notes that perfectly complement chocolate. However, feel free to use any stout beer you prefer. For a non-alcoholic alternative, substitute with strong brewed coffee to deepen the chocolate flavor, or whole milk for a milder taste.
• Unsalted Butter: Essential for adding richness and moisture, ensuring your cake remains incredibly tender and flavorful.
• Semisweet Baking Chocolate: This adds a luxurious, deep chocolate flavor and helps keep the batter wonderfully moist, contributing to the cake’s fudgy consistency.
• Brown Sugar: Beyond just sweetness, brown sugar introduces a delightful caramel-like flavor and contributes extra moisture thanks to its molasses content, enhancing the cake’s tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides balanced sweetness to the cake, working in harmony with the brown sugar.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Crucial for achieving that intensely deep, robust chocolate flavor, complementing the baking chocolate beautifully.
• Large Egg: Acts as a binding agent, providing structure to the cake and contributing to its rich texture and rise.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla is vital; it doesn’t just add its own lovely aroma but actively helps to bring out and amplify the complex chocolate flavors.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structural backbone of the cake, thickening the batter to give it the necessary consistency and support during baking.
• Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These are your essential leavening agents, working together to create a light, airy crumb and ensuring your cake rises beautifully.
• Table Salt: A pinch of salt is a flavor enhancer; it balances the sweetness and ensures the cake’s flavors aren’t bland, making the chocolate taste even more pronounced.
• Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Stirred into the batter, these melt into pockets of gooey chocolate, adding an extra layer of indulgence and making every bite even more irresistible.

Simple Steps to Create Your Decadent Chocolate Skillet Cake

Making this cast iron skillet cake is surprisingly simple, yielding impressive results with minimal effort. Follow these straightforward steps for a perfect dessert every time:

• Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 8-inch cast iron skillet or an equivalent 8-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
• Melt: In a medium saucepan, combine your stout beer (or coffee/milk), softened unsalted butter, and chopped semisweet chocolate. Gently melt these ingredients over low heat, stirring occasionally until smooth and fully combined. Remove from heat once melted.
• Whisk: Into the warm chocolate mixture, whisk in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, large egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-incorporated, ensuring no lumps remain.
• Combine Dry Ingredients: Switch to a rubber spatula. Add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and table salt to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just moistened. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Finally, fold in the semisweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
• Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared skillet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are beautifully set and a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, with only a few moist crumbs attached. A few crumbs are actually a good sign, indicating a moist cake without being underbaked.
• Cool & Serve: Allow the chocolate skillet cake to cool in the skillet for at least 15 minutes before serving warm. This brief cooling period helps the cake set slightly and makes it easier to serve. For a completely cooled cake, allow it to reach room temperature before cutting.

This cake is truly at its best when enjoyed warm, straight from the skillet. The combination of its warmth with a cold scoop of ice cream is simply divine. Any leftover cake can be stored at room temperature, covered, for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 1 week. To reheat, simply warm individual slices briefly in the microwave or oven.

Elevate Your Chocolate Skillet Cake with Frosting and Toppings

While this chocolate skillet cake is absolutely delicious on its own, especially when served warm with ice cream, there’s no reason not to take it to the next level with a decadent topping. Adding frosting or another garnish can transform it for special occasions or simply satisfy a craving for extra indulgence.

For a truly rich and creamy experience, you can certainly adorn your skillet chocolate cake with a luscious chocolate frosting or a tangy-sweet chocolate cream cheese frosting. These options add a layer of sophistication and extra chocolatey goodness that many adore.

If you prefer a lighter touch, garnishing your cake with a cloud of chocolate whipped cream or a mound of classic homemade whipped cream is a fantastic choice. The light, airy texture of whipped cream provides a beautiful contrast to the dense, moist cake and melts deliciously into the warm cake. You could also sprinkle a bit of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings on top for an elegant finish. For a truly Irish twist, a dollop of whiskey-infused whipped cream would be spectacular!

More Irresistible Skillet Dessert Recipes to Try

Now that you’ve discovered the joy and convenience of baking in your cast iron skillet with this incredible chocolate cake, you’ll be eager to explore more skillet desserts! The versatility of cast iron makes it perfect for a wide range of sweet treats, from gooey cookies to moist cakes. Here are some more delightful skillet dessert recipes that are sure to become new favorites in your baking repertoire:

• Toasted Coconut Skillet Cake: A tropical twist on the skillet cake, featuring fragrant toasted coconut for a unique flavor and texture.
• Carrot Cake Skillet Cake: All the comforting spices and moistness of traditional carrot cake, conveniently baked and served in your cast iron skillet.
• Peanut Butter S’mores Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie: A true showstopper! This gooey, shareable cookie combines the best of peanut butter, chocolate chips, and toasted marshmallows for an epic dessert experience.
• Mini Skillet Cookies: Perfect for individual portions or a small gathering, these mini versions offer big flavor and charm.

Each of these recipes showcases the unique benefits of cast iron baking, from crispy edges to beautifully warmed centers. They are perfect for sharing or enjoying solo, and their rustic presentation straight from the skillet adds to their charm.

Chocolate Skillet Cake

Yield:
6-8 servings

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
30 minutes

Total Time:
45 minutes

This decadent Chocolate Skillet Cake is an easy chocolate cake baked in an 8 inch cast iron skillet so the edges crisp up while the center remains soft and tender. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup stout beer, coffee, or whole milk
• 1/4 cup (2 ounces or 4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ounce semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (soft and moist, not dry and crumbly)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon table salt
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease an 8-inch cast iron skillet or 8 inch round cake pan.
2. In a large saucepan, melt together the beer, butter, and chocolate.
3. Remove from the heat and whisk in brown sugar, sugar, cocoa powder, egg, and vanilla.
4. Switch to a rubber spatula then stir in flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and chocolate chips until everything is moistened.
5. Transfer to the skillet then bake 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (few crumbs ok as you don’t want to overbake it but it shouldn’t be wet batter). Cool at least 15 minutes before serving warm or cool completely to room temperature.

   Store leftover cake at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Notes

• Go the extra mile and make Vanilla Bean Ice Cream or Guinness Ice Cream for serving.
• Cake can be served as is, but you can also add Chocolate Ganache, Chocolate Whipped Cream, or traditional Whipped Cream on top.

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• 8 Inch Cast Iron Skillet

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Frequently Asked Questions About Skillet Chocolate Cake

Can I use a different size skillet?

An 8-inch skillet is ideal for this recipe. If you use a larger skillet, the cake will be thinner and might bake faster, so adjust baking time accordingly. A smaller skillet may result in a thicker cake that needs more time.

What if I don’t have stout beer?

You can easily substitute stout beer with an equal amount of strong brewed coffee or whole milk. Coffee will enhance the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee, while milk will give a classic, mild chocolate taste.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is ready when the edges are set and a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to a dry cake.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake is delightful when served warm, but it’s also delicious at room temperature. You can bake it a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven if you prefer it warm.

How do I care for my cast iron skillet after baking?

After use, clean your cast iron skillet with hot water and a stiff brush (avoid harsh soap). Dry it thoroughly immediately to prevent rust, then apply a very thin layer of cooking oil to the interior surface. This helps maintain its seasoning.

This Chocolate Skillet Cake truly embodies simplicity and indulgence, proving that the most delicious desserts don’t always require hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cast iron user or just starting your journey with this versatile cookware, this recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a rich, moist, and perfectly textured chocolate cake. It’s perfect for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or just satisfying that undeniable chocolate craving.

So go ahead, preheat your oven, grab your skillet, and treat yourself to this incredible, easy-to-make dessert. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a go-to favorite!

First published March 17, 2016