Name: Blueberry Skillet Cake with Rum Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Recipe for Blueberry Rum Skillet Cake; 3 cups flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup softened butter plus 4 tablespoons; 1/4 cup buttermilk or more; 1 teaspoon lemon extract or vanilla; 1 large egg beaten; 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries used frozen blotted dry; cinnamon sugar 2 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon mixed together.; freshly chopped pitted cherries; sliced apples; red raspberries; blackberries; boysenberries; peach slices; pear slices; apricots slices; Kid-Friendly Simple Syrup Recipe:; 1 cup water 1 cup sugar boil for 2 minutes together on the stovetop, add any extracts of choice or fresh-squeezed juice to flavor,; Garnish after the cake is baked; Rum Sauce; 1/2 cup butter; 1/4 cup water; 1 cup white sugar; Boil for 5 minutes, then stir in 1/4 cup white rum or dark rum

This scrumptious Blueberry Skillet Cake with Rum Sauce is a moist cake that mom would make all summer, during the height of the fruit season, and a favorite recipe using this delicious fresh fruit.

If you’re looking for a unique dessert that feels both rustic and elegant, this Blueberry Skillet Cake with Rum Sauce checks every box.

It’s the kind of old-fashioned treat that looks impressive straight from the oven yet comes together with simple pantry ingredients.

If you love skillet recipes, try my Strawberry Skillet Shortcake or my Chocolate Skillet Cookie two other great desserts baked in cast iron.

Also, here are two more favorite recipes with alcohol in them, we love Eggless Tiramisu
Hot Fudge Kahlua Sauce is divine!

Scroll down to print off this easily printable recipe.

this is a blueberry cake baked in a cast iron skillet topped with cinnamon and sugar and drizzled with rum sauce

Why You Will Love This Blueberry Skillet Cake

Bursting with juicy blueberries – Every bite is loaded with sweet, slightly tart blueberries that bake into soft, jammy pockets of flavor.
Made in one skillet – Baking in a cast-iron skillet gives the cake crisp, golden edges and a tender, buttery center—plus fewer dishes to wash.
Warm rum sauce takes it over the top – The rich, buttery rum sauce seeps into the cake, adding deep caramel notes and a luxurious finish.
Perfect balance of flavors – The brightness of the blueberries pairs beautifully with the warm, slightly spiced sweetness of the rum glaze.
Simple but impressive – It looks like a bakery-style dessert, yet it’s easy enough for weeknight baking.
Versatile for any occasion – Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for guests, or enjoy a slice with coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
Great year-round dessert – Use fresh blueberries in summer or frozen berries when they’re out of season—this cake works either way beautifully

this is a shortcake with blueberries and covered in rum sauce

Other Fruits To Use:

freshly chopped pitted cherries
sliced apples
red raspberries
blackberries
boysenberries
peach slices
pear slices
apricots slices

this is blueberry cake with rum in a cast iron skillet baked

Simple Syrup Substitute

Cakes stay moist using a simple syrup drizzled on the top. If you're not fond of using alcohol or simply can't have it due to health restrictions, then an extract substitute or even freshly squeezed juice.

To make this cake kid-friendly and non-alcoholic, just mix 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water together, bring to a boil for 2 minutes.

After the syrup is made, there are several extracts available, including rum-flavored, which you can add just around 1 teaspoon or more to taste.

Depending on the fruits you choose to use, adjust the flavoring to complement them.

The adult version is more of a buttery simple syrup with the addition of rum alcohol that can also be substituted for another flavored favorite liqueur to use in its place.

this is a skillet shortcake with blueberries and cinnamon sugar on top

What Makes Skillet Cakes Unique?

1. Superior Heat Retention Cast iron skillets hold and distribute heat evenly. This means: Beautifully golden, crisp edges Even baking from center to crust. A tender, moist interior. The steady heat creates that signature contrast between a slightly crisp exterior and soft, fluffy cake inside.
Naturally, Rustic Presentation Skillet cakes are served right from the pan. There’s no need for fancy decorating—just slice and serve. That rustic, farmhouse-style look makes them: Perfect for casual gatherings, Ideal for holiday tables, Charming for brunch or dessert. They feel homey yet impressive at the same time.
Built-In Flavor Boost Because the skillet stays hot, it encourages: Light caramelization around the edges, Better browning on the bottom, Enhanced buttery flavor. That slight caramel crust is something you don’t always get from standard cake pans.
Versatility Skillet cakes work beautifully for: Fruit cakes (like blueberry, peach, or apple), Upside-down cakes, Cornbread-style sweet cakes, Brownies, and cookie cakes. They transition effortlessly from breakfast-style bakes to decadent desserts.
One-Pan Convenience: Less transferring, fewer dishes, and no complicated assembly. You can: Mix and bake in the same pan (in some recipes), serve directly from the skillet, or keep the cake warm longer at the table
Old-Fashioned Heritage Skillet baking has roots in traditional Southern and farmhouse cooking, where cast iron was a kitchen staple. That nostalgic touch adds to their appeal—they feel comforting and timeless.

this is a buttery simple syrup poured over a blueberry shortcake

Other Liqueur To Use

Strawberries with Amaretto
Peach Schnapps with peaches
Apples and Cinnamon schnapps
Raspberries with Chambord
Apricots with Brandy
Pear with Flavored Vodka
For all non-alcohol use coordinating extracts

this is batter for making a blueberry skillet cake

Tips for Making

Always preheat the oven
Parchment paper is preferred for easy removal
Poke holes in the top evenly before pouring the syrup
Don't wait for the cake to cool; pour the syrup over the hot cake
Do not overmix the batter
The cake shouldn't be crumbly. If it looks dry, add more buttermilk
This cake gets stronger in alcohol flavor the next day

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More Recipes We Love

Blueberry Crumble Bars
Blueberry Flan
Blueberry Cake using a Cake Mix

Old Fashioned Recipes

I love old-fashioned, easy recipes like this Blueberry Skillet Cake.
It's fun to create new ideas using different fruits and always a fresh homemade dessert, so get busy making this your own creation.
The sky's the limit when it comes to combinations between fruits and liqueurs, and this basic, simple buttery syrup will taste great with whatever you choose.

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American

Yield: 8

Author: Claudia Lamascolo