Skillet Brownie

If you’re a fan of chocolate desserts, skillet brownies might just become your new favorite treat. Imagine a rich, gooey brownie that’s baked right in a cast iron skillet. This dessert is not only easy to make, but it also gives a warm and comforting feel that is perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Indulge in the deep, fudgy flavors that come from simple ingredients, and let this delightful brownie take center stage. The beauty of skillet brownies lies in their versatility, allowing you to customize each bite to your liking, while maintaining that essential brownie goodness.

Whether you are serving them fresh out of the oven, topped with a scoop of ice cream, or drizzled with warm hot fudge sauce, skillet brownies are sure to please everyone. Whether you are a baking novice or an expert, this recipe is accessible to all. Let’s dive into the delicious world of skillet brownies!

Ingredients for Skillet Brownie

List of Ingredients with Measurements

To make your luscious skillet brownies, you will need the following ingredients:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 ounces bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsweetened natural or Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided

Optional for serving: ice cream, salted caramel sauce, and/or hot fudge sauce.

Optional Ingredient Substitutions

In case you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, there are some easy substitutions you can make without sacrificing taste:

• Instead of unsalted butter, you could use salted butter and adjust the salt in the recipe.
• If you prefer a different type of oil, you can swap vegetable oil for canola oil or even melted coconut oil.
• Dark chocolate can be used in place of bittersweet chocolate for a more intense flavor.
• For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• If you want a dairy-free option, you can use dairy-free chocolate and butter alternatives.

How to Make Skillet Brownie

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate Mixture

Start by melting the butter, vegetable oil, chopped chocolate, and granulated sugar together. You can do this using a medium saucepan set over medium heat. Stir the mixture continuously for about 5 minutes until everything is smooth and melted. Alternatively, you can use a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second increments, stirring each time, until the chocolate and butter mixture is completely melted and smooth. This mixture is the foundation of our brownie, and the combination of butter and chocolate creates that rich texture we all love.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Once your chocolate mixture is deep and glossy, pour it into a large mixing bowl. Allow it to cool slightly for about 5 minutes. This cooling step is crucial as it helps prevent cooking the eggs in the next step. Add the three large eggs and two teaspoons of pure vanilla extract into the bowl. Whisk these together using a whisk or a fork until everything is well combined. The combination of eggs and vanilla adds richness and depth of flavor to the brownies.

Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Next, it’s time to incorporate the dry ingredients. In the same bowl, add the 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently stir the mixture until no dry flour or cocoa powder remains. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to tougher brownies. Once fully combined, you’ll notice a luscious brownie batter forming.

Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

To make the brownies even more chocolatey, fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. These will melt slightly during baking, adding pockets of gooey chocolate goodness. After folding in the chocolate chips, pour the batter into the lightly greased 10-inch cast iron skillet. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. For an extra touch, sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips over the top before baking.

Step 5: Bake the Brownies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and place the skillet in the lower third of the oven. Bake the brownies for about 30 to 36 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center. You want to see a few moist crumbs sticking to the toothpick for that perfect fudgy texture. If the toothpick comes out clean, the brownies might be a bit overbaked. Once baked, allow them to cool for 5 minutes before serving. That’s it! Your skillet brownie is now complete!

How to Serve Skillet Brownie

Best Ways to Serve Skillet Brownie

Serving your skillet brownie is a delicious affair. Slice it into wedges straight out of the skillet for a rustic presentation, or serve it in bowls for individual portions. The beauty of the skillet approach is that it keeps the brownie warm throughout the serving process, encouraging everyone to dig in and enjoy.

Serving Suggestions or Pairings

There are countless ways to enjoy your skillet brownie. Here are some tasty ideas for serving:

1. Add Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream on top transforms the brownie into a warm sundae.
2. Drizzle Sauces: Pour salted caramel sauce or rich hot fudge sauce over the warm brownie for an extra indulgent treat.
3. Add Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and fluffy contrast to the dense brownie.
4. Top with Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the brownies.
5. Fresh Berries: Garnishing with fresh berries adds a pop of freshness that brightens up the dessert plate.

How to Store Skillet Brownie

Proper Storage Methods

To keep your leftover skillet brownies as fresh as possible, cover the skillet with plastic wrap or transfer the brownies to an airtight container. Make sure they cool completely before storing to avoid steam buildup that can make the brownies soggy.

Tips for Reheating or Freezing

If you want to reheat your brownies, you can use the microwave for quick results. Warm them for about 15 to 20 seconds on medium power. For best results, if your brownies are stored in the skillet, place the skillet in a low-temperature oven (around 300°F) for about 10 minutes to warm through. If you have more brownies than you can eat within a few days, freeze them! They can be frozen for up to three months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To eat later, thaw them at room temperature or gently reheat in the oven.

Tips to Make Skillet Brownie

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making brownies is usually straightforward, but some common pitfalls can occur. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

1. Overmixing the Batter: Stirring too much after adding the flour can lead to tough brownies. Make sure to mix just until everything is incorporated.
2. Using Cold Eggs: Cold eggs can alter the texture of your brownies. Always make sure your eggs are at room temperature for the best results.
3. Not Checking the Oven Temperature: Oven temperatures can vary, which might affect baking time. It’s always good to know your oven’s true temperature for the best results.

Helpful Tips for Better Results

1. Melt Chocolate Gently: Whether by stovetop or microwave, be patient while melting to avoid burning the chocolate.
2. Use Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor, don’t skimp on the chocolate. Choosing high-quality chocolate makes a noticeable difference in taste.
3. Line the Skillet with Parchment: For easier cleanup, consider lining the bottom of the skillet with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy brownie removal.

Variation of Skillet Brownie

Suggested Variations or Twists on the Recipe

Skillet brownies are incredibly versatile! Here are a few ideas to switch things up:

1. Mint Thins: Add crumbled mint chocolate candies to the batter for a refreshing minty flavor.
2. Peanut Butter Swirl: Marble creamy peanut butter into the brownie batter before baking for a nutty surprise.
3. Crushed Cookies: Fold in crushed Oreos or any favorite cookies for texture and flavor.

Adjustments for Dietary Preferences

If you’re catering to different dietary needs, here are some adjustments you could consider:

1. Vegan Version: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) in place of eggs and a vegan butter substitute.
2. Sugar-Free: You could use sugar substitutes like Stevia or Erythritol, but be sure to follow package instructions for proper conversions.

FAQs

What can I do if the dish isn’t turning out right?

If your skillet brownies don’t seem perfect, don’t worry! Here are a few troubleshooting tips:

• Too Dry: This may happen if the brownies were overbaked. Next time, check a few minutes earlier for doneness.
• Too Fudgy: If they are too gooey, next time consider baking them a little longer, but remember to keep them fudgy for that signature texture.
• Not Rising: Ensure that your baking powder or soda is fresh if included—older ingredients can lead to flat baked goods.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a day before baking. This allows flavors to blossom before cooking. You can also bake the brownies ahead of time, let them cool, and store them until you are ready to serve.

What can I substitute for ingredients?

Many ingredients in the skillet brownie recipe can be substituted:

• Flour: You can use almond flour or coconut flour for a gluten-free version, but follow specific guidelines since they behave differently than all-purpose flour.
• Sweeteners: For those watching their sugar intake, try using Stevia or honey instead of granulated sugar.
• Butter: Substitute with vegetable oil or applesauce for a different flavor profile and texture.

With these tips, hints, and variations, you’ll be set to create the perfect skillet brownie every time. Whether you keep it classic or try something new, the result will always be a delicious treat sure to satisfy chocolate cravings! So gather those ingredients and bring the joy of homemade skillet brownies to your kitchen soon!

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