How does one successfully bake in cast iron skillets, pans, or other dishes? I’ve learned a lot on this topic through trial and error. I’d like to share 5 tips for baking in cast iron with you today!
Many mistakes have been made along my cast iron journey, so I’ve shared them all here: Cast Iron Mistakes to Avoid, as well as Cast Iron Cooking Tips, Properly Storing Cast Iron, and The Dos & Don’ts of Cleaning Cast Iron. Hopefully my mistakes can help you gain success as you cook with these old fashioned pans!
Cast iron skillets are an old fashioned kitchen tool, but more and more people seem to be reverting back to it. This metal is my preference for cooking and baking on because it is much healthier for the food my family eats to be on. Continue reading to discover 5 tips for successfully baking in cast iron. I’ve even listed more cast iron resources at the very end of this post.
Tips for Baking in Cast Iron
1. Use a pastry brush to grease the cast iron pan
Most baking recipes begin by instructing you to grease the baking pan in some form of oil or butter. This step is even more crucial in baking with cast iron.
The non-stick aspect of cast iron relies on a built-up coating (also called seasoning) of oil. Adding another coating of oil (I suggest coconut) before baking ensures that there is plenty of seasoning ready for use!
I suggest using a pastry brush — preferably silicone — to do this step when working with cast iron. The brush aids in getting an even coating on all the surface areas and edges of the pan.
2. Coat the cast iron pan with flour
For extra insurance, you can add a layer of flour to the pan after coating it with oil. This isn’t absolutely necessary, but it can aid the baked goods in releasing from the pan with ease.
To get the perfect amount, sprinkle in a light coating, then turn the pan all the way around over the sink, coating each side. Finally, hold it upside down and gently tap it a few times to get rid of excess flour.
3. Shorten baking times
There’s already a lot of variability when it comes to baking times. Pan shape, size, and condition can all affect how long it takes for your item to bake — not to mention, your oven’s true temperature. Using a cast iron pan adds another wild card, often shortening the time required in the oven.
I suggest checking on them a few minutes before you think they should be done. It’s worth noting too that unlike clear glass baking pans, you can’t peek at the bottom of your baked good with cast iron.
It may take a couple of tries to figure out the time and temperature.
4. Use a butter knife for easy removal from the cast iron pan
I like to run a butter knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the baked good from the walls. This ensures that the product doesn’t adhere to the sides of the pan as it cools
5. Preheat your cast iron pan
When baking with stainless steel or ceramic, you probably don’t consider preheating the pans before adding your batter, but this is a crucial step for baking in cast iron!
Preheat the pan for 10 minutes before adding the batter. This activates the seasoning and makes the entire pan one even temperature for baking in.
Note: If you prefer a crispy crust for something like Cast Iron Pizza, preheat the cast iron bakeware before adding the dough or batter. If you prefer a lighter, more delicate crust, add your batter straight to the cool pan.
More on Cast Iron
- Properly Storing Cast Iron
- The Health Benefits of Cooking with Cast Iron
- Maintaining Cast Iron Seasoning
- Cast Iron Sourdough Brownie Recipe
- Cast Iron Pizza
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