Yes, you can definitely use a cast iron skillet for baking breads and cakes. Cast iron skillets are versatile and excellent for baking due to their ability to distribute and retain heat evenly.
Here's how you can use a cast iron skillet for baking breads and cakes:
Preheat the skillet: Place the cast iron skillet in the oven and preheat it to the desired temperature as indicated in your recipe. Preheating the skillet ensures that it's evenly heated when you add the batter or dough.
Prepare the batter or dough: Follow your bread or cake recipe to prepare the batter or dough as instructed.
Grease the skillet: Once the batter or dough is ready, remove the hot skillet from the oven using oven mitts or handle covers. Grease the skillet with butter, oil, or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Add the batter or dough: Pour the batter or place the dough into the greased skillet, spreading it out evenly.
Bake in the skillet: Place the skillet back in the oven and bake according to your recipe's instructions. The cast iron skillet's heat-retaining properties will help create a golden and evenly baked crust.
Check for doneness: Monitor the baking process and use a toothpick or cake tester to check if the bread or cake is cooked through. The baking time may vary slightly compared to baking in traditional pans, so keep an eye on it.
Cooling and serving: Once the bread or cake is fully baked, carefully remove the skillet from the oven using oven mitts or handle covers. Allow the bread or cake to cool in the skillet for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Using a cast iron skillet for baking can provide a lovely crust and excellent heat distribution, resulting in delicious breads and cakes. Just ensure you follow the specific instructions of your recipe and adjust baking times if necessary.