Old Fashioned Sugar Cake: A Simple Cast Iron Skillet Delight (No Icing Needed!)

There’s something truly magical about baking an Old Fashioned Sugar Cake, especially when it’s made in a seasoned cast iron skillet. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a light, flavorful masterpiece that requires absolutely no icing, letting its pure, sweet essence shine through. Imagine a dessert so effortlessly elegant, yet wonderfully comforting, that it becomes an instant family favorite. That’s precisely what you get with this classic sugar cake.

The Enduring Charm of Cast Iron Cookware

My love affair with cast iron runs deep. Some pieces have been with me for years, silently bearing witness to countless meals and cherished memories. I vividly recall camping trips where cooking over an open fire in my trusty cast iron skillet was the highlight of the day. Everything, especially breakfast, seemed to taste infinitely better. Was it the crisp morning air? The hearty appetite sharpened by outdoor adventures? Or perhaps, as I’ve always suspected, it was the perfectly seasoned cast iron itself, imbuing every bite with a unique, rustic flavor. And yes, a little bacon grease never hurt anyone – it truly has a way of elevating any dish.

In today’s world of disposable everything, well-maintained cast iron cookware can feel like a rare treasure. While new skillets are readily available online, there’s an undeniable allure to a vintage, perfectly seasoned piece. Whenever I visit a flea market or a yard sale, my eyes instinctively scan for that familiar dark sheen. Finding a forgotten gem for just a few dollars is a small victory, and I always snatch it up. Even if I already own one of the exact same size, I know it won’t go to waste. With three children, I envision a future where they’ll each need their own kitchen essentials as they venture out. I want them to experience the sheer pleasure and enduring quality of cooking with cast iron, just as I have.

Why Cast Iron is a Baker’s Best Friend

The versatility of cast iron is truly unparalleled. It thrives everywhere: over an open campfire, on the backyard grill, simmering on the stovetop, and, perhaps most gloriously, nestled in the oven. Baking in cast iron is simply phenomenal! You can treat it just like any other baking dish, but with superior results. Cast iron distributes heat incredibly evenly, ensuring your cakes bake perfectly from edge to center. And that coveted part of the cake that touches the pan? It develops a wonderfully moist, slightly caramelized crust that is utterly delicious, just as tender as the very heart of the cake.

This Old Fashioned Sugar Cake is, without a doubt, the perfect candidate for baking in a cast iron skillet. The even heat ensures a consistent rise and a beautiful golden-brown exterior, creating a textural masterpiece that is both delicate and satisfying.

The Irresistible Allure of This Sugar Cake

I genuinely cannot overstate how amazing this cake is. Crafted with only egg whites, it achieves a remarkable lightness, reminiscent of an angel food cake, yet possesses a more substantial, tender crumb. Fresh from the oven, still slightly warm, it melts in your mouth with a delicate sweetness. But if you can resist eating it all at once, I promise you, it might even be better the next morning, enjoyed alongside a cup of hot coffee. Its simple elegance and profound flavor make it an instant classic that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

What sets this Old Fashioned Sugar Cake apart is its humble sophistication. It doesn’t rely on elaborate frostings or complicated decorations. Instead, it celebrates the pure, unadulterated flavor of a perfectly baked cake. The simplicity is its strength, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion, from a casual weeknight treat to a special gathering. A light dusting of confectioner’s sugar is all it needs to present beautifully.

The use of egg whites contributes significantly to its airy, delicate structure, providing a delightful contrast to the subtle richness of the shortening. This balance of ingredients creates a cake that is neither too heavy nor too sweet, striking just the right note for a truly satisfying dessert. It’s a taste of nostalgia, a reminder of simpler times when good ingredients and careful preparation were all that was needed to create something extraordinary.

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Old Fashioned Sugar Cake

Ingredients

1/2 cup vegetable shortening
1 cup milk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
4 large egg whites
confectioner’s sugar for dusting

Instructions

Cream together shortening and milk for about 3 minutes, (it will look like small curd cottage cheese.) Add in vanilla.
In a separate bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add flour, one third at a time to the milk mixture, blending well after each addition.
Lastly, add in egg whites, beating just until all combined.
Pour batter into a greased and floured (do not use a spray) 10 inch cast iron skillet.
Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 40-45 minutes, using a toothpick inserted in the center to test for doneness.
Let cool on wire rack for at least 45 minutes before serving, lightly dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

You can also bake this in 10 inch casserole dish or a 10 inch baking pan.

Recipe source ChocolateChocolateandmore.com

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