Step 1

1 Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

Step 2

2 Place the butter in a large (10- to 12-inch) cast-iron skillet and place in the oven so the butter melts; this should take 5 to 7 minutes

Step 3

3 Meanwhile, place the fruit in a large mixing bowl

Step 4

4 Use a potato masher to mash the fruit just enough so that it releases some of its juices

Step 5

5 If the fruit is tart, sprinkle a little sugar on top

Step 6

6 Whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt in a separate medium bowl

Step 7

7 Add the cup of sugar, milk and vanilla extract, stirring until well incorporated

Step 8

8 Remove the skillet from the oven

Step 9

9 Carefully pour the melted butter from the skillet into the batter, stirring to combine, then pour the batter all at once into the skillet

Step 10

10 Add the fruit and juices to the center of the batter

Step 11

11 Bake (middle rack) for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the tender crumb comes out mostly clean

Step 12

12 Serve warm, straight from the skillet