Gooey Barefoot Contessa’s Skillet Brownies Recipe for Chocoholics

Chocolate lovers unite for these decadent skillet brownies that promise pure indulgence with every bite.

Rich, fudgy Barefoot Contessa skillet brownies recipe will make your dessert dreams come true.

The cast-iron skillet creates a crispy edge with a molten center that melts in your mouth.

Warm and gooey, these brownies deliver an irresistible texture that beats traditional pan-baked versions.

Topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this dessert becomes a show-stopping treat for any occasion.

Simple ingredients and minimal prep time mean you can whip up this delightful dessert in no time.

Grab your skillet and get ready to experience chocolate bliss like never before.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 22 minutes

Total Time: 37 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients for Skillet Brownies

• Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Rich flavor foundation that creates deep, luxurious chocolate essence with smooth melting properties.
• Unsweetened Chocolate: Intense cocoa punch that provides robust chocolate depth and complex layering in brownies.
• Butter: Creamy binding agent that adds richness and helps chocolate melt seamlessly.

• Eggs: Structural protein that helps bind ingredients and creates smooth, fudgy texture.
• Coffee Powder: Secret flavor booster that intensifies chocolate's natural complexity without tasting like coffee.
• Vanilla Extract: Aromatic enhancer that rounds out chocolate's deep notes with subtle warmth.

• All-Purpose Flour: Essential structural component that provides necessary brownie framework and helps control moisture.
• Baking Powder: Gentle leavening agent ensuring soft, tender brownie texture.
• Salt: Flavor amplifier that balances sweetness and highlights chocolate's rich characteristics.
• Sugar: Sweetness provider that caramelizes during baking, creating deep golden undertones.

Skillet Brownie Tools You’ll Need

• Cast-iron skillets: 4 individual small pans perfect for creating personal-sized brownies with crispy edges.
• Large heatproof bowl: Essential for melting chocolate and butter over simmering water.
• Medium bowl: Used for mixing egg and sugar ingredients.
• Small bowl: Helps coat chocolate chips with flour before adding to batter.
• Sifter: Ensures dry ingredients are well combined and lump-free.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring chocolate and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Sheet pan: Provides stable support for skillets while baking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Toothpick: Helps check brownie doneness by testing centre texture.

How to Make Skillet Brownies Easily

• Chocolate Melting Magic

Gently melt chocolate and butter over steamy water, creating a silky smooth base that promises rich deliciousness.

• Flavor Fusion

Blend eggs with a hint of coffee and vanilla, infusing the batter with deep, complex undertones that elevate classic brownies.

• Batter Development

Carefully fold dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture, creating a velvety canvas that promises decadent texture.

• Chocolate Chip Boost

Toss extra chocolate chips with a whisper of flour to ensure they suspend perfectly throughout the brownie, preventing sinking.

• Skillet Transformation

Pour the luxurious batter into individual cast-iron skillets, allowing each serving to become a personal chocolate paradise.

• Baking Perfection

Slide the skillets into a warm oven, watching as they transform into molten chocolate treasures with slightly gooey centers.

• Sweet Finale

Serve immediately with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, creating a dessert that’s part comfort, part indulgence.

Sweet Tips & Gooey Swaps for Skillet Brownies

• Mix dark and milk chocolate chips for a more complex flavor profile that dances on your taste buds.
• Add a pinch of espresso powder or instant coffee to enhance the chocolate's deep, rich notes without overpowering the dessert.
• Fold in chopped nuts like toasted walnuts or pecans, or sprinkle sea salt on top for a gourmet twist that elevates the classic brownie experience.
• Swirl in creamy peanut butter, caramel sauce, or raspberry preserves before baking to transform the basic recipe into a stunning dessert with unexpected layers of flavor.
• Prepare the brownie batter up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify before baking for an even more delicious result.

Serving Ideas for Skillet Brownies

• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Comfort: Top each warm skillet brownie with a luxurious scoop of classic vanilla ice cream, letting the cold creaminess melt into the rich, gooey chocolate.
• Create a Chocolate Lover's Dream: Drizzle melted dark chocolate or chocolate sauce over the brownies, enhancing the intense chocolate flavor and adding an extra layer of decadence.
• Sprinkle with Textural Delights: Garnish the brownies with chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts, or add a light dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch that adds crunch and visual appeal.
• Elevate with Coffee Pairing: Serve alongside a shot of espresso or a smooth cappuccino to complement the subtle coffee notes baked into the brownie and create a sophisticated dessert experience.

Storage Tips for Skillet Brownie Bliss

• Plan Ahead for Delicious Brownies: Prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to develop and making your baking process smoother.
• Freeze for Future Cravings: Wrap individual cooled brownies tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing them in the freezer for up to 3 months when chocolate cravings strike unexpectedly.
• Maximize Freshness: Keep room-temperature brownies in an airtight container for 3-4 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their perfect texture.
• Revive Refrigerated Brownies: Gently warm chilled brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to restore their soft, fudgy consistency before serving.

Gooey Barefoot Contessa Skillet Brownies Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Rich chocolate skillet brownies from Barefoot Contessa delight chocolate enthusiasts with intense flavor and irresistible texture. Guests will savor each warm, gooey bite of this classic dessert crafted for ultimate indulgence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 oz (115 g) unsalted butter
• 4 oz (115 g) Hershey’s semisweet chocolate chips
• 3 oz (85 g) Hershey’s semisweet chocolate chips
• 1.4 oz (40 g) unsweetened chocolate
• 2 extra-large eggs
• 1.5 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 tsp instant coffee powder (Nescafé)
• 19.2 fl oz (568 ml) vanilla ice cream (Häagen-Dazs)
• 4.2 oz (120 g) sugar
• 0.5 oz (15 g) sugar
• 1.2 oz (35 g) all-purpose flour
• 0.5 oz (15 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare: Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F), setting the stage for rich, decadent brownies.
2. Chocolate Fusion: Melt semisweet chocolate chips, unsweetened chocolate, and butter in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring until smooth and glossy.
3. Flavor Foundation: Whisk eggs, coffee powder, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until harmoniously blended.
4. Chocolate Incorporation: Allow melted chocolate to cool slightly, then gently fold into the egg mixture, creating a luxurious, dark batter.
5. Dry Ingredient Integration: Sift flour, baking powder, and salt, then delicately fold into the chocolate mixture until just combined, maintaining a velvety texture.
6. Chocolate Chip Distribution: Coat remaining chocolate chips with flour to prevent sinking, then gently fold into the batter, creating delightful chocolate pockets.
7. Skillet Preparation: Transfer batter evenly into cast-iron skillets or a baking dish, ensuring uniform depth for consistent baking.
8. Baking Perfection: Bake for 22 minutes, aiming for a slightly soft center – a toothpick should emerge with a few moist crumbs, promising a fudgy, indulgent dessert.
9. Serving Suggestion: Serve warm, crowned with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the intense chocolate experience.

Notes

• Prevent Chocolate Sinking: Coat extra chocolate chips with flour to ensure even distribution throughout the brownie batter, creating delightful chocolate pockets in every bite.
• Master the Melt: Use a double boiler technique by placing chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring gently to achieve a smooth, glossy chocolate base without burning.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Look for a slightly soft center and moist crumbs on the toothpick – this ensures ultra-fudgy brownies that aren’t overbaked or dry.
• Serve with Flair: Pair warm brownies with vanilla ice cream to create a classic dessert combination that elevates the rich chocolate intensity and provides a delightful temperature contrast.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg