Ingredients
For the Brownie
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For Serving
- Vanilla ice cream (2–3 scoops)
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
- Extra chocolate sauce or melted chocolate (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Skillet
Choose a cast-iron skillet (20–25 cm). Grease it lightly with butter or oil. Cast iron gives the brownie unbeatable texture — crisp edges and a soft center — and lets you serve it directly from the pan.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Melt the Butter and Chocolate
Place a heatproof bowl over simmering water, creating a double boiler. Add the butter and chocolate chips. Stir occasionally until everything is fully melted and smooth.
Remove the bowl from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. This ensures the eggs won’t scramble when added.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add vanilla extract and mix until everything is well combined.
Slowly pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This creates the base of the brownie — rich, glossy, and full of flavor.
4. Add the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to remove any lumps.
Fold this dry mixture gently into the chocolate batter. Mix only until combined. Overmixing can make the brownie tough, so stop when the batter is just smooth.
If you want extra texture, fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts.
5. Fill the Skillet
Pour the brownie batter into your greased skillet. Spread it evenly with a spatula. The batter should be thick and glossy, filling the skillet nicely without spilling over the edges.
6. Bake to Gooey Perfection
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes.
Here is the key:
Bake until the edges are set but the center remains soft and slightly wiggly.
This is how you achieve that molten, gooey texture like the dessert in your photo. If you prefer a more firm brownie, bake for 5–8 minutes longer, but most people love the molten style.
7. Add Toppings Immediately
Once out of the oven, let the brownie cool for just 2–3 minutes. It should still be warm and molten.
Add two generous scoops of vanilla ice cream directly on top. The ice cream will soften and melt slightly, creating beautiful creamy rivers over the hot brownie.
Drizzle caramel sauce over the ice cream and brownie. You can also add chocolate drizzle, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet finish.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the skillet directly on the table with spoons for sharing.
- For individual servings, scoop portions along with melted ice cream and caramel.
- Pair with espresso, hot chocolate, or cold milk.
- Add strawberries or raspberries for a fresh contrast.
This dessert is meant to be enjoyed immediately while the contrast between hot and cold is at its best.
Tips for the Best Skillet Brownie
Use High-Quality Chocolate
The flavor depends heavily on the chocolate you choose. Using rich, semi-sweet chocolate chips elevates the entire dessert.
Don’t Overbake
The signature gooey center comes from stopping the baking at the right moment. When the edges puff up but the center still looks slightly glossy, it’s ready.
Cast Iron Makes a Difference
The skillet holds heat exceptionally well, keeping the dessert warm longer. If you don’t have cast iron, you can use a baking dish, but the texture won’t be exactly the same.
Customize It
- Add peanut butter swirls
- Replace nuts with chocolate chunks
- Use salted caramel instead of classic caramel
- Add marshmallows for a s’mores-style finish
Why This Dessert Is So Loved
This skillet brownie offers everything a chocolate lover wants — warmth, richness, creaminess, and incredible texture. The combination of warm gooey brownie and cold melting ice cream is simply unbeatable. It’s rustic yet impressive, indulgent yet easy, and perfect for special occasions or simple comfort moments at home.