Skillet Cranberry Buckle

Oh, cranberries. I do love baking with them, but I don’t like their short season of availability. Of course, that scarcity is likely part of their appeal. That’s some kind of mind game, isn’t it? Regardless, I think it’s really more about that wonderful tart flavor.

Anyway, after weeks of supermarket stalking, I was so excited when I saw fresh cranberries available that I bought far too many and started mapping out my cranberry baking spree.

One of the first things I wanted to make was this simple Cranberry Buckle. If you aren’t familiar with a buckle, it’s essentially a delicate cake that “buckles” under the weight of fruit on top.

It’s really quite a versatile cake. It fits right in on your brunch table, pairs perfectly with your afternoon tea or coffee, and serves as a fine dessert, too.

I topped off this cake with just a bit of crumb topping. While I absolutely adore crumb toppings, I opted to go a bit lean with it here. There’s just enough to add a little extra flavor and texture. If you want more crumb, you can easily double the topping recipe.

If you don’t want to go the skillet route, you can certainly make this beauty in a baking pan. I’d recommend a 10-inch round or a 9-inch square pan to keep the thickness of the cake about the same.

I am really just so enamored with this cake. Those cranberries are just beautiful, and that sprinkling of confectioners’ sugar on top just makes me giddy. Most importantly, of course, is the fact that it’s wonderfully delicate and delicious. Make this one before cranberry season passes us by!

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Skillet Cranberry Buckle

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Prep Time 25 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

This Skillet Cranberry Buckle is a lovely cake versatile enough to go from breakfast to brunch and even dessert!

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Ingredients

For the buckle:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup cranberries

For the topping:

• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
• pinch salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened and cut into small cubes
• confectioners’ sugar, for garnish

Instructions

1. Place butter in a 10-inch cast iron skillet. Melt over medium-low heat. Then, remove from heat and transfer butter to a large mixing bowl to cool.
2. Preheat oven to 350°.
3. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
4. Stir together melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla, mixing until combined. Add the flour mixture in 3 portions, alternating with 2 portions of milk. Mix just until combined.
5. Transfer batter to skillet. Scatter cranberries over the top of the batter, leaving about a 1-inch margin around the edges.
6. To make the topping, combine brown sugar, flour, almonds, and salt in a small bowl. Add butter and mix with a fork or your hands until crumbs form. Sprinkle crumbs over batter.
7. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned and a pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool 10 minutes before serving.
9. If desired, sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar when serving.

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