Sometimes I am a destroyer of myself. It’s the strangest thing… aren’t we designed to self-preserve? It feels like the most bonkers counter-intuitive part of me. My destroyer-self has tendencies. Tendencies are so annoying. Tendencies like, oh… I dunno… drinking way too much wine under stress or duress. Tendencies like… telling lies that need not be told. Tendencies like… believing the demon inside… the ones that say that I’m never ever good enough so why even try.
Gosh these tendencies. Dang them! They’re tough. They travel in packs in me and I end up in a cycle where I’m not doing myself, or anyone around me any good at all.
Is this too real? Is this just me? It can’t be. I can’t be the only destroyer.
Thank goodness there are tools. My tools of prevention include: brunch with a best friend, a super honest conversation with a stranger (taxi drivers are wonderful for this), words on the Lord, and the sharing of a cookie cake.
Let kindness prevail inside and out.
This cake has a secret talent I have yet to tell you about.
We already know it’s a Cookie Cake… which is probably just a thing that I made up. A delicious delicious thing.
What’s secretly amazing about this cake is that it’s made in one bowl… and by bowl I mean cast iron skillet. It all goes in, gets stirred around, baked, and boom boom pow IT’S DONE!
Butter is melted and whisked with brown sugar. This part of the process can get a little funky, chunky and greasy.
It’s amazing what whisking in an egg will do to bind everything together.
After the addition of the egg, whisk in mashed banana and cinnamon.
This is going to be a banana bread, cake, and chocolate chip cookie SMASHBANG!
We’ll need some flour too. In the pan! Yep! Just stir it up!
The good stuff: chocolate and walnuts.
If your instincts tell you to add a splash of bourbon… yes!
Just before baking the batter is glossy sweet. Smooth it out and bake it away.
Golden brown delicious!
I like this cake best served slightly warm and slightly underdone. Ohh yes good.
This dessert! It’s a bizarre and magical combination of cake and cookies. The brown sugar and chocolate chips scream chocolate chip cookies, the tender crumb is somewhere in between cake and banana bread. The bananas add extra moisture and the nuts and an earthy crunch. This dish is best served fresh out of the oven, in big scoops with ice cream. Coffee ice cream is totally the move!
Will this recipe work without a cast iron skillet? Yes! This recipe can be baked in a greased 8×8-inch square pan. You’ll just need a pan to melt the butter in, and a medium bowl to bring together the ingredients. Pour ingredients into your prepared pan and bake! Simple as that… just requires a few more dishes.
Make and share. Make and share.
Banana, Walnut & Chocolate Cookie Cake
makes 1 8-inch cookie cake
inspired by Tasty Kitchen
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 ripe banana (mashed)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup dark chocolate chunks
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
Place a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Melt butter in an 8-inch cast iron skillet over medium-low heat. Stir in sugar and vanilla extract and remove from heat. Whisk until thoroughly combined. Allow mixture to stand and cool for about 5 minutes. The mixture should not be super hot when the eggs goes in, or the egg will cook.
When the sugar and butter mixture has cooled slightly it will look a bit clumpy, greasy, and broken. That’s ok. The egg will bring it all together.
Add the egg and whisk together until smooth. The mixture will be glossy and no longer greasy. Add banana and cinnamon and stir to combine.
Add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir carefully until all of the dry ingredients are incorporated. Add the chocolate and walnuts and fold together.
Spread mixture across the pan creating a somewhat smooth top. Place in the oven.
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until mixture is dry on top, but still slightly soft in the center. I like to slightly under-bake this cake.
Remove from oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes. Top with ice cream and serve warm… with lots of spoons. I like this dish served immediately, but it will last two days, well wrapped, at room temperature.
adeline
Fantastic recipe. It’s in the oven right now!
Amanda Z
Was craving something sweet, quick, and easy the other day. Google put this on the list of options, I had everything (almost), so I made it. Subbed almonds for the walnuts. It’s a huge hit in this household!
Audrey
SO, so, so good. Everyone I have made it for is constantly asking for me to make it again. Highly recommend this to anyone who hasn’t made it yet!
Lou
Oh my goodness this looks so delicious I am going to bake it for my boyfriend who turns 30 this weekend : ) X
irush
Oh my god! It looks so good! Serious giant cookie heaven!
Piper
I’m loving the combination of dishes pictured in your photos in ADDITION to the great recipe. I also have Lenox Rutledge, and I like you using it for any every day dessert. I’m going to try this soon.
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious
Holy skillet pants…I could go for a scoop o’ this!!
Ryan
Just made this and put it in the oven but lightened it up a bit (parents are on a diet), hopefully will turn out well even though there’s less butter :P Will have to try the original recipe soon as I’m sure it’s far better, but! I did add some rum to this so hopefully that will balance things out a bit ;)
Barbara
HI! I know I’m a little late to the game but here goes. Just made this. It is definitely yum!! I had to use a sqaure 8 x 8. None of my cast iron pans were the right size! Too big, too little….. I ended up having to bake for about 15 minutes longer than quoted time. My oven is fairly accurate so I’m not sure why it took so long to cook. I had a good size banana that was very ripe, as in it would have been considered compost a few days ago if not for baking. The only thing I can attribute the long baking to is the moistness of the banana. Any thoughts??
PS Have enjoyed We’re about to be Friends.
Vrinda Modi
Can I substitute the egg with anything else ?
Yara
*Gotta use my Rapunzel pan yes!
Thank you for inspiring me to make dessert tonight, this cookie/cake looks to die for! ……on my way to singing that movie song “when will my life begin…..” (I think ^_^)
Barbara Hudson
It looks good but definitely not a healthy recipe. You would have to eliminate the sugar and white all purpose flour. Have you ever tried spelt flour? Or stevia or agave nectar for the sugar? I still enjoy your blog.
joythebaker
generally speaking, this is not a health blog.
Sweet-lab
Simply amazing…from a self-destroyer to another.
Catalina
Joy! I made this this morning and added about one tablespoon of home made honey roasted peanut butter and also some peanut butter chips… Oh so good!!!
marija
ok made this too. I am officially a huge fan of yours. I don’t bake, ever, but have been on a bake bender for about two months now, since discoverring ur blog, it might be permanent who knows…anyway this is delish, boyfriend loves it. added only 1/2 c of sugar, no walnuts, instead hazelnuts and macadamia nuts and a spoonful of almond butter, just because. it’s honestly really nice! oh and have no ice cream so having it with just a cup of milky earl grey. right now. thank you Joy x
Asma
Hi, can I use normal white sugar instead of brown sugar?
Aly
Soooo good. I don’t usually comment on recipes but this cookie cake turned out awesome. I will be adding it to my baking rotation! Thank you!! :)
Carole
This is incredibly delicious! I made it yesterday evening and it was probably the fastest cake I ever made. So quick and easy! I was actually glad to get out of bed this morning and treat myself to a slice for breakfast :-)
Kimberly
This is absolutely delicious! I have made it twice. The first time I omitted the walnuts since my husband doesn’t like them. The second time I used mini chocolate chips and added peanut butter chips instead of walnuts. Both were fantastic!
Molly
If I don’t have a cast iron skillet (this is yet another reason I need one!!) can I use a normal glass baking pan? I hope so because this looks absolutely scrumptious.
David Pratt
Anything like this that you can do in a skillet can be done on a gas grill- perfect for when it’s too damned hot out to fire up the oven.
I out the skillet on the middle burner – which I left off – and turned on the two outside burners. I rotated the skillet every five minutes or so., to make sure it cooked evenly.
The only thing I found was that it took a LOT longer to cook this way. After fifteen minutes, the cake tester came out clean, but when I tried to flip the cake onto the wire rack (after letting it rest in the skillet for 15 minutes or so) it was still raw in the center and fell apart. Not to be dissuaded, I put it on a cookie sheet and put it BACK on the grill for another. 15 minutes.
It ended up more brownie-like, but that’s ok, it’s still quite.good. What’s really diabolical about cooking this in a round skillet is that EVERY piece has “edges”!
waleska
Me encanto la receta. La haré pronto sin falta…
mila
Enhorabuena !! I´ts beautiful . soooo adorable. I will try it at home !! De verdad me ha encantado . love it
kazbi
LOVE IT!!!!
Christina @ Oven Adventures
it looked and sounded fabulous but the coffee ice cream pushed it into drool inducing territory.
btw I just started listening to your podcasts a couple weeks ago and now i actually look forward to working on saturdays so i can sit and listen to Joy the Baker and Shutterbean.
Jodi
I HAVE A BANANA ON MY COUNTER RIGHT NOW CALLING OUT TO BE MADE INTO THIS COOKIE CAKE. THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU :)
EL OSO CON BOTAS
I looks really luscious, crunchy and flavory
Giulia
It’s one of the best cake I’ve ever made. Thank you Joy from Italy! :)
Cookie and Kate
Holy sh*t, Joy, this is a genius concept. Absolutely cannot wait to try it… if I had the ingredients and a friend to help me demolish it, I’d stay in on this Saturday night and make it.
Kate
I tried to make this for a party, but made the mistake of sampling it ahead of time and now it’s half gone…whoops! It’s my new favorite thing in the world.
Luu
This looks soo damn delicious! <3 I love these kind of cake…. I often bake brownies or blondies which look similar like your cookie cake :)
Jeanine
Yes! Thank you for this idea, thank you for the realness. :)
I’ve been working on not listening to that destroyer in my mind so often. Trying to tune into the self-love instead.
I’m going to have to try the cookie cake at a moment when I need to self-indulgence turned up. Yeah!
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles
Ohhhhhhh my….this has my name written all over it. Can’t wait to try it!!
Seanna Lea
Cookie cakes are a thing. Definitely a thing. One of my finest cakes for my friends was two cookies baked in 9 inch cake pans and then layered with a chocolate whoopie pie filling.
It was amazing. I opened the carrier every few minutes to let the scent waft over us. I’ll have to try this one, because cookie cakes are still a thing!
Melissa
I made this cake tonight and it was wonderful! It’s the perfect blend of cake, cookie and pie. Plus I love baking sweets in cast iron.
Sam Ana
Wow! this is ALMOST to much! I loovveee it!!!
suzanne
oh no, I see some extra treadmill time in my future working this cookie cake off…it combines my guy’s two favorite things! Quick question- if one was not a fan of banana what should you substitute it with? Thanks!! *xo*
kelly (@kelly_bakes)
i’m so glad you posted this. i get a little mohammed ali sometimes, beating myself up over really silly things, so it’s nice to know i’m not the only one. and i’ve been in a funk, so this post was a good reminder that it’s just that–a funk. not forever, just temporary.
my list of rebuilding, undestroyer tactics includes:
-chocolate. any form.
-getting my hands covered in some sort of trinity of flour butter and sugar, even if the finished product is a flop. nothing says therapy like kneading or stirring.
-teasing my hair and throwing an 80’s dance party in my kitchen [see twitter glamour shots reference]
-snuggling fat orange cats named after italian cheeses
-belting out a bit of Hillsong [realizing that my eensy weensy problems are no match for the Big Guy who created the universe is always awesomely humbling]
-forcing myself to go for a walk
-a big old dose of pigeon pose
again, thanks for posting. thanks for the great talk at #BSP3 and for sharing your marshmallow nutella shortbread deliciousness with us. you’re a gem. head up.
MJ
Awww shoot – you done did it now!
Luna
Wow. Just wow. I made this tonight – the only changes were 1 C AP flour and 1 C whole wheat pastry flour, a little less sugar (whatever was left in the bag, which was just shy of a cup), chocolate chips instead of chunks, and pecans instead of walnuts because my husband loves pecans – and it was amazing. I did about 20 minutes instead of 15 and then let it sit while we ate dinner, and it was fabulously gooey.
I forgot when I was listing the Joy’s Hits List in the tomato cobbler recipe that the French Onion Soup Sandwiches were our introduction to your blog and they immediately went on the Favorites list. And, well, now there’s a Joy’s Hits List at our house.
I’m trying to figure out my faith and spirituality and I was recently reading a book called How to Pray Without Talking to God, and the thing that stuck with me was a rewritten version of the Lord’s Prayer that included the line, “I forgive myself my shortcomings as I forgive others.” That has become a mantra for me because it’s far easier for me to forgive others than myself. Glad to know I’m not alone.
Run Fast Travel Slow
This cake sounds awesome… and adding the coffee ice cream? Masterful. I like the idea of a skillet cake too.
Kat
THIS is the most perfect thing I’ve ever seen. My favorite combo EVER. Thank you for this recipe! Will definitely be trying it out soon! (:
Sarah van Loon
I almost cried at work – that’s how perfect this dessert is. I’m already planning on how to rearrange my evening so that this can be made. Yes.
Thank you, Joy!!
Elise @yumfoodiefoodie.com
thanks for the super awesome recipe joy!
I made it for my dad’s birthday celebration last night! I used a 12″ cast iron skillet, so i did 1 1/2 times the recipe. It made the bake-time a bit harder to guess… but it came out just fine! (took about 35 minutes give or take). Everyone loved it!
Whitney (Rediscovering Martha)
I call my demons the “committee” and they are fierce. I’m sorry you have them too, but hearing someone as accomplished as you also has them makes me feel less alone. Thank you for being honest and sharing this with your readers – it’s one of the reasons I love your blog so much!
what katie's baking
i love your honesty! of course it happens to everyone, you’re just the first to admit it.
wonderful post and DELICIOUS recipe!
Meredith
yep. I’m a destroyer too. Why do we believe the lies?! My tools of prevention today were your brown sugar sugar cookies, a sermon in a Scottish accent, a trip to Trader Joe’s, and a burger & a brew with my roommate. believing less of the lies and more of the truth. always a good move. :)
Frances @ The Foodess Files
The most dangerous thing in the world is a recipe I don’tneed to leave the house to buy any ingredients for…
Kristen
So true…avoiding the kitchen until I can get a run in :-)
Catalina
I’m so going to make this.. Probably today or this coming week!! You’re a genious!! Much love from
Chile!
Amix
Oh man, that demon inside telling you you’re not good enough so don’t bother.. I keep battling that one.. it’s not easy :S But that cookie cake on the other hand *is” easy and it is necessary! Thank you Joy for not just a recipe but for making me realise I’m not the only one with that dang demon. xx
Michele
I made this for dessert tonight for my mother and father in law. Thanks for the fab recipe that helped me to keep up the illusion that I am some kind of pro in the kitchen. :)
mbb
do you think you could sub pumpkin for the banana? or some other pureed fruit? orrrr applesauce?
joythebaker
hm… i think pumpkin would be great!
CulinarilyCourtney
Words on the Lord. Yes, yes. I love when snippets of faith slip into your posts. Give me the Bible and a big slice of this cake and I’ll be just fine :)
Andra
Stunning! Delicious! Mind-blowing!
This is the most serious reason to shop for a cast iron skillet, as I don’t even think of baking it in other way, is just perfect as it is!
You’re such an inspiration for me! :)
Love,
Andra
Julie Sentner
I made this today. Oh. My. Word.
It was dinner, and I’m not ashamed.
cheyenne
delicious!
xo, cheyenne
Alfie
YUM. I want to destroy this. With my face.
magpiecalling
This looks delicious, Joy!
I have two questions:
Do you recommend beating the egg before stirring it into the pan, or is it okay to crack it straight into the pan?
What do you think about toasting the walnuts first? Nothing makes me happier than the smell of walnuts toasting in my oven.
I also get the destroying tendencies. There are monsters in all of us, but they’re there to tame and befriend, as well as to destroy. <3
joythebaker
As long as the sugar and butter mixture isn’t very hot, you can just crack the egg directly into the pan. I didn’t toast my walnuts first… but you certainly can! That sounds absolutely delicious! Big love to you!
magpiecalling
Thanks, Joy! Looking forward to making this. I think toasted walnuts and a splash of my favourite spiced whiskey (Revelstoke–it smells like a vanilla bottle!) will be just the ticket. Almost makes me look forward to cool fall mornings.
Holly
Ok. You’ve convinced me. I’m buying a cast iron skillet this week.
I’m always a destroyer. You’re not the only one. :)
Terri Lea
You had me until walnuts. :-P
Melissa
We need things like cookie-cake to temper our tendencies.
katie
Thanks for keepin it real, Joy.
Made this a couple days ago- it lasted one night. Fabulous. I did up the baking time (and eventually the oven temp) to cook mine through more & I omitted the walnuts (poo on dad’s allergies!). So good!!!
Susan Butler
Your thoughts surrendered to those that share the same demons and feelings are comforting. There are people like me that see your incredible photography and admire your culinary gifts and talents which are abundant, and feel awe. You inspire on many levels. I think it is when we don’t have that destroyer mentality that we have to worry!! Loved it, the words, the pictures, the recipe. Inspiring and comforting all hand in hand.
Melanie
Hi Joy! I have made and enjoyed MANY of your recipes. Sometimes I find a beautifully photographed recipe posted only to discover that it has bananas as an ingredient! You see, I have bananaphobia. I have not eaten a banana in 28 years … since I was 2. I hope one day to be able to overcome my fear and eat a banana but until then, do you have a suggestion for a banana replacement?
Rebekah Schumacher
Today was totally a destroyer day. I was all down on myself about a stressful day at work, and I decided to read a blog to take my mind off of it all. Not only did you post a delicious recipe (I’m nutty for nuts!), but you also said exactly what I was feeling today when I couldn’t quite define it myself.
Thanks for sharing, Joy!
Megan
Don’t worry about being a destroyer of one’s self. You are not alone. I think (hope!) it’s human nature!! Now I must make this recipe now to make myself feel ok! haha Thanks for sharing!
Ann P.
Banana and chocolate always go well together in my book, but in a COOKIE with WALNUTS!? and one that you can slice like a pizookie? Pretty dang awesome.
Katie
Totally relatable post, as always. The kids and I are waiting for two of these bad boys to bake. (We may or may not have forgotten the baking soda in one ). Anywho, just how underdone was your shining example? Seems after a half hour, ours are still just shy of sensibly underdone.
April
It felt like you were talking right to me and not just because “cookie cake” might now be my favorite phrase. I share similar tendencies. You reminded me that putting good (and/or yummy) back into the world can go a long way to right the topsy-turvy things. Now I’d like to remind you that you rock.
Bethany
Wow. This recipe combines two of my favorite things: chocolate chip cookies + cast iron skillet. Also, I know what you mean about being a “destroyer” sometimes. ugh. But even though I don’t really know you, reading your words is an encouragement to me! thanks! And just fyi: my twins and I made your vegan pumpkin pecan bread today and loved it, so thanks for that too!
laura k
Wowza, this is amazing. Your culinary creativity is so inspiring and fun. I always appreciate seeing what you’re going to put together.
And you are so not alone in swinging through those destroyer patches. Sometimes we can be so unkind to ourselves, in ways we would NEVER be to another person. Why do we do it? It’s nutso. I really appreciate hearing how other people give themselves love and care to pull themselves up out of the blech stuff. More cookie cakes and brunches with friends!
Jessica L.
Oh Joy. I love you. This looks to-die-for, but I love it when you real talk us. You’re not alone with the self destruction, so don’t beat yourself up too hard for it!
Carla @ Gluten Free Recipe Box
I love that this recipe is all in one pan. What an easy clean up! It’s like a huge Pizookie from BJ’s Restaurant, but a cake instead of a cookie! Absolutely love it! I make gluten-free pizookies (cookies) topped with ice cream, but I’ll have to give this a try with gluten-free AP flour. Thanks so much! My husband will die for this one!
RavieNomNoms
Wow this is just gorgeous!! I mean wow….I love that it is in the cast iron skillet too. So creative.
Alicia @ energEAT
Just put this in the oven! Oh how long these 15 minutes are…can’t wait to dig right in :)
Claire Maxwell
I can one hundred percent relate to that. What I do to destroy myself, is isolate myself. I’m naturally an extrovert, and so the worst thing I can do it sit alone dwelling on my woes, yet that’s what I do. Every time I’m stressed or sad.
I get you! And this cookie/cake will make everything that bit better.
Loved the latest podcast. I like it when you guys get real.
KelseyB
Yay! This is right up my alley. And by chance I already had all of the ingredients.
But here is what I did:
– dropped the cinnamon
– halved the chocolate chips (so 1/2 cup)
– then before putting it in the oven, sprinkled 1/2 cup of homemade toffee over the top.
Sooo good. Thanks Joy!
An Congrats on your book!
Laura
My destroyer got the best of me and a bottle of wine last night. Why? Why? Why? Do I do that to myself. So, yes, you are not alone. I think we’re all in the same boat. Someone once asked me if I would talk to my best friend the same way I beat myself up about stuff . . . um, no . . . . so why do we do it then?
I don’t know, but this banana cookie skillet thing appears to be the solution, so thank you. Also, love the use of boom, boom pow in your post.
joythebaker
ah! you are speaking to my heart with this comment!
Julia {The Roasted Root}
I think most people can relate to the demon inside taking over and destroying what you’ve been trying so hard to work toward. It is tough. And no fun. I like that you brought a very human characteristic to your post…with an absolutely delicious recipe!
Lisa
This cookie cake looks like pure love!
Kris
What the?!? This looks fantastic. I’ve been dreaming of making a cake/bread in my cast iron skillet. PS. You are not the only destroyer.
Elise
This seems soo delicious. I have a pan like that but I’m not sure if it will fit in my oven :( Can you also make the recipe in a pan first and then pour it in a cake shape (sorry for my bad English!)
Crazy_Athens
Hey! Don’t be hard on yourself! That’s what my friends are telling me when I tell them tales like this one (the ways I destroy myself). You’ve risen out from this tremendously huge space that’s the internet! This alone is so big to balance out any misstep! One the other side it’s always heart warming when someone successful admits that, well he/she is not perfect. We all are and we’re more beautiful for it! Greetings from Athens (Greece)
Lori @ RecipeGirl
Dude. This looks amazing. It would create problems for me… as in “I’ll eat it all!”
Jamie @ green beans & grapefruit
Totally, Joy. Don’t we all have those moments? Cookie cake in our face!
anna
girrrrl! you have achieved so much! if you are feeling bad, then what am i supposed to feel like, huh? i ask you. but will you count me in on this cookie cake please? mmmmmm.
Lisette
I have been on the road for the last month and have been itching to get home and cook! This is on the list–right behind the tomato cobbler. And laundry. Btw- Love your writing. You are not the only one. I was having some “tendencies” just before reading your post. I am so glad you are brave enough to share.
Lissi
This looks just up my alley! Oh, how good! (And, may I ask, where did you get those perfect little rectangle chocolate chunks?)
Nina
plato says it best: be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.
keep going! i felt a bit off lately…maybe it’s global :) let’s make the cake a global effect too!
Alexa
Girl you are so not alone. I was all about some loud sobbing, crying my eyeliner all over my face, curling up in a heap on the floor today because of these demons. It happens, but remember- you are still here for a POSITIVE reason, otherwise God would not have put you here.
As soon as my freaking bananas get a little more ripe, I am going to jump into this thing. And I might even share ;)
Alicia Taylor
Oh man, I love not having to get a bunch of dishes dirty when making dessert. Also, good call on the coffee ice cream. And the bourbon. So adult.
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie
Any reason to bake a cookie in a cast iron skillet is a good one. In fact, I think it should be the primary purpose of a cast iron. Also, I love this comment form, cute!
Emily
Ah, thank you so much for including the instructions for baking this without a cast iron skillet. I have yet to buy one of those, and I’m never quite sure how to work around that problem with recipes like this. It looks absolutely delicious! Boom boom pow!
Jenny
joy, i love your words and your honesty. we may never completely banish our crazy destructive tendencies, but cast iron skillet cookie cake is always right. i love this recipe and your pictures are beautiful!
Spencer
Looks like a delicious recipe! I would so love to try some of that cake. I love banana and I love walnuts so I know it would be a real winner for me!
Ellen
Good golly gosh, there is nothing like a banana toake a dessert feel homey and wholesome. Looks like an excellent way to shut up the self-sabotage thoughts…
cyndi
I promise you are not the only destroyer out there! I fit the description down to the “believing the demon inside” and drinking too much when stressed/happy/whatever. I’ve dubbed August the month of getting healthier (my stupid clothes are getting WAY too tight) but seeing this recipe is making me think I can use it as a tool to ward off those silly demons :-)
Shut Up & Cook
Ah, the monsters inside. My mother used to call them Golly-Wobbles when we were kids…somehow that made them seems less scary.
This looks out of this world good. I see this as dessert at wine club…I mean book club…coming up!
Abby
JOY I LOVE THIS RECIPE. lovelovelove. the end haha
Tracy
holy toledo yum! Love you Joy!!
Iris
Only have one cast iron skillet and it’s 12 inches. Will this work out ok?
joythebaker
sure! the cookie will just be thinner.
Jessica @ People Like Food
My thighs will not be happy about this recipe – looks out-of-this-world amazing!
Badger Merritt
Love it. Now I’m gonna dive in and convert it to gluten-free. I’m thinking half GF flour blend, half almond flour, and some flaxseed meal. Anybody else have ideas?
Chris
What you have in mind will work but it will probably be a bit more on the dense side. For 2 cups of flour, my sub ratio might be 2/3 cup sorghum flour, 2/3 cup almond flour, 1/3 cup tapioca starch, and then I’d mix up that last 1/3 cup with flax seed meal….. I fear the “weight” of the final product will be pretty heavy if you use nearly half as almond flour AND add the flax seed meal. I wish I could help you out with the premixed gf flour but I know nothing about them. I once read that you can safely sub in 1/4 cup of flax seed meal for regular flour so you’ll probably be OK if you keep it at that 1/3 cup or just under! The trick for subbing is the total weight, not the total measurement. Find out what a cup of regular flour weighs, then sub in using that number. I should do that…..but I’m still too lazy! And, for what it’s worth, I wouldn’t bother with using xanthan gum in a recipe like this. No need for any kind of gluten-mimicking substitute here! Just remember that it needs eaten with a day or so…or freeze some!
gayle
Made it this morning with my grandson – he mashed the banana! Baked it in a 10″ cast iron skillet (alas, no 8″) and it took almost 30 minutes. (yes my oven was preheated) Wondering if the bake time of 15- 18 minutes for an 8″ could be right????????
christina @ smallkitchenchronicles
Impressive one pan-er, Joy! And yes, *sigh* self-destroyers…but you know, they can actually help us grow if we recognize them for what they are and choose to do things differently the next time around. In the meantime, yes, we can let kindness rule! — not only towards others, but towards ourselves, as well. Great post, Joy. Speak the word, food sistah!
Karen the Red
Thank you for this post…tendencies and recipe and relief and all. Sometimes I get lucky and the Lord moves my friends to put his word right there on FB for me to see, right when I need them. Happened just last week, in fact. And other times he puts people like you out there, inspiring with hope and a marvelous honesty.
Also, I love chocolate and bananas together. :)
Thalie F
Just made it. The kids loved it!
Quick and simple. Though, it took a good 10 to 15 minutes more to bake in my oven. I may need to have it calibrated. More of a muffin texture then a cookie. Next time, I may try it in a larger skillet. But why change a winner?
Thanks.
Chanel Jibal
First time at your blog. Love this. :-)
Mama Maria
Joy, you’re a gem!
You’re real and we all love it.
Soooo glad to know you’re just like the rest of us.
I’m 47 and I STILL struggle with those “tendencies”. UGH!
Words of the Lord, bread, butter, bacon, ice cream, chocolate, and sometimes a long walk or bike ride, help me. Keep it up, Joy, you’re wonderful. :)
Freya Gamlen
I’m gonna join in with the rest here and say that you have so many people for whom the fact that you make mistakes or not being 100% perfect all the time just makes you immensely human and relatable and lovable. I guess we all have self destruct mode sometimes and sometimes it’s downing your drink and sometimes it’s eating crap when you feel fat already just to prove to yourself how useless you are or sometimes it’s planning the lies to tell your parents when you haven’t been running when really it’s because you’re too busy lying on the sofa feeling depressed sorry for yourself. That’s life. And we love you. And you’re amazing. And I’m going running now mostly so that I can listen to your and Tracy’s next podcast ‘cos you’re amazing. xxxx
Margherita
This is a kind of cake I never attempted to try to make but this time around you have inspired me. I’m gonna do this Sat morning for brunch!
Anna
Joy, this looks delicious! Could it be made in a regular cake pan?
joythebaker
sure! i’d use a 9-inch cake pan
Monique @ Ambitious Kitchen
Genius. I’m about to be allllll over this.
May I Have That Recipe
Wow!! Joy these look amazing! I love banana bread and chocolate chip cookies… this cookie/cake is the best of both worlds!
jordan
first of all – this is perfect. it’s my fiance’s birthday on Monday and I’m makin’ this. thank you.
second of all, we’re all our own worst critics and enemies. try as we may to ignore that voice in the back of our brains…it always pops up and it’s not nice at all! there’s a part in the Artist’s Way that deals with this – and with your morning pages you can write out/talk out that voice. if interested, i’d suggest adding it to your stacks of reading materials…its a fun & rewarding process. agreed that with a little love from friends, random conversations that open your mind to something new/different and whatever it is you find your solice in – these can help you power through.
i know you know this … but … there’s thousands of us out here who support and love and appreciate all of your honesty and creativity. you show me, as a woman, that a) its ok to make mistakes (not that you make a lot, but you admit when you’re wrong) b) its ok to take a leap and pursue what you love c) it’s important to remember you are in fact a lady and red lipstick makes you feel great every-now-and-then.
i can’t wait to see what this next year holds for you! thank you for sharing with me. xo
Hannah
So encouraged by your honesty, Joy! Thank you for being real and giving a much needed reminder that nobody has their (sh) together all the time.
Also, your cookie cake looks incredible!
Karishma
I have made number of recipes from your book with 100% success. My daughter loves your oatmeal cookie pancakes. Thanks for posting such delicious and easy recipes.
I had a question related to this post:
Can I mix the batter few hrs before baking the cookie cake? I would like to make the batter ahead of time, and bake the cookie cake once guests arrive.
thanks!!
Diana
I’ve never had a cookie cake, but I need to get down to work and make this one. It’s absolutely fantastic!! Enjoy your day!!! :)
Amy
Joy, you are amazing and I love how real you are. I’m right there with you in the self-destruction (see why I’m in the process of losing 100+ lbs — hello food and wine!). It’s such a challenge to learn to love yourself and really take care of what you need instead of just going a little bonkers.
And even though this amazing looking recipe won’t help me on my goal, I am dying to make it!
Thanks for sharing your life, JTB! xoxo
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes
I love that you gave us an alternative if you don’t have a 8 inch cast iron. That’s pretty awesome :) Thanks for this great recipe!!
Kali
I need to fit into a wedding dress next weekend, but you better believe I will be making this the second I’m home and the wedding is done.
You just made my life, Joy.
Christie
Wow, that looks a-mazing!
I’m sure you have answered this a millions times, but what do you use for your chocolate chunks?
Thanks for sharing!
-Christie*
Lynne @ 365 Days of Baking
OOOOOhh!!! These skillet creations are DIVINE! – SO good underdone, warm, with melting ice cream o top!!!!! I want this NOW!!!!!! And coffee ice cream is my FAVORITE!!!
BOO those tendencies!!! Yes, we all have them and they’re frustrating, but it’s very good that we have the tools to work on them. You rock, Joy! And I find that even though people tell me how well I may be doing or give me compliments about certain things, I still fight those feelings of self-doubt and not being “good enough”. I’d LOVE to go to the FoodBuzz Conference, but at the same time, I cringe because I just don’t feel up to par with the rest of you. ;-)
Big hugs!!
Di at The Bluebell Cafe
This I will definitely try. I think I’ll do the square tin method and then cut into squares…think I need some now!
Michael
No, you aren’t too real, it’s not just you, and you’re not the only one. I have been trying to make a career shift for the past year and a half with little or no success. People keep telling me that I’m doing everything right to make that career change. However, that little “I’m never ever good enough so why even try” demon can be a real pest! Yeah, I get the wine thing. Proverbs 3: 5-6 is a passage that I read to help realign my thought process, but I’m going to add this cookie cake to my anti-demon arsenal too. Thanks.
tracy
This looks delicious!
Freshy
How about I make it and don’t share it. Sure that makes me a selfishly gluttonous person, but that’s ok, right?
Krystal R {Mrs. Regueiro's Plate}
OMG, I need this in my stomach right away!! I love this tasty cookie cake combination. What’s perfect, is that I have all the ingredients to make this tasty treat. Thank you Joy, heaven awaits in a cast iron skillet.
P.S. I love the new updates on the site, and font you are using. So snazzy!
Meghan
Ah! You are killing it lately. I loved the tomato cobbler so much.. can’t wait to try this either!
Jessica
All I have to say is, omg.
Brian @ A Thought For Food
I’ve been trying to ease off on the booze myself. I’m not even consuming them because I’m stressed… I just like them a lot :-)
Anyway, yes… cookie cake. In one beautiful cast iron skillet… which I need to get my hands on. Why haven’t I gotten one yet? I really have no freakin’ clue.
Kayla@PureSweet
I love your honesty Joy! I do the same things and ask myself “what the heck is going on with me?”… You are not alone.
This cookie cake looks ridiculously good!
Diana
I completely agree with you! Sometimes you just get in those moods of wanting something so beyond delicious even though it is disastrous to your diet and you bring everyone along for the heavenly ride. But what’s the fun in life if you can’t enjoy yourself from making these temptations and indulging in absolute sweetness! Looks delicious!
Jennifer
Wow!! This looks delicious!! I also love your plates!! What pattern is the plate with the blue/green rim with flowers? I love it! Thanks :)
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
One bowl, skillet cookie? I’m in!
Carissa
I’ve been dying to find more uses for my cast iron pan! This looks super yummy & the splash of bourbon sounds like perfection.
Riley
Oh my, this looks heavenly! I need this entire cake and one spoon, please!
Mathilda
I know SO well those tendencies, this cake is definitely for me (just for the excuse ;). By the way, I just posted on my blog another recipe of cake baked in a pan : http://www.cuisineenbandouliere.com/desserts-sans-four-recette-du-gateau-a-la-poele/
sahrish ali
WOW…Amazing. I love this cookie cake. I’ll try this with little variation.
Janine
This is real talk and real life mixed with sweet sugar that makes life so much better. This recipe is a keeper
Love ya and many blessings!
Margarita
We all have our tendencies to self destroy… It is bad but it doesn’t happen everyday, thank goodness. After it happens, we learn and try not to resort to the same reactions, except for I wouldn’t judge anyone if they kept going back to wine… I know I do! But maybe now, I will self destroy by eating an entire thing of this cake all to myself!
Emily D.
This counts as breakfast as well, though, because of the banana, right?…Right?!
Stoich91
CALL THE MAILMAN!!! Darling, you make cookie cakes with coffee ice cream and share love and honesty with the world. SELF HATE IS NOT ALLOWED FOR SUCH A PERSON OF AWESOMENESS!!! Plus, you *share* your cookie cakes…bonus saintly points.
Christina
Damn those demons!! I hate when I’m in a funk! it can be tough but just push those bad thoughts to the side, banana walnut cake can help you do that I’m sure ;)
Celia
What?! This looks like it shouldn’t work… it’s too good! This is going in my recipes to try asap file. I think the self-destroyer thing is universal. It makes the weird, negative siren songs louder. “What would happen if shoved this slow walker in front of me?” <– how fights can start "What if I stuck my arm out as the train pulls into the station" <– horrible idea!! Geez. Time to bake a cookie-cake, for real!
Sally @ Spontaneous Hausfrau
Cookie cake – I think my life just got infinitely better.
Courtney @ Bake. Eat. Repeat.
This just made my morning. If I can have a giant cookie cake banana bread chocolate chip sundae and only have to dirty ONE DISH??? That is heaven.
Ashley
I cannot fathom the deliciousness of this recipe or the fact that it’s made from start to finish in a cast iron skillet. My very favorite way to cook or bake….anything! Fabulous flavor combo as well.
amanda @ fake ginger
This looks fantastic! I could go for a great big slice for breakfast this morning!
I’m guilty of being a destroyer too. I think we all are to some extent.
Priya Sreeram
i think as humans we all have these tendencies and some situations may make us our worst enemies- this too shall pass ! nice cookie-cake; bookmarking this
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe
I think we all have a little bit of self destroyer in us. But as long as we recognize it, and have great friends and delicious cookie cakes to help us shut that negative voice up, we will be ok. Love this one dish recipe!
Averie @ Averie Cooks
every time I see you make something in that cast iron skillet, I just want it – whatever it is – because it always looks like it turns out perfectly!
angela king
these look amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Becca - Cookie Jar Treats
Beautiful looking cake :) and great post. I think there is more good than the bad in the world, and it looks like you found some nice ways to get rid of the bad (and I approve of one of the ways is sharing cake recipes ;) )
Lauren
I know its breakfast time and all, but seriously I want this right now! Think my boss, that I just got off the phone with, would mind if I just headed home and made this instead of doing my real job? Plus this looks like it would go great with coffee! Right? Can’t wait to try!
Sheila
Joy, you are seriously awesome and a “joy” to boot. We all have these demons, hun. Note self-destruction, eat cookies. I love your style. (need to make this soon!)
leaf (the indolent cook)
Wow, this cake has got so many awesome things going on! Yes, definitely approve of having this warm with ice cream.
Jessica
This looks wonderful!
I’ve been playing with peach cobbler and peanut butter honey cookie cakes – there’s just a happy medium that I really love!
Keep up the great ideas!
Jessica
Elisha
That’s it. I am buying a cast iron skillet this weekend at the flea market. I have been wanting one, but now I have to have on to make this. It’s beautiful!
Katie
“Make and share. Make and share.”
Can I edit that part to “Make and eat the whole darn thing myself”?
Bakerkat
I think everyone has times with the destroyer I’m glad you have found good ways to handle it,
This cookie cake looks wonderful. I have the feeling it will be a new favorite.
Kat
First, you’re definitely not the only one with these tendencies, especially the last one that rings true for me. Second, this cake is brilliant because a) it’s a cookie cake and b) it requires only one dish! I’d eat it right out of the pan too. Plus it looks amazing.
Marie
Amen!
Thanks for the your post!
And thanks for this amazing recipe, like always. ;)
Rosie's Great Bakes
This looks incredible! I have a few blackened bananas lurking in the fruit bowl and this might just be the recipe for them! The question is…who do I share it with?! I hope eating your cookie cake managed to get you away from your self-destroying demons :-)
Lucia
Oh! It makes my mouth water!
I have just made an banana, walnut, chocolate cake but mine is completely different, I have to try this one :)
Kate @eatrecyclerepeat
My goodness, you’ve knocked this one out of the park. Cookie cakes were a childhood favorite, and so was banana bread – of course with chocolate. Magical. Coffee ice cream too! Amaze.
You’re not the only destroyer, and it’s important to be reminded about all the good things you do and your good qualities. Friends and family help when you can’t do it all on your own. Focus on your good qualities, and the less than desirable ones will more easily fall away, especially if you forgive yourself quickly for any mishaps along the road.
Shushmi
how refreshingly honest you are. How comforting to know someone so sucessful can feel like this too :) …I think we all have our demons and often times it’s us that is our worst enemy. but sometimes you just have to go with that self-destructive part of you. Then it’s out of your system, done and dusted, you pick yourself up, deal with the consequnces of your self destructive mode and get back to being you…
Diane, A Broad
So I’m throwing a party this evening, and I was going to make delicate little burnt caramel custards… but this sounds way better.
I'm At Home Baking
Wow, this looks amazing & simple too! Yummy.
Sherry
Oh, today’s my birthday, did you make this for me? :) Coincidentally… I asked my hubby for a cookie cake this year… twilight zone!
The Savory and The Beautiful
Oh i know those demons quite well…ugh….but it’s nice to know i can feel totally accomplished by mixing sweet stuff in a pan and poof…cookie cake. Thank you for this one in more ways than one.
xoxo
SamCyn
Yeah, the destroyer will always try to get the best of us for sure…sounds like the words of the Lord and this cookie cake are the best tools for nourishing the soul…I’m in! :)
Lauren at Keep It Sweet
Um, I’ll have what you’re having.
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
This looks so, so, fabulous! I NEED to try this!
Kathryn
you are certainly not the only one who is gifted in the self-sabotage department. So often, we are our own worst enemies. But a cookie cake (which is probably the best invention ever) is good way to try and combat that.
robyn
oh my gosh-look at that cookie cake. that would destroy any hope of a healthy week! :)
Zee
Oh by the way this cookie+cake+banana bread fusion is totally amazing! Im dying to get some of it out of my computer screen!
Zee
Joy, you are not alone.. you have an exact clone of you somewhere on the other side of this planet and that’s me! ;)
Amelia
I love your posts so much, you are definitely not the only self-destroyer out there. This cookie cake looks incredible!
IdaBaker
I love the idea of cooking, mixing, and then baking a cake all in one pan. It adds flavor not found when doing it any other way.
It’s kind of like that us. We have everything there inside of us, just add a few smiles, hugs, good conversation, and let it “cook” for a while, and it all comes out okay, if the recipe is right.
I know, like your cake, you’ll come out ready to start a new day.
Filipa
Oh wow, this recipe will be the end of me. It looks divine! And SO
simple! :)
Sophie
Oh Joy, you’ve really done it now! I want this for lunch and definitely coffee icecream :D
Ellen
I have been a destroyer of my self. We all have those tendencies, circumstances can cause us to be our own worst enemy. I will move on and be ok, I wish the same for you. Now I am looking forward to baking some cookie-cake on Saturday for my kids!
jfo
Hah, I totally read “it’s amazing what whiskey and an egg will do.”
Trina
Oh wow!! Looks amazing. Tell me though, will it work without the Cast Iron Skillet?? That is a kitchen item quite American and hard to come by here in Germany :)