How to translate a baking recipe for box mixes for cast iron skillets?

Question

I recently purchased a skillet at the advice of a trusted friend. I have seen a number recipes for a lot of foods including baked goods. But, the recipes are all "from scratch". Now, I realize that this is probably the best way to go. But, I saw recipes for making chocolate chip cookies and brownies in a skillet in the oven (in Dorie Greenspan's cookie book). I have some box mixes at home.

How can I modify the baking instructions for the box mixes for use in a cast iron skillet? Are there general guidelines for this?

The only thing I could find after searching online was on the Jiffy Mix pages for using their various box mixes in a cast iron skillet.

Paulb · Accepted Answer

I follow the directions on the package, with one modification: when preheating the oven, I preheat the skillet in there as well.

I add the batter or dough to the warm skillet then bake. I use the baking time on the box as a reference, but monitor by eye toward the end. It usually is done within -5 to +3 minute range as listed on the box.

I've done this with Jiffy corn bread, cake mixes, brownie mixes, etc. Usually very good result. Sometimes the bottom crust is thicker, but the kids liked that. I've never had anything come out as a complete disaster.

Oh.. I also spray the pan with non-stick just before pouring the batter.

Caleb · Answer

Make batter/dough as usual, put in skillet.
Preheat oven to recommend temperature for other pans.
If the item is thicker than it would be in the recommended pan, cook longer, if it's thinner, cook less.

There is no universal answer here. It will vary depending on what your baking, how big your skillet is, how big the other pan you are used to using is, etc. You'll just need to eyeball it and or use a "doneness test", such as sticking a toothpick in brownies/cake and pulling it out without cake on it.

Gene Prudhon · Answer

Consider the retained heat of cast iron when deciding when to pull it from the oven. Many recipes call for a 5 minute rest before removing from baking sheet to allow the items to finish cooking from internal temperature and to cool. The cast iron will increase the time of continued cooking out of the oven.

Answered by Gene Prudhon on July 22, 2021

How to translate a baking recipe for box mixes for cast iron skillets?

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