Yellow cake baked in a skillet with berries - perfect dessert for Spring weekend!
Since I started this blog, I developed a passion for food photography. I never expected it, yet it happened. I constantly find myself browsing my Food Styling and Photography board on Pinterest. The web is full of beautiful pictures and inspirations. I have quite a few books on the subject. Mind you, I have lots to learn but I think I am starting to develop my own style. Darker, moody shots always draw my attention.
When I received an invitation to participate in Williams-Sonoma & Le Creuset Photo Contest, I was ecstatic! The contest is a way to celebrate the newest addition to the Le Creuset family: The Quince Collection which is exclusively available in Williams-Sonoma. Just look at this beauty! This lovely subtle, buttery yellow shade is the new color of Le Creuset cookware and it's called Quince. Don't you just love the name? It was very inspirational for me. You would think the actual food is what I would set the photo around. But this time I focused on the skillet. Rustic and comfort came to mind.
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I decided to pull out an old family recipe and make an easy yet comforting skillet cake. This cake is one of the easiest of my recipes. You can use any fruit you like: berries, apples, pears, peaches, etc. I wanted a pop of color and went with a mix of berries. If you are interested in the recipe, here it is.
I entered this photo in the contest.
Skillet cake
Ingredients
- 2 c all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 c granulated sugar
- 2 eggs yolks and whites separated
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ c vegetable or canola oil
- 1 c buttermilk or sour milk see note
- 1 cups to 2 of fruit I used strawberries and blackberries
Instructions
- Grease and flour the skillet. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients ( flour, baking powder, soda and salt ). Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- If using sour milk, place 1 tablespoon of white vinegar into a measuring cup and fill with milk to make 1 cup of liquid total. Stir few time and let sit.
- In a large mixing bowl of a stand mixer, mix egg yolks with granulated sugar, until pale and creamy on medium speed.
- Add vanilla and egg whites and mix well.
- Lower the speed to low and add the dry ingredients in three parts alternating with buttermilk.
- Mix well.
- Pour into prepared skillet. Bake the cake for 15 minutes. Do nut turn off the oven. Arrange the fruit on the partially baked cake. Return to the oven and bake until golden and the sides are browning, about 15 more minutes. Cool completely in the skillet.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve.
Nutrition
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Sandy @ Everyday Southwest says
Hi Anna! I know the contest is over but I just want to say how gorgeous your skillet cake is. I "liked" your photo and hope you win. Good luck!
CrunchyCreamySw says
Thank you so much, sweet Sandy! It means a lot...
2 Sisters 2 Cities says
I just bought my first cast-iron skillet after 10+ years of cooking...I could kick myself for waiting so long. I am in love with this pan! I made my first skillet chocolate chip cookie last week and I definitely want to try more baking recipes with it. This cake looks beautiful. I love your food photography as well...
-m
Kara says
I like vintage props and simplicity!
Lisa says
I don't have a personal favourite background in food photography, I like both light and darker backgrounds. I think each photo and photographer has their own personal and unique style. I like bokeh in my photos. It's all the photographer and editors personal style.
Now onto the goodies, I'm loving your skillet cake. It's definitely spring in a skillet! I need me a skillet like that. And I love Le Creuset too. This could be dangerous!
How do you rate the Plate to Pixel book? I've had my eye on it for some time. I need some books on food styling. I think mine lacks a lot but I don't have that many props due to storage being a big issue. I'm digging rustic and vintage props though.
And before I forget, I voted!! Have a sweet weekend, Anna.
Lisa says
Forgot to mention that I'm sure you know I'm in the UK. I realise it says US only but I do have a friend now living in the US that's willing to ship over anything I 'may' win so since it can be shipped to a US address on my behalf, I'm assuming that it's OK for me to enter? Fingers crossed on both parts. 🙂
gerryspeirs says
Congrats Anna!! I feel like I'm growing more toward the darker pictures too and realising not every picture has to be full blown bright...even if foodgawker and tastespotting say so 😉
CrunchyCreamySw says
Your pictures are amazing, Gerry! I am tired of "dull/too dark" from the "pretty sites" but I am going to stick to my style 🙂 Thanks so much!
Jen Laceda says
I love Helene's work and blog! Would love a copy of her photography book! Maybe it will help with my sub par skills! Your photography, on the other hand, is superb! I am voting and cheering you on for the Le Creuset contest!
CrunchyCreamySw says
Your photography and styling is amazing, Jen! I always swoon when visiting your blog. Thank you so much for voting, my friend! xoxo
Lynsey @ Lynsey Lous says
I like vintage props but I also love light, refreshing backgrounds
CrunchyCreamySw says
Love vintage props! Thanks, Lynsey!
Nancy says
Anna, you're one of my favourite bloggers. I love reading your words, drooling over everything you make and admiring your stunning photos. You've got the dark, moody thing down pat 😉 I have a Pinterest account but have no idea how to use it. I'll log on tonight and if i figure out how, I am definitely voting for you!
CrunchyCreamySw says
Sweet Nancy, you just made my day! I love having you here and your comments always make me smile 🙂 Thank you for your support! xoxo
AnnaZed says
I like the vintage props (old flour sifters and that kind of thing) it supports my cherished fantasy that I am re-living June Cleaver's life.
This photo of yours is beautiful by the way!
Name on Rafflecopter: Margot Core
annazed10 [at] yahoo [dot] com
CrunchyCreamySw says
Aww, thank you so much, Anna! And I am with you on the vintage props. Love!
Kate | Food Babbles says
I love dark, moody pictures yet I cannot produce them myself. I am always learning but have SO far to go! I'm always inspired by your photos and I will definitely be liking it and repinning it on Pinterest. Good luck!
CrunchyCreamySw says
Thank you so much, Kate! It means a lot! xo
Colette says
I love the idea of baking a cake in a skillet. It's so old fashioned cowboy style.
CrunchyCreamySw says
Cowboy style - I love it!! Thanks, Colette!
Minnie N Ibeauty says
Beautiful picture Anna! Love it. And I love the skillet cake too 🙂 - Minnie (thelady8home)
CrunchyCreamySw says
Thank you so much, Minnie!