Description

This Perfect Skillet Brownie recipe delivers a rich, fudgy, and gooey chocolate treat with a crackly top, baked right in a cast iron skillet. With simple pantry ingredients, the brownie boasts deep chocolate flavor from cocoa powder and optional chocolate chips, finished with optional toppings like vanilla ice cream or sea salt for a decadent dessert that’s warm, inviting, and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Batter

1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional but recommended)
1/4 cup milk or dark chocolate, chopped (optional for extra gooeyness)

Optional Toppings

Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Berries (strawberries, raspberries)
Salt flakes (such as flaky sea salt, to enhance the chocolate flavor)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), placing the oven rack in the middle position to ensure even baking.
Prepare the Skillet: Lightly grease a 9-inch cast iron skillet or a similar oven-safe skillet with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the brownie from sticking during baking.
Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter completely. Remove from heat, then whisk in the granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth, glossy batter. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift (or whisk) together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder to avoid lumps. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, mixing just until combined to maintain a light texture.
Add the Chocolate: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped milk/dark chocolate pieces gently, which will create rich, gooey chocolate pockets throughout your brownie.
Bake the Brownie: Pour the batter into the prepared skillet, smoothing the surface evenly with a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are set and slightly crisp, and the center remains soft and fudgy. To check doneness, insert a toothpick or knife into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. If not done, bake an additional 3-5 minutes.
Cool and Serve: Allow the brownie to cool for 5-10 minutes so the gooey center can set slightly. Serve warm topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to highlight the chocolate flavors.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense brownies; mix just until ingredients are combined.
Using high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate will significantly enhance flavor.
Check baking time carefully; the center should remain slightly gooey for the perfect fudgy texture.
Serve the brownie warm for the best melt-in-your-mouth experience.
If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, use any 9-inch oven-safe skillet or pan.