Imagine the perfect evening: outside the window, the world winds down into twilight, and there’s that sweet spot between the daily hustle and the peaceful lull of night. It is in moments like these that I find myself reaching for something that fills the kitchen with warmth and bakes a bit of magic into the waning day. That something is a skillet brownie, a heartwarming concoction that transforms simple ingredients into a celebration of texture and taste.
Here at Food and Meal, we are no strangers to comfort food, and I, Gobble, have become something of a connoisseur of cozy. Is there anything more inviting than a skillet brownie? I love how it’s communal, baked and served all in one humble skillet, encouraging everyone to dip in for a spoonful. Its edges are sensationally crisp, giving way to a fudgy center that is deeply satisfying with every bite. And the best thing? You get to scrape every last bit of chocolatey goodness straight from the pan – no crumb left behind.
On a personal note, I’ve always found solace in the meditative act of stirring together cocoa and flour, whisking eggs, and watching the batter come together as smoothly as a soft serenade. The humble skillet brownie echoes my sentiments for simplicity and indulgence combined. It’s a testament to how unpretentious yet utterly delightful desserts can be, and it’s why I’m ever so eager to share the joys of making this dish with you.
Skillet brownies are for those times when you yearn for the uncomplicated pleasure of homemade dessert without the fanfare. This recipe that I’m about to share with you is a tribute to those sweet, serendipitous pleasures of life – baked slowly as the evening unfolds.
Skillet Brownies Recipes
Skillet Brownies
Ingredients
- 1/4 pound unsalted butter 1 stick
- 5 1/2 oz semisweet chocolate chips plus 1/2 cup, divided
- 2 extra large eggs
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sugar plus 1 tablespoon
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour plus 1 tablespoon, divided
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Heat 4 oz chocolate chips, and butter in a microwave safe bowl for 1-1 1/2 minutes. Stir every 30 seconds to avoid burning the chocolate. Let cool for about 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, stir the eggs together gently, and add the vanilla and coffee powder until combined. Add the melted chocolate and butter to the egg mixture until well blended. Allow to cool to room temperature.
- Combine the dry ingredients in a separate bowl ( 1/4 cup flour, baking powder and salt) and stir into the chocolate mixture. Toss the 1/2 cup chocolate chips with the remaining tablespoon of flour and add to the chocolate mixture with a spatula.
- Pour the brownie batter into 4 skillets measuring 5 inches across the top. Bake for 22 minutes exactly. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Alternative Method: Baking Skillet Brownies in an Oven
Indulge in the rich and decadent goodness of Skillet Brownies with this simple and irresistible recipe. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing and flouring it. In a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop, melt the butter until it turns into a luscious liquid, allowing it to cool slightly. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is well combined. Stir in the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in semisweet chocolate chips to enrich the brownie batter. Pour the heavenly batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, ensuring a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached for that perfect gooey texture. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into squares and savor each fudgy bite of these oven-baked Skillet Brownies for an exquisite dessert experience.
Tips for making Skillet Brownies
Serving Suggestions
Firstly, to add a fruit component, Cherry Cobbler would serve as a contrasting treat. The tartness of cherries can balance the deep chocolate of the brownies, and together they present a classic fruit-chocolate pairing that is often adored. Consuming the warm Cherry Cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top alongside the brownies would bring that desirable temperature contrast as well.
For a special fusion that unites culinary traditions, we might opt for pairing the brownies with Kenyan Mahamri. These East African coconut-flavored doughnuts can lend an interesting textural contrast with their airy and fluffy nature against the dense brownie. Their sweet and aromatic flavors infused with cardamom would lend an exotic twist to the dessert course.
To balance the sweetness, having savory options is key. While skillet brownies are generally not paired with savory dishes, we can suggest unconventional yet delightful partners like Vegetable Maki or Shrimp Tempura from the list. The fresh and light nature of these Japanese dishes can cleanse the palate between bites of brownie, making them an interesting choice for a multi-course meal where a dessert such as brownies might conclude the experience.
Sipping on an Easy Iced Coffee or Easy Frappuccino after enjoying the skillet brownies would provide a delightful finish, with the bitter notes of coffee complementing the sweet chocolate, particularly if the coffee has been sweetened or includes milk.
Cooking Tips
Embarking on the preparation of such a visually stunning and imaginative dessert can invoke a sense of excitement and playfulness. The process of making the “broken glass” could involve careful temperature control and timing to achieve the perfect brittle consistency, which then shatters with a satisfying snap when broken. The anticipation of the textural interplay within each bite builds with the preparation.
Regarding the emotional aspect, there can be a juxtaposition of feelings. On one hand, the whimsical nature of the name and the joy of creating something so distinctive can bring about a sense of pride and satisfaction. Serving such a creation could spark conversations and admiration, nurturing a warm, communal experience. On the other hand, one might also feel a tinge of apprehension – ‘Will the end product look as enchanting as it sounds in concept’ or ‘Will my efforts encapsulate the delightful contrast I am aiming for?’
While there may be curiosity and excitement in creating and experiencing this unique dessert, personal opinions about its suitability for different occasions may vary. Some may find the “broken glass” visual element to be a playful and intriguing addition to a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends, while others might prefer more traditional presentations for formal events.
The texture provided by the “broken glass” also becomes a facet of personal preference. Where some may revel in the interplay of crunchy and soft textures, others may find the contrast too stark against the soothing comfort of a classic brownie. Nevertheless, the concept certainly offers a potential twist on a beloved treat that invites creativity and experimentation.
FAQs of Skillet Brownies
- Can I make Skillet Brownies ahead of time?Yes, you can bake them ahead, but for the best experience, reheat slightly before serving to enjoy that gooey texture.
- How do I store leftover Skillet Brownies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Can I use different types of chocolate for the recipe? Absolutely! Experiment with dark, milk, or white chocolate to create various flavor profiles for your brownies.
- Can I add nuts to the brownie batter? Of course! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can be a delicious addition. Fold them into the batter before baking.
- What’s the secret to achieving that perfect fudgy center? The key is not to overbake. Pull your brownies out of the oven when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
Conclusion
In concluding our indulgent exploration of skillet brownies, it’s clear that this humble dessert has stolen the hearts of many, evolving into a canvas for culinary creativity and comforting indulgence. Throughout this post, we’ve delved deep into the secrets behind creating the perfect skillet brownie, from choosing the right chocolate to mastering the art of the gooey center. Its simplicity is its strength—skillet brownies require minimal equipment and ingredients but deliver maximum flavor and texture.
As we’ve journeyed from basic recipes to more innovative twists, incorporating nuts, caramel, or even a pinch of sea salt, we’ve seen how adaptable skillet brownies are to personal tastes and occasions. There’s truly a skillet brownie for every palate and every moment. So, whether you’re sharing with friends, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving something decadent, this dessert is sure to satisfy.
Remember to pull inspiration from Food And Meal or foodandmeal.com, where the love of all things culinary continues to be celebrated. Their treasure trove of recipes, cooking tips, and food knowledge is an excellent resource for any food enthusiast looking to elevate their cooking game. As you preheat your oven and butter your skillet, know that a slice of warm, rich skillet brownie is more than just a treat—it’s a testament to the joy of baking, the pleasure of sharing, and the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to form something extraordinary.
Hi! I’m Paula from the Philippines, the passionate blogger and skilled photographer behind Gobble the Cook. I also spearhead the media photography for Food And Meal in Vietnam.
I'm James F Anderson, a noted sous chef from London and a Le Cordon Bleu alumnus. My career began in a Michelin-starred Parisian eatery, where my blend of classic and contemporary cooking, using seasonal ingredients, earned accolades. Recognized in culinary publications and on cooking shows, I’m committed to mentoring aspiring chefs and delivering memorable dining experiences, marking me as a standout talent in the culinary world.