Sometimes you just need something warm and chocolatey to end your day. This skillet brownie recipe is the ultimate fix for those deep cocoa cravings. It delivers a rich, fudgy center with those perfectly chewy, crisp edges we all love.
You only need one bowl and about forty-five minutes to make this happen. It is the perfect way to bring the family together for a satisfying treat. Your kitchen will smell like a professional bakery in no time at all.
Why You’ll Love This Skillet Brownie Recipe
This recipe is a total winner because it creates maximum flavor with minimal effort. You mix everything right in the skillet so there are fewer dishes to wash. This makes it an ideal choice for a relaxing winter evening at home.
The cast iron skillet distributes heat evenly for a dense, decadent texture. It is much more fun to serve than a standard square pan brownie. Your family will love the rustic look of a dessert served straight from the oven. It is truly the best kind of comfort food for any night.
Simple Cooking Method
Making this dessert is incredibly easy and doable for any home cook. You start by melting the butter directly in your oven-safe skillet. There is no need for a microwave or extra mixing bowls today. You simply whisk, stir, and bake until the edges are beautifully set.
Simple Ingredients
You likely have most of these pantry staples in your kitchen right now.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter in an 8-inch oven-safe skillet over low heat on the stovetop.
- Remove skillet from heat and whisk in granulated sugar until well combined.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, whisking vigorously until the batter is glossy.
- Sift in cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt, then stir with a spatula until just incorporated.
- Fold in half of the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter.
- Smooth the surface and sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are firm.
- Remove from oven and let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this skillet brownie recipe while it is still warm and gooey. Top each slice with a large scoop of cold vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast between the hot brownie and cold cream is absolutely delicious. You can also add a drizzle of salted caramel for extra decadence.
For a romantic date night, just grab two spoons and dig in. It is a fun, shared experience that feels very special and cozy. If you are feeding kids, slice it into wedges like a small pizza. They will love the extra chocolate chips melted on the very top.
Keep It Fresh
If you have leftovers, cover the skillet tightly with foil or plastic wrap. You can also move the slices to an airtight container for storage. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days. For the best taste, reheat individual portions in the microwave for fifteen seconds.
You can also freeze these brownies for up to two months. Wrap them well to prevent any freezer burn from affecting the flavor. When you are ready for a treat, thaw them at room temperature. Reheat in a 350°F oven for five minutes to restore the fudgy texture.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip the cooling time or the brownie will be too messy to slice.
- Avoid overbaking the brownie to keep the center moist and very fudgy.
- Use a high-quality cocoa powder for the richest chocolate flavor possible.
- Whisk the egg vigorously until the batter looks shiny and smooth.
- For a winter holiday twist, add a crush of peppermint candies on top.
- Switch to dark chocolate chips if you prefer a less sweet dessert.
- Make sure your skillet is truly oven-safe before you start the process.
- Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top to balance the sweetness.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed.
- Add a half cup of chopped walnuts for a satisfying crunch.
- Stir in a swirl of peanut butter before baking for a salty twist.
- Use white chocolate chips during the spring for a bright color contrast.
Common Questions
Can I use a regular baking pan?
Yes, you can use an 8-inch square baking pan instead of a skillet. Just melt the butter in a bowl first and then mix. The baking time should remain roughly the same for your brownies.
How do I know when the brownie is done?
The edges should look firm and slightly pulled away from the skillet sides. The center should still look a little soft but not liquid. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Will my kids enjoy this recipe?
Most children love this because of the double chocolate layers. It is very sweet, soft, and easy for little ones to eat. Plus, they will think the skillet looks very cool on the table.
I hope this warm, chocolatey treat brings some extra joy to your winter evenings. It is such a simple way to make any night feel a little more special. Happy baking!
— Alex
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large eg g
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all -purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon sal t
- 1/2 cup semi -sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter in an 8-inch oven-safe skillet over low heat on the stovetop.
- Remove skillet from heat and whisk in granulated sugar until well combined.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, whisking vigorously until the batter is glossy.
- Sift in cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt, then stir with a spatula until just incorporated.
- Fold in half of the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter.
- Smooth the surface and sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are firm.
- Remove from oven and let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
