If you have a craving for something rich, fudgy, and utterly comforting, then this Skillet Brownie Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine warm, gooey chocolate melting directly out of a cast iron skillet, ready to be scooped up with a big spoon or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence. This recipe brings together simple, high-quality ingredients that create a luscious brownie with a crisp edge and a soft, chewy center every single time. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight treat or a cozy dessert to impress your guests, the Skillet Brownie Recipe delivers the perfect balance of nostalgia and gourmet flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, straightforward, and absolutely essential for achieving the unbeatable texture and chocolatey goodness of this brownie. Each component plays its role, from the creamy butter and rich chocolate chips to the perfect hint of espresso powder that deepens the flavor.
- Butter (3/4 cup): Provides a rich, velvety base that keeps your brownie moist and flavorful.
- Vegetable oil (1/4 cup): Adds tenderness and enhances the fudgy texture.
- Chocolate chips, divided (1 1/2 cups): Half melts into the batter creating gooey pockets, and the rest add delightful chunks throughout.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens without overpowering, helping to balance the deep chocolate notes.
- Brown sugar (3/4 cup): Introduces a subtle caramel flavor and extra moistness.
- Eggs + yolks (3 eggs + 2 yolks): Essential for structure and richness, making the brownies tender yet sturdy.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances overall flavor with a warm, inviting aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): Provides just enough structure without making the brownies cakey.
- Dutch-process cocoa powder (1/2 cup): Delivers a smooth, intense chocolate flavor with a beautiful dark color.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and deepens flavor.
- Espresso powder (optional, 1/8–1/4 teaspoon): A secret ingredient that amplifies the chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste.
How to Make Skillet Brownie Recipe
Step 1: Warm and Melt
Begin by melting the butter, vegetable oil, and one cup of the chocolate chips together over medium heat in a saucepan. Stir gently until everything is smooth and glossy. This step is crucial because it blends fats and chocolate into a silky base that will give your skillet brownie that irresistible fudgy interior.
Step 2: Prep Your Skillet
While the chocolate mixture cools for about five minutes, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 10-inch cast iron skillet, which will be the perfect vessel for baking your brownie evenly with a crisp edge.
Step 3: Whisk the Eggs
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly frothy. This will help to aerate the batter a bit, giving just the right texture.
Step 4: Combine Egg and Chocolate Mixtures
Slowly pour your egg mixture into the warm chocolate base, whisking constantly to make sure the eggs don’t scramble. This gradual mixing step is key to creating a smooth, cohesive batter.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients
Next, add the all-purpose flour, Dutch-process cocoa powder, salt, and espresso powder (if using) to the bowl. Stir gently until the flour is nearly combined; a few streaks of flour should remain before you fold in the remaining chocolate chips. This prevents overmixing and keeps the texture perfect.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared cast iron skillet and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, depending on how gooey or firm you want the center. Keep an eye on it—the edges will harden and crisp up around a tender, fudgy middle.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your skillet brownie to cool for a few minutes before serving. This lets it set just enough to scoop easily, while still warm enough to melt the ice cream or toppings you choose to add.
How to Serve Skillet Brownie Recipe
Garnishes
The warm, fudgy texture of this brownie begs for simple yet indulgent garnishes like a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce, or a handful of fresh berries for a burst of brightness. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also elevate the chocolate flavor to another level.
Side Dishes
Although this dessert stands beautifully on its own, pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or a fresh fruit salad can brighten the richness. A cup of bold coffee or a rich, nutty hot chocolate also complements the Skillet Brownie Recipe perfectly, making for a cozy dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve your skillet brownie directly in the cast iron skillet for rustic charm. Alternatively, slice it into wedges and plate with contrasting colors and textures, like crunchy nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar. For a playful twist, try layering chunks of brownie with layers of ice cream and berries in a glass parfait dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover skillet brownie can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep it fresh longer, transfer to the refrigerator, where it will stay moist and delicious for around five days.
Freezing
If you want to save it for later, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. The brownies can be frozen for up to three months without any loss of flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven softness and gooeyness that makes the Skillet Brownie Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of skillet?
Yes! While a cast iron skillet is ideal for even heat distribution and crisp edges, any oven-safe skillet or baking pan about 10 inches in diameter will work just fine.
Is the espresso powder necessary?
Espresso powder is optional but highly recommended because it enhances the chocolate flavor without adding any coffee taste. If you don’t have it, your brownies will still be delicious!
Can I substitute the vegetable oil?
You can use melted coconut oil or another neutral oil, but vegetable oil keeps the texture reliably tender and moist without altering the flavor.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
The edges should look set and slightly pulled away from the skillet, while the center might still look a little soft but not wet. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not raw batter.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even chunks of your favorite candy bar mix beautifully into this recipe for extra crunch and flavor diversity.
Final Thoughts
This Skillet Brownie Recipe isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Easy enough to whip up any night, yet impressive enough to share with guests, it brings classic chocolate indulgence to a whole new level. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how a simple skillet and a handful of staple ingredients can create something truly magical!
Print
Skillet Brownie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Skillet Brownie recipe is a decadent, fudgy treat baked directly in a cast iron skillet for a perfectly crisp edge and gooey center. Combining melted butter, chocolate chips, and rich cocoa powder, this recipe creates a luscious chocolate brownie that’s ideal for sharing. Served warm with vanilla ice cream, it’s a comforting dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chocolate Mixture
- 3/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips, divided
Wet Ingredients
- 3 eggs + 2 egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8–1/4 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
Instructions
- Warm Butter and Chocolate: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter, vegetable oil, and 1 cup of chocolate chips over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Remove from heat and pour into a heat-proof mixing bowl. Allow to cool for 5 minutes to prevent cooking the eggs in the next step.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Skillet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 10-inch cast iron skillet to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
- Whisk Eggs and Vanilla: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 3 eggs, 2 egg yolks, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until smooth and slightly frothy, which helps incorporate air and lightens the batter.
- Combine Wet Mixtures: Slowly pour the egg mixture into the cooled chocolate mixture while whisking continuously. This gradual mixing prevents the eggs from cooking prematurely and helps achieve a smooth batter.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, Dutch-process cocoa powder, salt, and espresso powder (if using) to the wet mixture. Stir gently until the ingredients are almost combined, leaving a few streaks of flour to avoid overmixing which can toughen the brownies.
- Incorporate Remaining Chocolate: Fold in the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter, adding delightful pockets of melted chocolate.
- Bake the Brownies: Transfer the batter into the prepared cast iron skillet, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Bake less for a fudgier brownie, or longer for a more set texture.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the brownie cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect contrast of temperatures and flavors. Enjoy this sumptuous dessert fresh from the skillet!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality Dutch-process cocoa powder and semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips.
- Espresso powder is optional but enhances the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste.
- Allow the brownies to cool slightly before serving to help them set and slice more cleanly.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet to prevent sticking and improve flavor.
- Adjust bake time depending on your preference for fudgy vs. cakey brownies.
