Carolina Skillet Cake
A moist, nut-studded skillet cake with a tender crumb and a caramelized topping, perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F.
- Grease and lightly flour a 10-inch cake pan or iron skillet.
- Cream shortening, gradually adding sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition.
- Add flour and milk alternately, mixing well after each addition.
- Fold in chopped nuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan or skillet.
- Top with Crumble Topping.
- Make indentations in the batter with your finger all the way to the bottom of the pan so the topping will bake into the cake.
- Bake for 35 minutes.
- If desired, drizzle with confectioners' sugar icing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, make sure your shortening is at room temperature before creaming with sugar. If you don't have self-rising flour, substitute with all-purpose flour and add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder. You can also experiment by adding dried fruits or chocolate chips to the batter for extra flavor. This cake pairs beautifully with Linda'S Amazing Coconut Pie.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Carolina Skillet Cake warm or at room temperature, optionally drizzling with confectioners' sugar icing for added sweetness. It pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra touch, serve alongside a fruit salad or a slice of Bea'S Fruitcake for a delightful dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you prefer to keep it longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes to restore its softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carolina Skillet Cake contains roughly 1292 calories, with 16g protein, 132g carbohydrates, and 81g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (32% of the Daily Value), iron (29% of the Daily Value), and potassium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of fat instead of shortening?
Yes, you can substitute shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter or margarine. This will slightly change the flavor and texture, making it richer and more flavorful, which many people prefer.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when it turns golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overcooking.
Can I freeze the Carolina Skillet Cake?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).