This Ultimate Skillet Brownie is a chocolate lover’s dream come true—fudgy, gooey, and brimming with rich chocolate flavor from cocoa powder, melted chocolate, and chocolate chips. Baked in a cast-iron skillet and served warm with ice cream, it’s an indulgent dessert perfect for sharing… or not. Best of all, it’s easy to make and ready in about an hour with no mixer required.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• ¾ cup (12 tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 4 oz (113g) bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

• 1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar

• 3 large eggs, at room temperature

• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

• ½ cup (42g) unsweetened natural or Dutch-process cocoa powder

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup + 2 tbsp (about 200g) semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided

• Optional for serving: ice cream, salted caramel sauce, or hot fudge sauce

Directions

1. Melt the Chocolate Base

   • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together butter, oil, chopped chocolate, and sugar until melted and smooth (about 5 minutes).

   • Alternatively, microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring each time, until melted.

   • Transfer to a large bowl and whisk until smooth. Cool for 5 minutes.

2. Prep the Oven & Skillet

   • Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).

   • Lightly grease a 10-inch oven-safe skillet (cast iron recommended).

3. Make the Batter

   • Whisk eggs and vanilla into the cooled chocolate mixture.

   • Stir in cocoa powder, flour, and salt until combined.

   • Fold in 1 cup chocolate chips.

4. Bake

   • Pour the batter into the prepared skillet and sprinkle the remaining 2 tbsp of chocolate chips on top.

   • Bake for 30–36 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. (Do not overbake for gooey centers!)

5. Serve Warm

   • Let cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm with ice cream and toppings of choice.

Nutrients (Estimated Per Serving, based on 10 servings)

• Calories: ~480–520 kcal

• Fat: ~30g

• Saturated Fat: ~16g

• Carbohydrates: ~55g

• Sugar: ~35g

• Protein: ~5g

• Fiber: ~3g

• Sodium: ~180mg

Why Bake Brownies in a Skillet?

Baking brownies in a cast-iron skillet isn’t just for rustic presentation—it actually changes the brownie experience. The skillet creates crisp, chewy edges while preserving a luxuriously soft and molten center. The even heat retention of cast iron allows the brownie to cook uniformly, creating that perfect balance between chewy corners and gooey middle that’s so hard to achieve with a regular baking pan.

Serving the brownie straight from the skillet also adds to the drama. When topped with cold vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of hot fudge or caramel, it becomes an interactive, crowd-pleasing dessert that invites everyone to grab a spoon and dig in.

Triple the Chocolate, Triple the Joy

This isn’t just any brownie—it’s a triple-chocolate masterpiece. The base begins with real chopped chocolate melted into butter and oil, giving the brownie a rich foundation and velvety mouthfeel. Cocoa powder adds that unmistakable dark chocolate punch, while chocolate chips scattered throughout the batter provide melty bursts in every bite.

This trio of chocolates creates a flavor profile that’s deep and complex—slightly bitter from the cocoa, sweet from the chips, and buttery-smooth from the melted chocolate. Together, they offer a dynamic and indulgent experience that elevates this skillet dessert far above the standard brownie fare.

A Simple Recipe That Feels Luxurious

One of the best things about the Ultimate Skillet Brownie is how easy it is to make. No stand mixer is required—just a saucepan and a whisk. It’s the kind of dessert that invites spontaneous baking, perfect for those moments when a chocolate craving strikes or guests show up unexpectedly. Everything comes together in a single bowl after the chocolate is melted, meaning fewer dishes to wash and more time to enjoy the treat.

With basic pantry ingredients and about an hour of time, you can create a dessert that tastes like it came straight from a boutique bakery.

Texture That Keeps You Coming Back

This skillet brownie hits every note of the ideal texture spectrum. The outer edges caramelize slightly against the hot skillet, creating a chewy, candy-like crust. Just underneath, the interior is dense and fudgy, with molten chocolate chips peeking through. At the very center is a soft, barely set core that oozes richness when sliced into.

This interplay of textures is what makes each bite unique. No two spoonfuls are the same, and that unpredictability adds excitement with every scoop. Whether you prefer crispy edges or gooey middles, this brownie delivers.

Serve It Your Way: Endless Topping Possibilities

While this brownie is spectacular on its own, it becomes next-level when served with toppings. A classic scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect contrast to the warm chocolate base, adding creaminess and a refreshing chill. For added decadence, drizzle it with salted caramel or a thick ribbon of hot fudge. Crushed nuts, whipped cream, or even a handful of fresh raspberries can bring texture, contrast, and color to the dish.

Want to go gourmet? A pinch of sea salt or a sprinkle of espresso powder before baking can deepen the chocolate flavor even further. Or, for a holiday twist, add peppermint chips or a splash of orange zest.

A Dessert Built for Sharing (or Not)

The skillet brownie is a dessert that brings people together. Designed for sharing, it’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or cozy evenings with loved ones. Simply place the skillet in the center of the table, pass around the spoons, and let the digging in begin. The shared experience makes it feel more special and intimate, ideal for both casual get-togethers and romantic nights in.

But let’s be honest—sometimes you don’t want to share. And the beauty of this dessert is that you don’t have to. Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat individual servings in the microwave for a warm, fudgy treat whenever the craving hits.

Balanced Richness That’s Surprisingly Satisfying

While undeniably indulgent, this brownie isn’t cloyingly sweet. Thanks to the use of bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate and unsweetened cocoa powder, the sweetness is balanced with a bold, slightly bitter edge that keeps it from being overwhelming. It satisfies chocolate cravings deeply without being one-note, which is what sets it apart from store-bought brownie mixes or overly sugary desserts.

Each serving also delivers a modest amount of protein and fiber, thanks to the cocoa content and eggs, helping to make this dessert feel a little more substantial and satisfying.

Perfect for Celebrations and Everyday Indulgence

There’s never a wrong time for a skillet brownie. It fits seamlessly into a casual weeknight dinner or can be dressed up for birthdays, anniversaries, or dinner parties. Because it feels indulgent and homemade at the same time, it offers the best of both worlds—comfort and celebration.

It’s also a great base for themed variations. Add marshmallows and graham crackers for a s’mores version, or swirl in peanut butter or Nutella for something a little different. With just a few tweaks, this base recipe becomes a canvas for whatever you’re craving.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this brownie stores well for up to three days at room temperature or in the fridge. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for about 20 seconds to restore their gooey center. The brownie also freezes well—wrap it tightly and thaw before reheating to bring back its warm, melty texture.

If you prefer eating it cold, the brownie transforms into a denser, almost truffle-like treat that’s equally delicious.

Conclusion

The Ultimate Skillet Brownie isn’t just a dessert—it’s an experience. From the rich, triple-chocolate base to the gooey center and crispy edges, every bite is a celebration of flavor and texture. Whether served simply with a spoon or dressed up with ice cream and toppings, it brings comfort, indulgence, and joy to the table.

Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for sharing, this brownie is the kind of dessert you’ll return to again and again. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best treats are the ones made in a single skillet—with love, a little chocolate, and a lot of fun.