Chocolate Skillet Cake with Ice Cream

Nothing beats the warm, gooey deliciousness of a freshly baked Chocolate Skillet Cake, especially when topped with creamy vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, and whipped cream. This delightful dessert is not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly easy to make, whether you’re at home or out camping. Let’s dive into the details of this scrumptious recipe that’s sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients:

Cake Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup sugar
• Dash of salt
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
• 2 tablespoons cocoa
• 3-4 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Toppings:

• Ice cream (for serving)
• Caramel sauce (for serving)
• Whipped cream (for serving)

Directions:

Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Prepare the Cake Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a 10-inch cast iron skillet, bring the butter, vegetable oil, cocoa powder, and water to a boil.
3. Remove from heat and whisk in the dry ingredients until well combined.
4. Mix in the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla until smooth.

Bake the Cake

1. Bake the skillet cake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Make the Frosting

1. While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan, bring the butter, cocoa, and milk to a boil.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the powdered sugar, chopped pecans, and vanilla until well combined.

Frost and Serve

1. Pour the frosting over the warm cake and spread it evenly with a spatula.
2. Serve the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and a dollop of whipped cream.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

• Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve the Chocolate Skillet Cake warm. The cake will be delightfully gooey and the frosting will be nicely melted, perfect for pairing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Toppings: Top each serving with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
• Presentation: Garnish with extra chopped pecans or a sprinkle of sea salt for added texture and flavor.

Storage Tips:

• Room Temperature: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This will keep the cake soft and the frosting fresh.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the cake in the refrigerator, where it can be kept for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave individual servings for 10-15 seconds.
• Freezing: If you need to store the cake for a longer period, freeze it. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy this delicious Chocolate Skillet Cake and its delectable toppings at their best, whether fresh out of the oven or from the fridge or freezer.

Variations:

1. Nut-Free Version
   • Details: Omit the chopped pecans from the frosting. You can replace them with a sprinkle of sea salt or additional cocoa powder if you desire some extra flavor without the nuts.
2. Gluten-Free Version
   • Details: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend you use is designed for baking to maintain the cake’s texture and consistency.
3. Dairy-Free Version
   • Details: Use dairy-free butter (such as vegan butter) and milk alternatives like almond milk or oat milk for both the cake and frosting. Check that your ice cream and caramel sauce are also dairy-free if needed.
4. Fruit Topping
   • Details: Enhance the cake with fresh fruit. Add sliced strawberries, raspberries, or bananas on top of the ice cream for a fresh, fruity twist. Lightly toss the fruit with a bit of sugar before adding to bring out their natural sweetness.
5. Mint Chocolate Variation
   • Details: Incorporate a minty twist by adding 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the cake batter. For the frosting, consider mixing in some crushed mint chocolate candies or a few drops of mint extract.
6. Peanut Butter Swirl
   • Details: For a peanut butter flavor, swirl 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter into the cake batter before baking. You can also drizzle some melted peanut butter over the frosting for extra richness.
7. Espresso Infusion
   • Details: Add 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the cake batter to give it a coffee-flavored kick. This pairs beautifully with the chocolate and enhances the overall depth of flavor.
8. Salted Caramel
   • Details: Use salted caramel sauce instead of regular caramel sauce for a sweet-and-salty contrast. Drizzle the salted caramel over the cake before serving.
9. S’mores Version
   • Details: Mix mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers into the frosting. For an extra s’mores touch, lightly toast the marshmallows with a kitchen torch before adding them as a topping.
10. Berry Compote
    • Details: Make a simple berry compote by cooking mixed berries with a bit of sugar until they release their juices and thicken slightly. Spoon the compote over the cake and ice cream for a vibrant, fruity addition.

These variations allow you to customize your Chocolate Skillet Cake to suit different tastes and dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious dessert.

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different type of cake mix for this recipe?
   • Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix, but keep in mind that it will alter the flavor profile of the cake. Chocolate cake mix will enhance the chocolatey richness, while vanilla or spice cake mixes will give a different taste experience.
2. How can I make the frosting thicker?
   • If your frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Alternatively, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before spreading.
3. Can I make this cake in advance?
   • Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead. Store it covered at room temperature. Add the frosting and toppings just before serving to keep them fresh.
4. Can I freeze the Chocolate Skillet Cake?
   • Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
5. Can I use a different type of skillet?
   • While a cast iron skillet is ideal for its even heat distribution, you can use any oven-safe skillet. Just make sure it’s well-greased to prevent sticking.
6. What can I use instead of pecans in the frosting?
   • You can use any type of nut you prefer, such as walnuts or almonds. For a nut-free version, try adding chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt.
7. Can I make this cake without an electric mixer?
   • Yes, you can mix the ingredients by hand. It may take a bit more effort to achieve a smooth batter, but it is definitely doable.
8. What should I do if I don’t have buttermilk?
   • You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1/4 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
9. Can I use a different type of oil?
   • Yes, you can use melted coconut oil or olive oil instead of vegetable oil. Keep in mind that coconut oil may impart a slight coconut flavor to the cake.
10. How do I make the cake gluten-free?
    • Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix. Make sure to use a blend that is designed for cakes to ensure the proper texture and rise.

These FAQs address common questions and concerns, helping you make the most out of your Chocolate Skillet Cake experience. Enjoy baking and customizing this delicious dessert!