Warm, lightly sweet, and buttery, this skillet bread is the kind of treat that makes the whole kitchen smell like home. It comes together fast with pantry staples and bakes up with a golden top and tender crumb. No yeast, no kneading, no fuss—just mix, pour, and bake.

It’s perfect for breakfast, a coffee break, or an easy dessert with fruit and cream. If you’re craving something simple and satisfying, this is your go-to recipe.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

• Quick and simple: No yeast or rise time. You can have warm bread on the table in under an hour.
• Soft and tender: The batter bakes into a moist, cake-like bread with crisp edges.
• One pan: Everything happens in a cast-iron skillet, from melting the butter to baking the bread.
• Flexible sweetness: It’s lightly sweet on its own and easy to dress up with spices, fruit, or glazes.
• Great warm or room temp: Enjoy it fresh from the oven or the next day with coffee.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: The base for structure and a tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread without making it heavy.
• Baking powder: Gives lift and a soft texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out flavor.
• Milk: Adds moisture; whole milk gives the best richness.
• Egg: Helps bind the batter and adds tenderness.
• Unsalted butter: For flavor and a crisp, golden edge.
• Vanilla extract: Warm, cozy aroma.
• Optional add-ins: Cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon zest, chocolate chips, or berries.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C).Place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet in the oven to heat while you prep.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until well combined.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk 1 cup milk, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until smooth.
4. Melt the butter: Carefully remove the hot skillet and add 6 tablespoons unsalted butter. Let it melt and swirl to coat the pan. Pour most of the melted butter into the wet mixture, leaving a thin layer in the skillet.
5. Make the batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined.The batter should be smooth but not overmixed. Fold in any add-ins now.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the buttered skillet. Smooth the top and, if you like, sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons sugar over the surface for a crackly crust.Bake 20–25 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool slightly: Let the bread rest for 10 minutes. Slice into wedges and serve warm with butter, honey, or jam.

Keeping It Fresh

• Room temperature: Store covered at room temp for up to 2 days. A cake dome or airtight container keeps it soft.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage (up to 5 days), wrap tightly and refrigerate.Warm slices briefly to refresh.
• Freezer: Freeze individual wedges wrapped in plastic and tucked in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp and reheat in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Budget-friendly: Uses ingredients you probably already have.
• Beginner-approved: No special skills or equipment needed.
• Fast comfort food: Satisfies a sweet tooth without a long baking project.
• Versatile: Works for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
• Customizable: Easily adapts to seasonal flavors and pantry add-ins.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until the flour disappears. Overmixing makes the bread tough.
• Skipping the hot skillet: Preheating the pan helps create crisp edges and even baking.
• Forgetting the butter swirl: Coating the skillet with melted butter prevents sticking and adds flavor.
• Baking too long: Check early.Overbaking dries out the crumb.
• Adding wet fruit without adjusting: If using very juicy fruit, pat it dry or reduce the quantity slightly to avoid soggy spots.

Recipe Variations

• Cinnamon Sugar Swirl: Mix 1/4 cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Pour half the batter into the skillet, sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar, add remaining batter, and top with the rest.
• Lemon Blueberry: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest and fold in 1 cup fresh blueberries tossed with 1 tablespoon flour.
• Maple Pecan: Replace 1/4 cup of the sugar with 1/4 cup maple syrup and fold in 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans.
• Chocolate Chip: Fold in 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips and a pinch of espresso powder.
• Brown Butter Honey: Brown the butter in the skillet before mixing, and whisk 2 tablespoons honey into the wet ingredients.
• Glazed Vanilla: Whisk 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons milk and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla. Drizzle over warm bread.

FAQ

Can I use a different pan if I don’t have cast iron?

Yes.

Use a 9-inch cake pan or a 9-inch pie dish. Grease it well, and preheat the pan in the oven for a few minutes to mimic the cast-iron effect.

Can I make this bread less sweet?

Absolutely. Reduce the sugar to 1/3 cup for a lightly sweet version.

It still bakes up tender and flavorful.

What type of milk works best?

Whole milk gives the richest texture, but 2% works fine. Non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk also works; choose an unsweetened variety.

How do I know when it’s done?

The top should be golden with set edges. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes.

Bake it a day in advance, cool completely, and store covered at room temperature. Warm slices in a low oven before serving.

Can I add fresh fruit?

Yes, but keep it to about 1 cup and pat juicy fruit dry. Toss with a spoonful of flour to help distribute it evenly in the batter.

How do I keep the center from sinking?

Measure ingredients accurately, don’t overmix, and make sure your baking powder is fresh.

Also avoid opening the oven early during baking.

Is this more like bread or cake?

It’s a sweet quick bread with a cake-like crumb—somewhere between cornbread and snack cake, with a soft interior and crisp edges.

Wrapping Up

This Easy Sweet Skillet Bread brings comfort with minimal effort. It’s ready fast, uses simple ingredients, and welcomes any twist you want to add. Keep the basics on hand and you’ll always have a warm, shareable treat in reach.

Slice it, spread it, and enjoy every cozy bite.