Cast Iron Skillet Pineapple Upside Down Cake

 This pineapple upside-down cake is a timeless classic. The combination of caramelized pineapple slices, a rich buttery cake, and slightly crisp edges from a cast-iron skillet makes this classic dessert irresistible.

Everybody knows the Superbowl is a party, and party time needs a dessert. This year, for the Superbowl, Fran made this delicious pineapple upside-down cake in our 12-inch cast-iron skillet.

Why Use a Cast Iron Skillet? A cast iron skillet is the perfect tool for making a pineapple upside-down cake because it evenly distributes the heat. It helps caramelize the brown sugar and butter mixture while keeping the cake moist and tender. Plus, it helps make the edges slightly crispy.

Ingredients:

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup butter 
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 can pineapple rings, drained but save the juice
• 10 or 12 maraschino cherries

For the Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice

Instructions:

1. Place the cast-iron skillet on the stovetop. Melt the butter on medium heat for the topping. Stir in the brown sugar until it dissolves and becomes bubbly.
2. Remove the skillet from the heat and arrange the pineapple rings over the sugar mixture. Place the cherries in the center of each ring.
3. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. 
4. In a separate bowl. beat the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla and continue to beat until all is combined.
5. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and add the milk, and pineapple juice, stirring until all is combined.
6. Pour the batter into the cast iron skillet over the pineapple topping and spread the batter evenly.
7. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the skillet for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a plate. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

This pineapple upside-down cake was so moist, and sweet, and made the perfect dessert for our Superbowl celebration. By the end of the game, there were only 2 slices left, and I finished those the next day.

I only use Lodge Cast Iron Skillets, and you can find a great selection of Lodge Cast Iron on Amazon. I have, and use all three of the skillets below.

Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 3 Skillet Bundle. 12 inches and 10.25 inches with 8 inch Set of 3 Cast Iron Frying PansCheck the Price

 

Cast Iron Skillet Garlic Butter Pork Chops

 These garlic butter pork chops are so easy to make with so much flavor. They are so tender and will melt in your mouth, your family will love this easy-to-make meal.

It's no secret that I love cooking in my cast iron skillets. These pork chops are so easy to make, you can have a meal on the table in about 30 minutes. I used my Lodge 12-inch cast iron skillet for this delicious recipe. Browned on the stovetop and then oven baked with the garlic butter.

What I used for Garlic Butter Pork Chops:

2 pork chops 3/4 to 1-inch thick

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 tablespoons butter (Melted)

4 cloves garlic (3 cloves pressed into butter 1 clove minced in pan)

2 cups sliced mushrooms (Optional)

Salt and Pepper to taste.

Directions for Garlic Butter Pork Chops:

1. Melt the 3 tablespoons of butter in the microwave, and using a garlic press add 3 cloves of garlic and give it a good stir. Set aside for later.
2. Add the olive oil to the bottom of the skillet and let heat up over medium heat.
3. Salt and pepper the pork chops to taste.
4. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
5. Add the clove of minced garlic to the pan and then the pork chops.
6. Brown the pork chops for about 2 to 4 minutes per side.
7. Add the mushrooms after the 1st side is browned. 
8. Pour the garlic butter over the pork chops and place the pan in the oven.
9. Bake until the internal temperature of the pork chops is at least 145 to 150 degrees.

I love mushrooms, but if you are not a fan of mushrooms try using fresh green beans or even brussel sprouts. I served the pork chops with mushrooms and baked potatoes. Click here for my Air Fryer Baked Potatoes.

As always thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy it.

If you don't have a cast iron skillet you will find a great selection of Lodge Cast Iron skillets on Amazon.

Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet with Scrub Brush- 12 inch Cast Iron Frying Pan With 10 inch Bristle BrushCheck the Price

 

Easy Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

 

We love cooking new things in our cast iron skillets and pizza is no exception. This easy cast iron skillet pizza turned out to be amazing and it disappeared in minutes. 

We spend several evenings baking cookies for the Holidays with our daughter and grandsons. On one of these evenings, we needed something quick to eat before we started baking our cookies.

Our grandson Bobby, showed up with pizza dough, sauce, and his favorite topping, olives. Bobby decided to use one of our cast iron skillets to make our pizza.

Ready for the oven

How to make Easy Cast Iron Skillet Pizza:

1. The first thing Bobby did was preheat the oven to 500 degrees.
2. Spread the dough on a floured surface to the size of the skillet, we used our 12-inch cast-iron skillet.
3. Place the cast-iron skillet in the 500-degree oven for 5 or 10 minutes.
4. Carefully remove the skillet from the oven using heavy potholders.
5. Place the shaped dough in the skillet and add your sauce, favorite toppings, and shredded mozzarella.
6. Place it back in the oven and bake for 10 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
7. Again carefully remove the skillet from the oven and using a spatula transfer the pizza to a cooling rack.
8. After a couple of minutes slide it onto a pizza pan slice it and enjoy.

What makes this so easy is you can pick up fresh pizza dough at your local grocery store and have fresh hot pizza in 20 minutes.

If you prefer to make your own dough try my All-purpose dough recipe here. This recipe will make 3 nice sized pizzas, so if you're only making one pizza divide the ingredients accordingly.

As always thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy it.

Try some of our other pizza recipes

Cast Iron Skillet Deep Dish PizzaHomemade Mozzarella Tomato and Basil Pizza

 

Find all of your Cast Iron Skillet needs here: 

Lodge Cast Iron Baker’s SkilletLodge Cast Iron Skillet with Red Silicone Hot Handle Holder, 12-inchLodge Seasoned Cast Iron 3 Skillet Bundle. 12 inches and 10.25 inches with 8 inch Set of 3 Cast Iron Frying Pans