This Skillet Brownie Recipe is the ultimate one-pan dessert for chocolate lovers. Imagine digging your spoon through a warm, gooey center with deliciously crisp edges—every bite is pure comfort. Made with everyday ingredients and requiring just half an hour from start to finish, this recipe delivers that fresh-from-the-oven magic with minimal fuss. Whether shared at the table or savored solo, it’s a treat that instantly turns any evening into something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a decadent treat bursting with deep chocolate flavor. Each ingredient plays its part in creating that fudgy texture and irresistible aroma. Here’s what you need—and why:
- Unsalted butter (½ cup): Provides richness and helps create those delicious chewy edges.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the batter and dissolves into the warm butter for a glossy finish.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together while adding moisture and structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Encourages all the chocolate notes to shine through.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (⅓ cup): Delivers deep, intense chocolate flavor—the more quality, the better!
- All-purpose flour (½ cup): Supplies just enough stability for the perfect thick, gooey bite.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances chocolate intensity.
- Baking powder (¼ teaspoon): Gives the brownie a slight lift for a gorgeous, tender crumb.
- Chocolate chips or chunks (½ cup): Melt into gooey pockets of chocolate—use your favorites for extra decadence.
- Optional toppings: Think creamy vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to make every bite pop.
How to Make Skillet Brownie Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your 8-inch oven-safe skillet over medium-low heat and melt the unsalted butter. Swirl it gently until completely melted and smelling irresistibly buttery. This step sets the stage for a chewy edge and adds tons of flavor.
Step 2: Combine Sugar with Butter
Remove the skillet from the heat. Pour in the granulated sugar and whisk it straight into the warm butter. This helps to dissolve the sugar a bit, resulting in that signature glossy, crackly brownie top. Don’t rush—let it blend nicely.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Let your mixture cool just enough so it doesn’t scramble the eggs! Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated, then add the vanilla extract. These ingredients work together for a rich, cohesive batter you can already tell is going to be delicious.
Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle in the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Use a spatula to gently stir everything together until just combined—don’t overmix! The secret to a perfect Skillet Brownie Recipe is keeping that batter thick and lusciously silky, not tough.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips or Chunks
Fold in the chocolate chips or your choice of chocolate chunks. You’ll want those irresistible pockets of chocolate melting through each bite. Once mixed, use a spatula to smooth out the top of the batter so it bakes up evenly.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. Watch for the edges to set while the center stays just a little gooey. That’s how you get a brownie that’s both chewy and molten inside—absolute Skillet Brownie Recipe perfection. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, straight from the pan.
How to Serve Skillet Brownie Recipe
Garnishes
Scoop cool, creamy vanilla ice cream right onto the warm brownie—it turns wonderfully melty against the heat! Add a drizzle of caramel sauce or sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt for a salty-sweet hit that takes this Skillet Brownie Recipe over the top.
Side Dishes
This dessert is a superstar on its own, but if you want to turn your table into a celebration, serve with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a scoop of coffee ice cream. The flavors and textures complement the fudginess of your warm brownie perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring out the skillet and let everyone dig in family-style with their own spoons for a cozy, communal dessert. For individual servings, carefully scoop into pretty bowls or mason jars, then layer with your toppings. If you’re feeling fun, try swirling in peanut butter or Nutella before baking for a dazzling flavor twist—the possibilities are endless with this Skillet Brownie Recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (it happens, but not often!), simply cover the cooled skillet with foil or transfer portions to an airtight container. The brownie keeps well at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for up to four. It’ll stay delightfully fudgy—just the way a Skillet Brownie Recipe should be!
Freezing
Want to stash some for future cravings? Let the brownie cool completely, then cut into wedges or squares. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and pop into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their fantastic texture for up to two months—simply thaw on the counter or reheat before serving.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked magic, reheat your brownie in the microwave for 10–20 seconds per piece (or slightly longer if chilled). If you want a little crisp on top, slide the skillet or slices into a low oven for a few minutes instead. Don’t forget to refresh with a scoop of ice cream for the best Skillet Brownie Recipe experience!
FAQs
Can I make this Skillet Brownie Recipe in a different size skillet?
Absolutely! If you use a larger skillet, your brownie will be a bit thinner and may need less baking time, while a smaller skillet will result in a thicker, gooier treat. Just keep an eye on the center and adjust your baking time as needed for your perfect texture.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No worries! You can prepare the batter in any skillet or saucepan on the stove, then transfer to a greased baking dish before baking. The results will be just as delicious, with all the comforting richness of a classic Skillet Brownie Recipe.
Can I substitute cocoa powder with melted chocolate?
Cocoa powder provides that intense chocolate kick with a lighter texture. If you swap in melted chocolate, you may need to adjust for sweetness and slightly reduce the butter, since melted chocolate adds fat. The result will be a bit more dense and extra rich—great if you’re after a super-indulgent treat!
How do I know when the brownie is done baking?
Look for the edges to be set and slightly pulling away from the pan, with the center still a touch gooey. A toothpick inserted near the edge should come out with a few moist crumbs, but the center should not be dry—this is the hallmark of a brilliant Skillet Brownie Recipe.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella are fantastic in this recipe. Add them right before baking to incorporate exciting flavors and textures into your already-delicious Skillet Brownie Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about gathering around a freshly-baked Skillet Brownie Recipe and sharing it with people you love. Whether you dress it up with fancy toppings or enjoy it just as it is, you’re in for a seriously comforting treat. Give it a try—I promise, it’ll become your go-to for easy, crowd-pleasing dessert nights!
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Skillet Brownie Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate chocolatey treat with this easy and decadent Skillet Brownie recipe. Perfect for a quick and impressive dessert, this one-pan brownie is rich, fudgy, and loaded with chocolate chips. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle of caramel sauce for a truly irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Brownie:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup chocolate chips or chunks
Optional Toppings:
- vanilla ice cream
- caramel sauce
- sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter: In an 8-inch oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Remove from heat and whisk in sugar until combined. Let cool slightly, then whisk in eggs and vanilla extract.
- Add dry ingredients: Stir in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips or chunks. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, until edges are set and center is slightly gooey. Remove from oven and let cool. Serve warm with ice cream and toppings.
Notes
- Don’t overbake for a fudgy center.
- Customize with nuts, peanut butter, or Nutella for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
