This Skillet Brownie Recipe is a delightful treat that is easy to make and heavenly to devour. Its rich, fudgy texture and the combination of semi-sweet chocolate makes it a favorite for all chocolate lovers. The dish is topped with ice cream, chocolate sauce, and cherries to add an extra layer of indulgence.
The key ingredient for this recipe is semi-sweet chocolate, which is the heart of any brownie. You can usually find it in the baking aisle of your supermarket. The other ingredients, including unsweetened cocoa powder and all-purpose flour, are common kitchen staples. However, if you don't regularly bake, you may need to pick these up.
Ingredients for the Skillet Brownie Recipe
Unsalted butter: Gives the brownie its rich, moist texture.
Semi-sweet chocolate: Provides the main flavor of the brownie.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownie.
Eggs: Adds structure and helps to bind the ingredients together.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the chocolate.
All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the brownie.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Deepens the chocolate flavor.
Salt: Brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Chocolate chips: Add a lovely crunch and extra chocolatey taste.
Ice cream: Serves as a delightful topping.
Chocolate sauce: Gives the brownie extra richness.
Maraschino cherries: Adds a sweet and tart flavor contrast.
One reader, Kerby Pulley says:
This skillet brownie recipe is a game-changer! The brownies turned out incredibly fudgy and rich, and the recipe was so easy to follow. The addition of ice cream and chocolate sauce took it to the next level. It's a definite crowd-pleaser and a new favorite in our home!
Techniques Required for Making Skillet Brownies
How to melt the butter and chocolate: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and chopped chocolate on medium heat, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, pour into a large mixing bowl, and allow to slightly cool for 10 minutes.
How to preheat the oven and prepare the skillet: Adjust the oven rack to the lower third position and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease the oven-safe skillet.
How to incorporate the dry ingredients into the batter: Gently fold in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.
How to check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownie; it should come out with a few moist crumbs when the brownie is ready.
How to serve the skillet brownie: Allow the brownie to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzle with chocolate sauce, and top with a maraschino cherry.
How To Make Skillet Brownie
Chewy and fudgy with just the right amount of sweetness, this skillet brownie has it all! It’s made of chocolate chips and vanilla extract for tasty treats.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 10tbspunsalted butter
- 8ozsemi-sweet chocolate,quality, coarsely chopped
- 1cupgranulated sugar,sifted
- 3large eggs,at room temperature
- 1tsppure vanilla extract
- ½cupall-purpose flour,plus 2 tbsp more, spoon and leveled
- 2tbspunsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼tspsalt
- 1cupsemi-sweet chocolate chips
- ice cream,for serving, optional
- chocolate sauce,for serving, optional
- maraschino cherries,for serving, optional
Instructions
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Melt the butter and chopped chocolate in a medium saucepan on medium heat, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, pour into a large mixing bowl, and allow to slightly cool for 10 minutes.
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Adjust the oven rack to the lower third position and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease the oven-safe skillet.
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Whisk the sifted sugar into the cooled chocolate-butter mixture. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla until smooth and combined. Gently fold in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Once combined, fold in the chocolate chips.
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Pour batter into the prepared skillet and bake for 30 to 32 minutes or a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Do not overbake.
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Allow the brownie to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
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Serve and enjoy with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, and a cherry on top.
Recipe Notes
- You can also melt the chopped chocolate and butter in the microwave using a medium microwave-safe bowl in 20 second increments, stirring after each.
- All ovens and skillets are different, so keep an eye on your skillet brownie after 28 minutes and use the toothpick test to see when it’s finished.
Nutrition
- Calories: 523.74kcal
- Fat: 31.43g
- Saturated Fat: 18.70g
- Trans Fat: 0.59g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.47g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.42g
- Carbohydrates: 63.88g
- Fiber: 3.66g
- Sugar: 52.38g
- Protein: 5.68g
- Cholesterol: 107.91mg
- Sodium: 107.48mg
- Calcium: 34.00mg
- Potassium: 242.77mg
- Iron: 2.46mg
- Vitamin A: 151.41µg
Technique Tip for Perfect Skillet Brownies
When melting the butter and chocolate, it's crucial to stir constantly to prevent the mixture from burning. The heat should be medium and not too high. Also, when folding in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt into the mixture, be gentle to avoid overmixing. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough brownie. Lastly, remember that the brownie will continue to cook slightly once removed from the oven due to the residual heat in the skillet, so it's better to slightly underbake than overbake.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Skillet Brownies
Prep ahead: Prepare the ingredients and measure them out in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that can be made in a single skillet or pot to minimize cleanup time.
Organized workspace: Keep your kitchen tidy and organized to avoid wasting time searching for tools and ingredients.
Efficient multitasking: Plan your cooking process to maximize efficiency, such as chopping vegetables while something is simmering.
Substitute Ingredients For Skillet Brownie Recipe
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar richness and moisture to the brownie, and it also adds a subtle coconut flavor.
semi-sweet chocolate - Substitute with dark chocolate: Dark chocolate can be used as a substitute for semi-sweet chocolate, providing a slightly more intense and less sweet chocolate flavor.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a substitute for granulated sugar, providing a slightly caramel-like flavor and a lower glycemic index.
large eggs - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can be used as a substitute for eggs to add moisture and binding properties to the brownie.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour can be used as a gluten-free substitute for all-purpose flour, adding a nutty flavor and a denser texture to the brownie.
unsweetened cocoa powder - Substitute with cacao powder: Cacao powder can be used as a substitute for unsweetened cocoa powder, providing a richer and more intense chocolate flavor.
semi-sweet chocolate chips - Substitute with chopped nuts: Chopped nuts can be used as a substitute for chocolate chips to add texture and a nutty flavor to the brownie.
ice cream - Substitute with whipped cream: Whipped cream can be used as a substitute for ice cream to add a creamy and light topping to the brownie.
chocolate sauce - Substitute with caramel sauce: Caramel sauce can be used as a substitute for chocolate sauce, adding a rich and sweet flavor to the brownie.
maraschino cherries - Substitute with fresh strawberries: Fresh strawberries can be used as a substitute for maraschino cherries, adding a juicy and slightly tart topping to the brownie.
Best Way to Present Skillet Brownies
Elevate the presentation with a dusting of powdered sugar: Sprinkle a fine layer of powdered sugar over the skillet brownie to add a touch of elegance and a hint of sweetness to the overall presentation.
Garnish with fresh berries: Place a few vibrant, fresh berries such as raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries on the side of the skillet brownie to add a pop of color and a burst of fruity flavor.
Create a chocolate drizzle design: Use a piping bag to create an intricate chocolate drizzle design on the serving plate, adding a visually appealing element to the presentation.
Add a dollop of whipped cream: Place a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of the warm skillet brownie, creating a delightful contrast in texture and adding a touch of indulgence.
Incorporate edible flowers: Carefully place a few edible flowers, such as pansies or violets, around the skillet brownie to introduce a delicate and sophisticated floral element to the presentation.
Serve with a side of homemade caramel sauce: Present the skillet brownie with a small ramekin of rich, homemade caramel sauce on the side, allowing guests to drizzle it over their portion for an extra layer of decadence.
Use gold leaf accents: For a luxurious touch, delicately place edible gold leaf accents on the skillet brownie, adding a touch of opulence and sophistication to the overall presentation.
Incorporate a decorative chocolate curl: Create a decorative chocolate curl using a vegetable peeler and a block of chocolate, and place it on top of the warm skillet brownie for an eye-catching finishing touch.
Essential Tools for Making Skillet Brownies
- Saucepan: A saucepan is a deep cooking pan with a handle and often a lid, used for boiling, stewing, or making sauces.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is a deep bowl used for mixing ingredients, such as batter or dough.
- Whisk: A whisk is a kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients such as eggs, sauces, and batters.
- Oven-safe skillet: An oven-safe skillet is a pan that can be used on the stovetop and then transferred to the oven for cooking.
- Spatula: A spatula is a flat, flexible utensil used for lifting, flipping, and spreading foods.
- Toothpick: A toothpick is a small, pointed stick used for testing the doneness of baked goods by inserting it into the center and checking for moist crumbs.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are used to accurately measure ingredients for recipes.
- Ice cream scoop: An ice cream scoop is a utensil with a curved head used to portion and serve ice cream.
- Serving plate: A serving plate is a flat dish used for presenting and serving food.
- Cherry pitter: A cherry pitter is a tool used to remove the pits from cherries, leaving the fruit intact.
How To Store and Freeze Skillet Brownies
- Allow the skillet brownie to cool completely to room temperature before storing. This may take about 1-2 hours.
- Once cooled, cover the skillet tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent the brownie from drying out.
- Store the covered skillet brownie at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- If you prefer a chilled brownie, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature or warm it slightly in the microwave before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- To freeze the skillet brownie:
- Cut the cooled brownie into individual servings.
- Wrap each serving tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To thaw, remove the desired number of servings from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 1-2 hours, or in the refrigerator overnight.
- You can also reheat the thawed brownie servings in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up before serving.
- If you want to freeze the entire skillet brownie, let it cool completely, then remove it from the skillet and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. Place the wrapped brownie in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, remove the brownie from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bring it to room temperature before serving.
How To Reheat Leftover Skillet Brownies
The best way to reheat a leftover skillet brownie is to warm it up in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the brownie in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with foil to prevent the top from drying out and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method will help maintain the brownie's texture and moisture.
Another option is to reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a piece of the brownie on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in 15-second intervals until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the brownie to become rubbery or dry.
For a quicker and more convenient method, you can also reheat the skillet brownie in a skillet on the stovetop. Place the brownie in a non-stick skillet over low heat and cover with a lid. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
If you want to add a little extra indulgence to your reheated brownie, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce. This will create a delightful contrast between the warm brownie and the cool, creamy toppings.
Lastly, if you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your skillet brownie. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the brownie in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through. This method will give you a slightly crispy exterior while maintaining a soft and gooey center.
Random Fact About Skillet Brownies
The skillet brownie recipe is a delicious and convenient way to make brownies. It's a great option for those who want a quick and easy dessert without having to use multiple bowls and utensils. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a last-minute dessert for unexpected guests. Plus, the skillet adds a unique touch to the presentation, making it a great option for dinner parties or special occasions.
Is Making Skillet Brownies at Home Economical?
The cost-effectiveness of this skillet brownie recipe is quite high, as the ingredients are commonly found in households. The use of chocolate, eggs, and flour is economical. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, making it a budget-friendly dessert option. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9/10, considering its simplicity, deliciousness, and affordability.
Is This Skillet Brownie Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This skillet brownie recipe is undeniably delicious but falls short in terms of healthiness. The high amounts of butter, sugar, and chocolate contribute to its indulgent taste but also make it a calorie-dense treat. The recipe lacks any nutritious ingredients like fruits, vegetables, or whole grains, which could provide beneficial vitamins, minerals, and fiber. While enjoying a treat like this occasionally is fine, regularly consuming such sugar and fat-laden desserts can contribute to health issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
To make this recipe healthier without compromising too much on taste, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of butter and replace some of it with healthier alternatives like Greek yogurt or mashed avocado
- Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener to cut down on refined sugar
- Incorporate whole wheat flour or almond flour to increase fiber content
- Add in some shredded zucchini or grated carrots for a boost of vegetables
- Swap out some of the chocolate chips for chopped nuts or dried fruit to reduce sugar and increase healthy fats and fiber
- Serve with fresh berries instead of maraschino cherries to avoid artificial colors and added sugar
Editor's Thoughts on This Skillet Brownie Recipe
This skillet brownie recipe is a delightful indulgence that combines rich, fudgy chocolate with a hint of sweetness. The use of a skillet adds a rustic charm to the presentation, making it perfect for a cozy gathering or a special treat. The addition of chocolate chips provides a delightful texture, and serving it with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, and a maraschino cherry elevates the experience to a new level of decadence. It's a simple yet impressive dessert that is sure to satisfy any chocolate lover's cravings.
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Why trust this Skillet Brownie Recipe:
This skillet brownie recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, crafted by a seasoned chef with a passion for chocolate creations. The use of premium unsalted butter and rich semi-sweet chocolate ensures a decadent, indulgent flavor. The addition of vanilla extract and chocolate chips elevates the taste to new heights. With precise measurements and careful instructions, this recipe promises a perfect balance of fudgy and cakey textures. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe, and prepare to savor a delightful dessert experience.
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