Description
This Perfect Skillet Brownie recipe yields a crackly top with a melt-in-your-mouth gooey center, baked conveniently in a cast iron skillet. Rich with semi-sweet or dark chocolate and a buttery base, these brownies come together with simple ingredients and a straightforward method, perfect for an indulgent dessert that serves 8.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped semi-sweet or dark chocolate (around 60-70% cocoa)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Add-ins
- Extra chocolate chips
- Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)
- Swirl of peanut butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9- or 10-inch cast iron skillet to prevent sticking.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt together the chopped chocolate and unsalted butter until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs later.
- Mix Eggs and Sugar: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar vigorously for 2-3 minutes until the mixture lightens in color and thickens slightly to incorporate air.
- Combine Wet Mixtures: Gradually whisk the cooled chocolate and butter mixture into the egg and sugar blend until smooth. Add vanilla extract and salt, mixing well.
- Add Flour: Sift the all-purpose flour into the wet ingredients and gently fold it in just until combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the brownie tender.
- Prepare Skillet and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared skillet and smooth it out to the edges. If using optional add-ins, sprinkle or swirl them in now.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly when moved, ensuring a gooey interior.
- Cool Before Serving: Let the brownie cool completely in the skillet on a wire rack for at least 1-2 hours before slicing to allow it to set properly for clean cuts.
Notes
- Using a cast iron skillet enhances heat distribution and helps achieve the signature crackly top.
- Allowing the batter to cool slightly before adding to eggs prevents scrambling.
- Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly underdone for that gooey texture.
- Cooling the brownie fully before slicing ensures cleaner slices and better texture.
- Feel free to customize with nuts, chocolate chips, or peanut butter swirl for added flavor and texture.
