Cast Iron Skillet Upside Down Cake

Transform your dessert game with this show-stopping Cast Iron Skillet Upside Down Cake, a caramelized masterpiece that pairs buttery richness with the natural sweetness of fresh fruit. Perfectly baked in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet, this nostalgic recipe combines a crisp caramelized fruit topping—choose from pineapple, peaches, or apples—with a fluffy vanilla cake base made from scratch. The unique use of a cast-iron skillet not only ensures even baking but also makes for a dramatic and rustic presentation when flipped to reveal a golden, glistening surface. With just 20 minutes of prep and 35 minutes in the oven, this dessert is an impressively easy choice for dinner parties or any special occasion. Serve it warm or at room temperature for an unforgettable treat bursting with flavor and charm.

Nutriscore Rating: 51/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 8 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups fresh fruit (e.g., pineapple slices, peach wedges, or apple slices)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 pieces large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2

In a 10-inch cast-iron skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar until it dissolves and starts to bubble, about 2 minutes.

Step 3

Remove from heat, and carefully arrange the fresh fruit in a single layer over the caramel mixture. Set aside.

Step 4

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

Step 5

In another large bowl, beat the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 7

Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.

Step 8

Pour the batter evenly over the fruit in the skillet, spreading it gently with a spatula if needed.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.

Step 10

Remove the skillet from the oven and let the cake cool in the skillet for 5-10 minutes. Run a knife gently around the edge of the cake to loosen it.

Step 11

Place a large heatproof serving plate or platter upside down over the skillet. Carefully flip the skillet and plate together to release the cake onto the plate. Be cautious of the hot caramel sauce.

Step 12

Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Best enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1317.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3129.8

Total Fat 112.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 61.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 634.6mg	0%
Sodium 2094.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 517.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.4g	0%
Total Sugars 360.4g
Protein 37.8g	0%

Vitamin D 133.7IU	0%
Calcium 393.6mg	0%
Iron 12.1mg	0%
Potassium 1414.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.2%

Protein: 4.7%

Carbs: 64.1%