Troubleshooting Skillet Cake: Tips for Perfect Cakes Every Time

[pamperedmomto3]

I really want to offer skillet cake as a recipe choice this fall, however, I've had issues with making the cakes. I've made 3 cakes and each time, the center of the cake sticks to the pan. Any suggestions?

 

[DebbieJ]

melt a little butter in there first.Are we talking about the Exec or Stainless skillet?

 

[ChefJWarren]

I saw it demoed at a party prior to becoming a consultant and the consultant had the same problem. It turned out the host purchased regular choco cake mix instead of Devil's Food cake mix. She said that causes it to stick. When I made it I used Devil's Food and it turned out fine.

 

[pamperedmomto3]

I do the butter and the devil's food and still having issues in the Executive 12".

 

[pckrissy]

Does it stick alot or a little? I have done this recipe many times, i always butter and use devils food cake...but never thought it was worth mentioning...but I did this recipe Sat and the middle thin layer is still on the skillet?? I guess I never really thought of it as sticking..the cake otherwise comes right out and the guests are usually amazed at that...the little bit on the skillet is never questioned...hmm...interesting...i wonder why it does that??

 

[jrstephens]

Do u let it sit in the pan very long? I did this once at home perfectly but when I got to my show it stuck. But I let it sit in the pan for about 20 minutes before I dumped it out b/c the show was late starting. The key is to not let it sit any longer than the recipe says!

It is not actually sticking when u cook it, it is sweating from sitting there too long and then sticks to it. Does that make sense?

 

[Shawnna]

I always have a slight sticking problem in the center of the skillet. I run a scraper around the edge...to show how it isn't sticking...and then a little ways toward the middle. You don't lose any cake...at least I don't...it is more like a thin skin.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Jennifer is right. If you let it cool too long in the skillet it will stick.

I've been doing skillet cakes since I started (even used a Gen II pan at first!)- and the only time a cake has ever stuck has been when I've left it in the skillet for too long.