10 Cast Iron Skillet Lemon Bar Cake Recipes

Ever wanted to turn your cast iron skillet into a dessert genius? Get set for lemon bar cake recipes that shine. I’m sharing 11 yummy treats mixing lemony zest with rich sweetness. All are cooked flawlessly in a cast iron skillet.

If you’re into baking with skillets, these treats are a total win. They blend the fresh bite of lemons with a sweet layer. Cast iron skillets heat things evenly for a top-notch cake bottom. And, with good care, your cast iron skillet might just outlast you, making it a smart buy for bakers.

You’ll find everything from the basic lemon bars to fun twists like lemon lavender and flip cakes. They promise to ignite your oven again, regardless of your baking level. So, put on your apron, because we’re about to look at the sweet, lemon-infused world of skillet baking!

Key Takeaways

• Cast iron skillets provide even heat distribution for perfect crusts
• Fresh lemon juice and zest are key for authentic flavor
• Recipes balance tart and sweet flavors for delicious results
• Skillet baking offers versatility in dessert making
• These recipes can be adapted for various dietary needs

The Magic of Cast Iron Skillet Baking

I absolutely adore baking in my cast iron skillet. It has changed everything in my kitchen. With its unique heat distribution, cakes come out perfect – crispy on the outside, moist inside. Plus, I can easily switch from cooking on the stove to baking in the oven without a hitch.

Its heat retention skill is what makes it so great for baking. Take a lemon bar cake, for example. In my cast iron, it bakes up flawless every time. The outside is always crispy and golden, while the inside is rich and tangy. It’s better than using a professional baking pan thanks to the well-seasoned skillet.

So, what’s the magic in using a cast iron skillet for baking?

• It ensures your baked goods cook evenly.
• You can cook and bake in the same pot without a problem.
• It gives a special texture – crispy out, soft inside.
• It infuses baked goods with a rich flavor.

For those just starting, try a simple lemon bar cake in your skillet. It will show you the wonders of this cookware in baking. I promise, you’ll be hooked and not want to bake with anything else!

Essential Ingredients for Lemon Bar Cakes

Creating the perfect lemon bar cake needs some key ingredients. High-quality ingredients are crucial. They make the cake taste amazing. Let’s look at what you need for a delicious, zesty treat.

Choosing the Right Lemons

Fresh lemons are vital. Pick lemons that are bright, smell good, and are heavy. You’ll need 4-5 medium lemons for their juice and zest. They provide a tangy, fresh flavor to the cake.

Flour, Sugar, and Butter: The Holy Trinity

All-purpose flour gives the cake its structure. You need about 2 cups for a 10-inch skillet cake. Granulated sugar makes it sweet. Add 1 1/2 cups to give it the right balance. Unsalted butter, 1 cup (2 sticks), adds richness and makes the texture crumbly.

Eggs: The Secret to Perfect Texture

Egg yolks make the filling creamy. For the recipe, you’ll need 4 large eggs. They help bind everything together. This creates the perfect texture for your cake. Skillet baking might need you to adjust. But, for lemon bar cakes, these amounts work well.

Preparing Your Cast Iron Skillet for Baking

I enjoy baking with my cast iron skillet. It’s important to prepare it correctly. Seasoning your cast iron well creates a non-stick surface. First, wash your skillet with hot water and dry it completely. Then, spread a thin layer of vegetable oil all over it.

After oiling, put the skillet upside down in a 450°F oven for an hour. This step binds the oil to the iron, making a protective layer. Repeat this seasoning process a few times for the best results.

To cook your lemon bar cakes evenly, you must preheat the skillet. I place it in the oven as it preheats to 350°F. This heats the whole skillet well, even the sides.

Before you add your batter, grease the hot skillet. Use around 2 tablespoons of melted butter or oil for this step. It prevents sticking and enhances the flavor. A 9-inch or 10-inch skillet works best for lemon bar cakes.

A well-seasoned and preheated skillet is key to great skillet-baked treats. Follow these steps to make your non-stick surface perfect. Then, bake your delicious lemon bar cakes with ease.

Classic Lemon Bar Skillet Cake Recipe

I enjoy making lemon bars in my cast iron skillet. The mix of a buttery crust and zesty lemon is amazing. Here’s my top recipe to cheer you up.

Shortbread Crust Instructions

For the crust, you will need:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

Combine these until they form crumbs. Press it into your skillet evenly. Then, bake at 350°F. It should take about 15 minutes to turn a light golden color.

Lemon Filling Preparation

As the crust bakes, get the lemon filling ready:
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)

Mix these until they’re smooth. The eggs help the filling set and the flour makes it thick. Pour it on the crust when it’s done baking.

Baking and Cooling Tips

Bake for another 30-35 minutes. It should stay at 350°F. The filling will set but be slightly wobbly in the middle. Cooling is key for the right texture. Let it cool in the skillet fully before cutting. This skillet recipe brings a dessert with a crispy crust and lemony cream on top.

Lemon Lavender Skillet Cake with Honey Drizzle

Creating treats with lavender is a favorite of mine. This Lemon Lavender Skillet Cake combines lemony zing with flowery tastes. The skillet’s design spreads the lavender’s flavor through the cake. It makes for a taste you won’t find anywhere else.

For this cake, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) for the cake. Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet in another. Then, gently combine them, adding the lavender at the end. Pour this mix into a greased 10-inch cast iron skillet and bake for 25-30 minutes.

After baking, let the cake cool a bit. While it cools, mix 1/4 cup of honey with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in a saucepan. Heat this mixture as a honey drizzle. Pour it over the cake for a sweet and flavorful touch.

This lemon lavender skillet cake makes 8 servings. It takes about 40 minutes from start to finish. Enjoy it at spring parties or try it for something different as a dessert at any time.

Upside-Down Lemon Skillet Cake: A Twist on Tradition

I enjoy baking upside-down cakes in my cast iron skillet. It locks in heat and makes the lemons on top perfectly caramelized. This balance adds a special tanginess to the dessert. Now, I’m eager to share how you can make this zesty lemon cake, too!

Caramelizing Lemons for the Top

First, I lay out thin lemon slices in the skillet’s bottom, forming a circle. Then, I sprinkle 1/4 cup of sugar on them and add 2 tablespoons of butter. This begins the magic of creating a sweet caramel crust on the lemons.

Cake Batter Secrets

The batter calls for 1 1/2 cups of cake flour for a lighter feel. I then stir in 3 eggs, 1/4 cup of softened butter, and 2/3 cup of milk. Adding a teaspoon of almond extract enriches the lemon’s flavor. Pour this batter mix over the caramelized lemons gently.

Flipping Techniques for Perfect Presentation

After baking at 350°F for 35-40 minutes, cool the cake for 10 minutes. Now, it’s time to flip it. Place a plate over the skillet and turn it over fast. Slowly lift the pan. This lets the lemons fall softly, keeping the cake’s top perfect.

This upside-down lemon skillet cake turns a classic recipe on its head. Golden caramelized lemons make a beautiful top layer. Below, the cake is moist and balances sweet with tart. It’s a dessert that steals the show!

Lemon Blueberry Skillet Cake Fusion

Mixing fruits into cakes is a favorite of mine. And this lemon blueberry cake is a standout. Baking it in a cast iron skillet makes it even better. Ready to make this dessert that everyone will love?

Here’s what you need for the cake batter:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup fresh berries

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix all the dry ingredients in a big bowl. Then, in another bowl, whisk the wet ingredients together. Mix everything until smooth, but don’t overdo it. Carefully add the blueberries.

Grease your 10-inch cast iron skillet next and pour the batter in. Bake for 35-40 minutes until it’s all cooked. The skillet warms up evenly, so your cake will be just right with bursts of juicy blueberries.

Let it cool. Sprinkle powdered sugar or drizzle lemon glaze on top for more flavor. This skillet cake is awesome for any time, like brunch or dessert. Its light, tangy lemon and sweet berries make an ideal mix. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure!

Lemon Poppy Seed Skillet Cake: Texture and Flavor

I adore making Lemon Poppy Seed Skillet Cake! The use of a cast iron skillet makes it special. It lightly toasts the poppy seeds, boosting their flavor and adding a nice crunch.

For this recipe, grab 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds. These seeds are key for their crunch and hint of nuttiness. Then, 4 eggs add fluff, 2/3 cup of Greek yogurt for moisture, and 1/2 cup of oil.

The hero here is lemon. I zest and juice two, giving it a tangy kick. This punch also activates the 1 teaspoon each of baking powder and baking soda, ensuring it rises just right.

Mix it all up then pour in a hot 9-inch skillet. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. The cake comes out gold, smells great, and has a soft center with a crispy edge. Serve it warm with a lemon glaze for extra flavor. It’s perfect when you eat it right away, but keeps well for 3 days.

Lemon Coconut Delight: Tropical Twist in Iron

This is a taste of paradise with this Lemon Coconut Delight! My recipe adds tropical flavors right to your cast iron skillet. It blends the sourness of lemon with the sweet, nutty feel of coconut. It makes a truly delightful dessert.

Toasting Coconut for Enhanced Flavor

To start, toast 1 cup of shredded coconut in your skillet. This step deepens the richness in your cake. The cast iron adds a mild nutty taste that fits great with coconut.

Incorporating Coconut Milk for Moisture

For more moisture and a tropical kick, use coconut milk in half the recipe’s liquid. This improves the flavor and makes the texture moist and delicious. Everyone will want seconds!

Garnishing with Coconut Flakes

After baking, top it with more toasted coconut flakes for a great look and crunch. This not only looks good but also keeps the tropical theme strong.

Here’s a quick recipe breakdown:

• Preheat oven to 350°F
• Toast 1 cup shredded coconut in skillet
• Mix cake batter, replacing half liquid with coconut milk
• Fold in toasted coconut
• Bake for 25 minutes or until golden
• Garnish with extra toasted coconut flakes

This Lemon Coconut Delight serves 16 and lasts 3-4 days. It’s ideal for summer parties or when you just need a tropical flavor!

Lemon Almond Ricotta Cake: Creamy and Tangy

Making cakes is fun when they’re special and tasty. My lemon almond ricotta cake combines creamy and tangy tastes. It serves 9 and takes one hour to make and bake.

For this cake, gather:

• 1 1/4 cups ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 eggs plus 1 egg yolk
• 3 tablespoons lemon zest
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 1/2 cups cake flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Start by heating your skillet in a 350°F oven.

1. Mix ricotta cheese, almond flour, sugar, and olive oil until smooth.
2. Stir in eggs, lemon zest, and juice. Make it smooth.
3. In another bowl, mix the dry stuff.
4. Slowly add dry mix to the wet one.
5. Put the batter in the hot skillet and bake for 45 minutes.

Ricotta adds creaminess while almond flour brings a rich taste. Baking it in a skillet makes the edges a little crunchy but the inside stays soft. After it bakes, let it cool for 55 minutes. Then, top it with a lemon glaze made from confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice.

This cake tastes great with Champagne or Riesling. Keep it fresh on the counter for up to 3 days. Or, freeze it for later. It’s the perfect zesty and creamy treat!

Gluten-Free Lemon Bar Skillet Cake Option

I adore baking. Today, I’m sharing a gluten-free lemon bar skillet cake recipe. It’s a zesty delight for gluten-free or flour-experimenting folks. The use of a cast iron skillet is key for a perfectly baked treat.

The crust mixes 1 cup of gluten-free flour blend with 1/2 cup almond flour. This blend makes a tasty, buttery foundation. The filling combines 1/3 cup lemon juice, 3/4 cup honey, and 1/4 cup gluten-free flour. If your flour doesn’t have it, add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum for the right texture.

Let me break down how to make it:

1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F
2. Then, mix the crust ingredients and press them into your skillet.
3. Bake the crust for 20-25 minutes until it’s golden.
4. Next, whisk the filling ingredients and spread it over the crust.
5. Finally, bake everything for another 25 minutes until it sets.

The cake turns out tangy and sweet with a flawless texture. Gluten-free cakes often bake quicker. So, watch it closely. To go dairy-free, swap butter for ghee.

Vegan Lemon Bar Skillet Cake: Plant-Based Perfection

I’m thrilled to share my favorite vegan baking recipe. This zesty lemon bar skillet cake is completely plant-based. It shows you can make a tasty, moist cake without eggs or dairy. And it has just the right texture.

Egg Substitutes for Binding

For binding, I go with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce. It holds the ingredients together well. If you want a twist, 1/4 cup of mashed banana adds a unique taste.

Plant-Based Butter Alternatives

Instead of dairy butter, I use 1/2 cup of coconut oil. It gives a rich, buttery flavor everyone loves. Your favorite plant-based butter also works great.

Achieving the Right Texture Without Dairy

To get the amazing lemon bar texture, I include 1/4 cup of aquafaba. This comes from canned chickpeas.

It brings lightness to the cake. And for the liquid, almond milk or oat milk both work well, adding up to 1 cup.

You can whip up this vegan lemon bar skillet cake in 5 minutes. It bakes in 28-30 minutes. The choice of a cast iron skillet helps with the crispy crust.

With just 7 ingredients, it serves 10. And it’s a hit with both my vegan and non-vegan friends!

Each serving has 194 calories, 29g carbs, 2g protein, and 8g fat. This cake keeps well at room temperature for 3 days. Or you can freeze it for up to 6 months.

I hope you enjoy vegan baking as much as I do!

Lemon Meringue Skillet Cake: Two Desserts in One

Mixing classic desserts is what I enjoy most. This lemon meringue skillet cake does it perfectly. It combines the tang of lemon bars with the lightness of meringue pie. All in a single cast iron skillet.

First, create a soft lemon cake base. In a 10-inch skillet, blend 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour with sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix in melted butter, eggs, milk, and the zest from two lemons for extra flavor.

After baking the cake, top it with a layer of lemon curd for a sharp taste. Then, whip up meringue from egg whites and sugar. Thanks to the skillet’s unique properties, the meringue sets just right.

Finally, torch the meringue for that crisp, golden touch. A kitchen torch does this best, but a quick oven broil will also do. Serve right away to savor the warm cake against cool meringue.

For quick, tasty dishes, try this shrimp and dumpling stir-fry recipe. It’s a fantastic skillet dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Ideal for those hectic evenings.

Serving and Storing Your Lemon Bar Skillet Cakes

I enjoy giving cake storage tips. After you bake your lemon bar skillet cake, how you serve and store it is key. This keeps its tangy taste and yummy texture.

Best Practices for Cutting and Plating

Let the cake fully cool before you cut it. This stops it from falling apart and makes neat slices. A sharp knife, clean between cuts, makes attractive portions. Topping it with powdered sugar or vanilla ice cream adds a tasty touch.

Storage Solutions for Freshness

Cover the cake for short-term storage, at room temp, for 2 days. Refrigerate for up to 5 days for longer keeping. Check out this helpful storage guide:

Reheating Methods for Leftover Slices

Reheating cake is a bit of a trick, but I’ve got a great solution. For single slices, just warm them in the skillet on low heat for a few minutes. For the entire cake, a 300°F (150°C) oven for a short while works wonders.

This brings back the freshly baked vibe without drying out your lemon delight.

Keeping your cake stored right and reheating it properly is very important. This ensures you enjoy your lemon bar skillet cake fully. Enjoy your baking and tasting adventure!

Troubleshooting Common Lemon Bar Cake Issues

I’ve spent a lot of time making lemon bar cakes perfect. Let me share some baking tips to help you out. If your cake is too dense, it might have been mixed too much. Try folding the batter gently next time. For a cake with a soggy bottom, bake the crust alone for five extra minutes before the filling.

Getting the flavors right is key in lemon desserts. If your cake needs more zing, add extra lemon zest, not juice. This boosts the taste without changing the liquid part. For a powerful lemon kick, use 1 teaspoon of lemon extract in the batter. Also, Meyer lemons add a special floral flavor compared to regular lemons.

Using a cast iron skillet for baking can cause browning issues. To prevent the top from browning too fast, cover the skillet with foil. This easy step makes sure the cake bakes evenly and doesn’t burn. Finally, remember to chill your lemon bars for 2 hours before cutting. This is important for the perfect texture and smoother cutting.