19 Easy Ways to Make Dessert in a Cast-Iron Skillet

Decadence and convenience rolled into one.

Cora L. Diekman

Published Jun 29, 2018 4:30 PM

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There are some who would have you believe that a fruit salad or light yogurt qualify as “indulgent desserts.” We are here to disprove that misconception. Dessert is all about decadence—and in this instance, more is more.

For the days when you fully commit to going all-out on the final course, there is really only one fix: a gooey, rich dessert that takes guilty pleasures to the next level.

Because a plain baked good just won’t do, we sourced the dishes that put a twist on the ordinary. Introducing the cast-iron skillet dessert recipes that will inspire you to pick up that everyday kitchen staple and get cooking. Prime for the lazy (and novice) baker, these ideas are low on effort and big on flavor. Read on to see our favorite sweet treats to bookmark now.

Skillet Chocolate Banana Bread

Banana bread you can easily bake in a cast-iron skillet? It may sound too good to be true, but this version from Diethood is here to satisfy all of your cravings. The bold hints of chocolate just sweeten the deal.

Cast-Iron Peach Crostata

Crostatas are perfect for baking newbies, thanks to an easy-to-make crust that is much simpler than that of a traditional pie. This open-face tart’s spiced-peach filling with hints of nutmeg and cinnamon is as fragrant as it is delicious.

Cranberry Cinnamon Apple Dutch Baby

Dessert for breakfast is something we can absolutely get behind, and this apple-cinnamon Dutch baby from Browned Butter Blondie is exactly how we want to start the weekend. Just add yogurt and it could even pass for healthy.

Skillet Strawberry Cobbler

Rich cream cheese-swirled biscuits and tart, fresh strawberries combine for the dessert of our early summer dreams. Half Baked Harvest’s recipe is easy to follow—there’s even a video tutorial—and is a total show-stopper. For a rustic presentation that wows with no extra effort, serve in the same skillet as you baked it.

Chocolate Chunk Raspberry Skillet Cookie

Raspberries + chocolate = a winning combination. This giant skillet cookie from Bakerita is best enjoyed with a massive scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie with Caramel and Sea Salt

A deep dish chocolate chip cookie guarantees crispy goodness on top, with a soft, gooey center—the best of both worlds! For the purists who think the classic chocolate chip can’t be improved, this version ups the flavor with caramel and sea salt.

Skillet S’mores

This recipe allows you to recreate your favorite campfire treat indoors, minus the mess. Pile everything into a cast-iron skillet and bake for 20 minutes, or until your s’mores are golden brown and melty. Flask of whiskey optional.

Skillet Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake

Unlike most cast-iron desserts, this cake calls for frosting. (Tip: Allow the frosting to harden before serving for just the right texture.) And like a traditional Texas sheet cake, the prep work is super easy—boiling everything together in a saucepan before pouring into a skillet.

Old Fashioned Sugar Cake

Similar to a pound cake, this recipe is a lighter take on a simple dessert. Top with a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty finish. (Vintage china also pairs well.)

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

A cast-iron skillet is the way to go for making a classic upside down cake—because presentation is everything. And so is easy cleanup.

Skillet Peach Crisp

Whichever filling you decide to highlight (rhubarb in spring, peaches in summer, plums and stone fruits in fall…), this crisp is the ultimate dessert for celebrating a new season of fresh fruit.

Skillet Brownies

A recipe that makes 5 individual 3½-inch brownies should be in every host’s back pocket for impressing guests at your next dinner party. Plus, is there anything cuter than mini cast-iron skillets?

Dutch Baby Pancake

Think of this pancake as a cousin to the crepe. By itself, the Dutch baby is a simple, not-too-sweet treat that can be customized however you like. Top with fresh fruit, whipped cream, chocolate, Nutella, peanut butter, preserves—or whatever else you’re craving at the moment.

Raspberry Cream Cheese Sweet Rolls

When only over-the-top decadence will do, a homemade sweet roll is your answer. Here, the dough is rolled together with two separate fillings—one cream cheese, one raspberry—and then finished with a cream cheese glaze. If raspberry isn’t your fave, sub in fresh strawberries or blueberries.