If you are on the hunt for a decadent dessert that truly hits all the right notes, this Perfect Skillet Brownie with Crackly Top and Melt-In-Mouth Gooey Center Recipe is the answer you’ve been dreaming of. Imagine biting into a rich, fudgy brownie with a beautifully crisp, crackly top that gives way to a warm, gooey center that simply melts on your tongue. It’s the kind of treat that feels like a comforting hug, perfect for sharing or indulging in all by yourself. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, this skillet brownie recipe elevates the classic chocolate dessert into something extraordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, quality ingredients is all it takes to create this magnificent skillet brownie. Each component plays a crucial part: the chocolate brings deep richness, butter enhances moisture and flavor, sugar adds sweetness and that coveted crackly top, eggs provide structure and tenderness, and the flour ensures just the right density without weighing down the gooey center.
- Chopped semi-sweet or dark chocolate (1 cup): Choose around 60-70% cocoa for balanced bitterness and sweetness that deepens the brownie’s flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): This adds richness and helps create the moist, melt-in-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): It’s key for sweetness and that signature crackly, shiny surface.
- Large eggs (2): They bind everything together while keeping the center fudgy and tender.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Just enough to provide structure without drying out the gooey middle.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances and rounds out the chocolate flavor beautifully.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Small but mighty, it intensifies the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Optional add-ins: Extra chocolate chips, chopped walnuts or pecans, or a swirl of peanut butter for personalized flair.
How to Make Perfect Skillet Brownie with Crackly Top and Melt-In-Mouth Gooey Center Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Skillet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking. Lightly grease a 9- or 10-inch cast iron skillet to prevent sticking and to encourage that irresistible crust to form on the edges and bottom.
Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter
Combine the chopped chocolate and unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler. Gently melt them together until perfectly smooth, then set aside to cool for a few minutes. This step is crucial for a silky batter without cooking the eggs later.
Step 3: Whisk Eggs and Sugar
In a large bowl, vigorously whisk the eggs and granulated sugar for 2-3 minutes until the mixture lightens in color and thickens. This aeration is what helps create the signature crackly top once baked.
Step 4: Combine Melted Chocolate with Egg Mixture
Slowly pour your cooled chocolate and butter mixture into the egg and sugar bowl while whisking continuously. Add vanilla extract and salt, stirring everything together until you have a smooth, luxurious batter.
Step 5: Fold in Flour
Sift in the all-purpose flour and gently fold it into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix here—overworking the batter can make your brownie tough instead of gorgeously fudgy.
Step 6: Transfer Batter and Bake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared skillet, smoothing it out to the edges. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The key sign it’s ready is when the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle—this ensures it will finish perfectly gooey.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Allow your brownie to cool directly in the skillet on a wire rack for at least 1-2 hours. This patience pays off, letting the gooey center set to that melt-in-mouth texture you crave before slicing.
How to Serve Perfect Skillet Brownie with Crackly Top and Melt-In-Mouth Gooey Center Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little flair on the top can make the brownie feel extra special. Sprinkle a handful of chopped nuts for crunch, dust with powdered sugar for a pretty finish, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh berries can add a burst of tartness that balances the rich chocolate beautifully.
Side Dishes
This skillet brownie pairs wonderfully with creamy desserts like whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For something lighter, a refreshing berry compote complements the intense chocolate flavor while offering a colorful counterpoint on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this brownie right from the skillet for a rustic, cozy feel that invites everyone to dig in. Alternatively, slice into wedges and plate with a scoop of ice cream and a sprig of mint for a gorgeous dessert presentation that’s perfect for both casual and special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover brownies can be kept covered at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. Just make sure to cover the skillet tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container to preserve their moist, gooey texture.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover brownies in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating or enjoying at room temperature.
Reheating
Warm up individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to bring back that irresistible melt-in-mouth gooeyness. If reheating the whole skillet, cover loosely with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of chopped chocolate?
This recipe relies on melted chopped chocolate for its rich texture and flavor, so substituting cocoa powder would change the consistency. For best results, stick to the chocolate or use finely chopped chocolate bars.
How do I achieve that crackly top on the brownie?
The trick is whisking the eggs and sugar until light and thick, which creates a glossy, crisp crust as it bakes. Also, using granulated sugar rather than brown sugar helps form this delicate, crackly layer.
What skillet size should I use?
A 9- or 10-inch cast iron skillet works perfectly to give the brownie the right thickness and baking time. Using a larger skillet could result in thinner brownies that bake too quickly, missing that gooey center.
Can I add mix-ins to this Perfect Skillet Brownie with Crackly Top and Melt-In-Mouth Gooey Center Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in nuts, extra chocolate chips, or swirl in peanut butter to customize your brownie and add textural contrasts.
How do I know when the brownie is done baking?
The edges will look set and slightly pulling away from the skillet, but the center should still jiggle a little when you gently shake the pan. This ensures the inside remains gooey and soft after cooling.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of pulling a warm, fudgy skillet brownie out of the oven, complete with a perfectly crackly top and that melt-in-mouth gooey center. This Perfect Skillet Brownie with Crackly Top and Melt-In-Mouth Gooey Center Recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your dessert rotation, whether for everyday indulgence or special celebrations. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of this chocolate heaven—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Perfect Skillet Brownie with Crackly Top and Melt-In-Mouth Gooey Center Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Perfect Skillet Brownie recipe delivers a crackly top and melt-in-mouth gooey interior using a simple cast iron skillet. Rich semi-sweet chocolate and butter create a luscious melt-together base, whipped eggs and sugar lighten the batter, and a touch of vanilla and salt balance the sweetness. Baked to perfection, this brownie is fabulously fudgy and easy to make, perfect for sharing warm or cooled.
Ingredients
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 Skillet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9- or 10-inch cast iron skillet to ensure the brownie doesn’t stick.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a medium microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, combine the chopped chocolate and unsalted butter. Melt until smooth, then set aside to cool slightly to prevent cooking the eggs in the next step.
- Whisk Eggs and Sugar: In a large bowl, crack the eggs and add granulated sugar. Whisk vigorously for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens and lightens in color, which helps create a tender, airy crumb.
- Combine Chocolate Mixture: Slowly pour the slightly cooled chocolate and butter mixture into the eggs and sugar, whisking continuously for a smooth, homogenous batter. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt to enhance flavor.
- Add Flour: Sift the all-purpose flour into the wet mixture and gently fold it in using a spatula just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender, fudgy texture.
- Pour Batter into Skillet: Evenly pour the brownie batter into the prepared skillet and spread it smoothly to the edges for even baking.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are set but the center retains a slight jiggle indicating gooeyness.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownie to cool completely in the skillet on a wire rack for at least 1-2 hours before slicing to let the texture set perfectly.
Notes
- Use a cast iron skillet for even heat distribution and a beautifully crisp edge.
- Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly jiggly for that perfect fudgy texture.
- Allow to cool fully before slicing to prevent crumbling and to develop ideal texture.
- Optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips can be folded in with the flour for added texture and flavor.
- Substitute unsalted butter with salted butter if desired, but reduce added salt slightly.
