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

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

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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.