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.
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.
Yellow cake baked in a skillet with berries - perfect dessert for Spring weekend!
- 2 c all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 c granulated sugar
- 2 eggs yolks and whites separated
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 c vegetable or canola oil
- 1 c buttermilk or sour milk see note
- 1 cups to 2 of fruit I used strawberries and blackberries
- 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 Tbsp 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.
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Sandy @ Everyday Southwest says
March 5, 2013 at 1:06 pmHi 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
March 6, 2013 at 1:11 pmThank you so much, sweet Sandy! It means a lot…
2 Sisters 2 Cities says
February 26, 2013 at 9:15 amI 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
Laura | Family Spice says
February 24, 2013 at 12:48 amI have been dabbling in the dark and moody shots, too. You’ve definitely mastered. Some of my shots are just… well… dark! Gorgeous!
Kara says
February 23, 2013 at 10:00 amI like vintage props and simplicity!
Lisa {Sweet 2 Eat Baking} says
February 22, 2013 at 6:30 pmI 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 {Sweet 2 Eat Baking} says
February 23, 2013 at 8:16 pmForgot 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
February 22, 2013 at 1:28 amCongrats 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
February 22, 2013 at 11:22 amYour 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
February 21, 2013 at 9:33 pmI 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
February 22, 2013 at 11:20 amYour 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
February 21, 2013 at 5:31 pmI like vintage props but I also love light, refreshing backgrounds
CrunchyCreamySw says
February 22, 2013 at 11:18 amLove vintage props! Thanks, Lynsey!
Nancy says
February 21, 2013 at 3:23 pmAnna, 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
February 21, 2013 at 3:54 pmSweet 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
February 21, 2013 at 3:14 pmI 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
February 21, 2013 at 3:55 pmAww, thank you so much, Anna! And I am with you on the vintage props. Love!
Kate | Food Babbles says
February 21, 2013 at 2:15 pmI 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
February 21, 2013 at 3:55 pmThank you so much, Kate! It means a lot! xo
Colette says
February 21, 2013 at 1:11 pmI love the idea of baking a cake in a skillet. It’s so old fashioned cowboy style.
CrunchyCreamySw says
February 21, 2013 at 3:56 pmCowboy style – I love it!! Thanks, Colette!
Minnie N Ibeauty says
February 21, 2013 at 12:40 pmBeautiful picture Anna! Love it. And I love the skillet cake too 🙂 – Minnie (thelady8home)
CrunchyCreamySw says
February 21, 2013 at 3:56 pmThank you so much, Minnie!
Holly says
February 21, 2013 at 10:09 amWhat a beautiful photo! I like the trend of overhead shots where you include some of the tablescape. (Like yours!!)
CrunchyCreamySw says
February 21, 2013 at 10:40 amThank you so much, Holly! This background is my the newest addition to my props and I love it. 🙂
Becky says
February 21, 2013 at 9:58 amI love the photo and voted for you! It gives me a feeling of being back in my grandmothers kitchen. The recipe reminds me of a clafoutis, a french dessert. I always forget your website isn’t supported by interent browser and wonder why I can’t find the comments or rafflecopter images – so I have to go to firefox or another browser.
CrunchyCreamySw says
February 21, 2013 at 10:42 amThat’s exactly the mood I was going for in this shot and I am thrilled that it brought memories for you, Becky! Thank you so much for your vote! As far as the browser, thank you for letting me know… I am going to look into this issue.. I am sorry for the inconvenience…
The Joy of Caking says
February 21, 2013 at 9:46 amTypically, my photos are light and bright, but I really love the photos with dark backgrounds. You photo is beautiful – love the skillet too!
CrunchyCreamySw says
February 22, 2013 at 11:10 amAwww, thank you so much!
cupcakekalechip says
February 21, 2013 at 9:43 amLovely photo! I like the fun, whimsical photos for cutesy cupcakes, but I tend to do more stark ones, and want to get better at the dark ones.
CrunchyCreamySw says
February 21, 2013 at 11:02 amThank you so much! I know it all depends on the food you photograph but fortunately chocolate goes well with dark tones 🙂
Michelle Kuhn says
February 21, 2013 at 9:09 amI want to learn how to use props- they are my downfall!
CrunchyCreamySw says
February 21, 2013 at 11:03 amThey can be tricky.. Thanks, Michelle!
Tammy Northrup says
February 20, 2013 at 11:34 pmI like the bakers twine and paper straws right now.
CrunchyCreamySw says
February 21, 2013 at 11:03 amLove paper straws too! Thanks, Tammy!
Jocelyn says
February 20, 2013 at 10:39 pmAwesome job on the pictures!!! This is such an awesome contest to be picked for. My fingers are crossed to do something like this sometime. And that book is one of my favorites to use for photography! Keep up the great work!!!!
CrunchyCreamySw says
February 21, 2013 at 11:04 amYay! Thank you so much, Jocelyn!
Rachel Cooks says
February 20, 2013 at 9:29 pmThat is a gorgeous, gorgeous photo! I love it!!!
CrunchyCreamySw says
February 21, 2013 at 11:04 amThank you thank you, sweet Rachel!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
February 20, 2013 at 8:48 pmBeautiful berry skillet cake! I can never pull off a skillet cake that wonderful 😉
CrunchyCreamySw says
February 21, 2013 at 11:04 amThank you so much, Kiran 🙂
Anne B says
February 20, 2013 at 7:56 pmOh…and that berry skillet cake….beautiful….and perfect to usher in spring! : )
CrunchyCreamySw says
February 21, 2013 at 11:05 amThank you, my sweet friend!
Amy Tong says
February 20, 2013 at 7:56 pmI love your dark moody style. I have a lot to learn in how to achieve that. I heard a lot of great things about plate to pixel and hope it’ll help it to improve my skills. I think I’m more into the vintage and nature kind of photography. 🙂 I voted (liked) for you on the Pinterest board. Best of luck in the contest.
CrunchyCreamySw says
February 21, 2013 at 11:06 amThank you so much for your vote, Amy!
Anne B says
February 20, 2013 at 7:56 pmOh my gosh, Anna. You know how I feel. You should be making a career with your photography! This beautiful photo is a shoe in to win! Going over to cast my vote! : )
CrunchyCreamySw says
February 21, 2013 at 11:07 amAwww, you are a sweetie! Thank you so much for voting and your comment, Anne! xoxo
Carol | a cup of mascarpone says
February 20, 2013 at 7:42 pmAnna, congratulations to you! Well deserved!!! What a beautiful cake you made to highlight the new le creuset skillet line!
CrunchyCreamySw says
February 21, 2013 at 11:07 amYay! Thank you so much, Carol!
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen says
February 20, 2013 at 4:52 pmYou take gorgeous pictures Anna! And that skillet cakes sounds wonderful. Good luck my friend!
CrunchyCreamySw says
February 21, 2013 at 11:07 amThank you so much, sweet Paula!
curryandcomfort says
February 20, 2013 at 4:05 pmAnna… this whole post is so cool!! You are an amazing photographer and I can definitely see your style. I love this skillet too… it’s amazing you are working with Le Creuset to get this cookware. I will definitely vote for you my friend. 🙂
CrunchyCreamySw says
February 20, 2013 at 4:50 pmThank you thank you!! xoxo
Tutti Dolci says
February 20, 2013 at 3:52 pmBeautiful cake, Anna! Love the color of the new Le Creuset. I also have the book and love it!
CrunchyCreamySw says
February 20, 2013 at 4:49 pmThank you so much, Laura!
Averie Cooks says
February 20, 2013 at 3:47 pmWhat an amazing opportunity! I would love to participate in something like this one day…wow. Bravo on this post and your work! Not entering this giveaway b/c I have the book…and it’s cherished and a must read for anyone!
CrunchyCreamySw says
February 20, 2013 at 4:44 pmThank you so much, Averie! That means a lot. And totally agree on the book – a must-read!
DearCreatives says
February 20, 2013 at 3:03 pmI love it all! But, if I have to pick I love vintage stylings.