Decadent SunButter Triple Chocolate Brownie Skillet: The Ultimate Fudgy, Nut-Free Dessert

This post is proudly sponsored by SunButter®, bringing you this incredible SunButter Triple Chocolate Brownie Skillet recipe! As always, all culinary insights and opinions shared are 100% my own.

Prepare to indulge in the ultimate comfort dessert: a rich, profoundly fudgy SunButter Triple Chocolate Brownie Skillet. This recipe is meticulously crafted to deliver an unforgettable chocolate experience, combining a symphony of chocolate forms – luscious melted chocolate, deep cocoa powder, delightful chocolate chips, and of course, the star ingredient, creamy Chocolate SunButter. The result is a brownie skillet that boasts an intense chocolate flavor, a subtle, delightful nutty undertone from the SunButter, and an irresistibly decadent, melt-in-your-mouth fudgy texture. Best enjoyed warm, perhaps crowned with a scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream, this dessert is perfect for any occasion, from cozy family nights to impressive dinner party finales.

Discovering Chocolate SunButter: A Nut-Free Delight

For those uninitiated, SunButter is an exceptional seed-butter spread crafted from roasted sunflower seeds. It stands out as a superior alternative to traditional nut butters, making it a perfect choice for individuals with nut allergies, sensitivities, or anyone seeking a delicious yet healthier spread option. Beyond its allergy-friendly nature, SunButter is a nutritional powerhouse, offering 7 grams of protein per serving and brimming with essential vitamins and minerals. Notably, it contains absolutely no trans-fat and boasts less saturated fat than many almond butters, making it a smart addition to your pantry.

Chocolate SunButter elevates this already fantastic product to new heights. It serves as a phenomenal nut-free alternative to popular chocolate hazelnut spreads. Imagine a spread that is intensely chocolatey, wonderfully thick, and luxuriously creamy. What sets it apart is its balanced sweetness – it’s typically less sweet than traditional chocolate hazelnut spreads, which significantly enhances its versatility in both sweet and savory applications. In this brownie skillet, it contributes not only to the chocolate richness but also to the exceptional fudgy consistency and a unique flavor depth.

Eager to explore more delightful ways to incorporate SunButter into your baking? Be sure to check out some of my other popular SunButter creations, such as the irresistible SunButter Salted Caramel Cheesecake, the delightful SunButter Pretzel Chocolate Cupcakes, or delve into my complete collection of SunButter recipes for endless inspiration!

Fudgy vs. Cakey Brownies: Understanding the Delicious Difference

In the world of brownies, a delicious divide exists: you’re either a cakey brownie enthusiast or a devoted fudgy brownie lover. Cakey brownies, as their name suggests, possess a texture akin to a dense cake. They tend to be lighter, drier, and exhibit a discernible bounce. Fudgy brownies, on the other hand, are characterized by their intensely moist, dense, and gooey texture that quite literally melts in your mouth – exactly what we’re aiming for with this SunButter Triple Chocolate Brownie Skillet.

The fundamental distinction between these two brownie archetypes lies in the precise ratio of flour to fat and eggs in the batter. Cakey brownies typically feature a lower fat content and a higher proportion of flour. This flour provides more gluten structure, resulting in that lighter, more aerated, cake-like crumb. Additionally, cake brownies often rely on chemical leaveners like baking powder or baking soda, or the “creaming method” (beating butter and sugar together until fluffy) to incorporate air and achieve their characteristic rise and fluffy texture.

Conversely, fudgy brownies are masters of richness, boasting a significantly higher concentration of fat – primarily from butter and eggs – and a lower amount of flour. The increased fat content inhibits gluten development, leading to a softer, denser crumb. Eggs are crucial here, providing not only fat but also emulsification and richness, contributing to that desirable chewy, fudgy consistency. Importantly, fudgy brownie recipes, like this Triple Chocolate Brownie Skillet, typically do not require chemical leaveners or the creaming method. Their dense, moist nature is achieved through careful ingredient balance, allowing the chocolate flavor to truly shine without being diluted by excess air.

Mastering the Art of Melting Chocolate for Perfect Brownies

This exquisite Triple Chocolate Brownie Skillet recipe relies on properly melted chocolate to achieve its deep flavor and luxurious texture. While melting chocolate might seem straightforward, it’s an exact science where even minor missteps can quickly lead to a culinary disaster. Understanding chocolate’s unique properties is key to success.

Firstly, chocolate is notoriously sensitive to moisture. Any introduction of water, even a tiny droplet, will cause the chocolate to “seize.” This means it will instantly transform from a smooth, flowing liquid into a thick, gritty, and often unusable mass. Moisture can come from various sources: steam escaping from your bain-marie, a damp utensil, or even condensation from an improperly covered bowl. Always ensure all equipment is perfectly dry.

Secondly, chocolate absolutely despises excessive heat. Overheating or melting chocolate too rapidly can also cause it to seize or burn, resulting in a bitter, unpalatable product. This is precisely why direct heat methods, such as melting chocolate directly in a saucepan over a flame, are generally avoided in favor of more gentle approaches like a bain-marie (double boiler).

So, what’s the proper technique? Begin by finely chopping your chocolate. Smaller pieces melt more evenly and quickly, reducing the risk of overheating. Place the finely chopped chocolate into a heat-proof metal or glass bowl. Position this bowl over a pot of *simmering* water – crucial distinction: not boiling water. Boiling water produces too much steam and intense heat, increasing the risk of seizing. Ensure the bowl fits snugly over the pot, creating a seal that minimizes steam escaping and coming into contact with the chocolate. The bottom of the bowl should ideally not touch the simmering water itself; the steam is what gently melts the chocolate.

Stir the chocolate continuously with a dry rubber spatula as it melts. This promotes even melting and prevents hot spots. The entire process should take a mere 1 to 2 minutes, depending on the quantity of chocolate. Once smooth and glossy, remove the bowl from the heat immediately. Allow it to cool slightly to a warm temperature before incorporating it into your batter, as very hot chocolate can cook the eggs in the mixture. Following these steps will ensure your chocolate melts perfectly every time, contributing to the ultimate fudgy brownie skillet.

Crafting the Perfect SunButter Triple Chocolate Brownie Skillet: Step-by-Step

Creating this decadent skillet brownie is surprisingly simple, designed for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps to ensure a flawless, fudgy masterpiece:

1. Prepare Your Chocolate: Begin by finely chopping your semi-sweet chocolate. This ensures even and quick melting. Place the chopped chocolate in a heat-proof bowl and set it over a pot of gently simmering water, creating a double boiler. Stir constantly with a dry rubber spatula until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly to a warm, not hot, temperature. This prevents the eggs from scrambling when combined later.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients (Sugar, Eggs, Butter, SunButter): In a large mixing bowl, combine both white and dark brown sugars, large eggs, a pinch of salt, vanilla extract, the rich Chocolate SunButter, and the cooled melted unsalted butter. Using a whisk, beat these ingredients together vigorously by hand for about 1-2 minutes. You’re aiming for a mixture that is smooth, creamy, and slightly lightened in color and texture, indicating air has been incorporated for a desirable chewiness.
3. Incorporate Melted Chocolate: Gently pour the slightly cooled melted chocolate into the wet ingredient mixture. Whisk again until everything is beautifully combined and homogenous. The mixture will take on a deep, inviting chocolate color and a glossy sheen.
4. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sifted Dutch-processed cocoa powder, and the remaining salt. Sifting the cocoa powder is crucial to prevent lumps and ensure a silky-smooth brownie batter.
5. Fold Dry into Wet: Add the combined dry ingredients to the bowl containing the wet mixture. Switch to a rubber spatula and gently fold the dry ingredients into the batter. Mix just until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop gluten and lead to a tough brownie. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the rich batter.
6. Bake in a Skillet: Pour the luscious triple chocolate brownie batter into a prepared 9-inch oven-safe skillet. A cast-iron skillet is ideal for even heat distribution and beautiful presentation. Smooth the top of the batter evenly. Place the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center should still be slightly soft for that signature fudgy texture.
7. Serve Warm: Allow the brownie skillet to cool for at least 15-20 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows it to set up and become truly fudgy. Serve slices of the brownie skillet while it’s still wonderfully warm, accompanied by a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of the warm brownie and cold ice cream is pure bliss!

The Skillet Advantage: Why Bake Brownies in Cast Iron?

Baking brownies in a cast-iron skillet isn’t just a charming aesthetic choice; it offers significant practical benefits that enhance the final dessert. Cast iron is renowned for its exceptional heat retention and even heat distribution. This means your brownie will cook more uniformly, preventing burnt edges while the center remains perfectly gooey and fudgy. The skillet also creates beautiful, slightly crisp edges, contrasting wonderfully with the soft interior. Furthermore, serving directly from the skillet adds a rustic, inviting touch, keeping the brownies warm longer, which is ideal for that ultimate warm-with-ice-cream experience. It truly transforms a simple brownie into a show-stopping dessert.

Tips for Success: Achieving Brownie Perfection

• Don’t Overbake: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for fudgy brownies. An overbaked brownie turns dry and cakey. Look for edges that are set and a center that still has a slight wobble when gently shaken. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter, and certainly not clean.
• Quality Ingredients Matter: Especially with chocolate. Use good quality semi-sweet chocolate for melting, as its flavor will be prominent. Dutch-processed cocoa powder also contributes to a richer, darker brownie color and smoother chocolate flavor.
• Proper Cooling is Key: While tempting to dive in immediately, allowing the brownie skillet to cool for at least 15-30 minutes after baking allows it to set up and become truly fudgy. The residual heat continues to cook it gently, and the texture improves immensely as it cools.
• Room Temperature Eggs: Eggs at room temperature emulsify better with other ingredients, creating a smoother, more cohesive batter and a better final texture.
• Measure Accurately: Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale for flour and cocoa powder if possible, as volumetric measurements can vary significantly.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

While the SunButter Triple Chocolate Brownie Skillet is divine on its own, it truly shines when served warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream melting into the warm, fudgy brownie is a classic combination that never disappoints. For an extra touch of decadence, consider a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the chocolate notes. A handful of fresh berries can also add a pleasant tart contrast.

Should you be lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the skillet tightly with aluminum foil or transfer individual portions to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To enjoy that fresh-baked, warm fudgy experience again, simply reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-30 seconds, or warm the entire skillet in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Get the Recipe:
SunButter Triple Chocolate Brownie Skillet

5 stars (1 review)

This rich and fudgy SunButter Triple Chocolate Brownie Skillet is the perfect easy but delicious dessert! Best served warm and fudgy!

Prep Time:

25 minutes
mins

Cook Time:

40 minutes
mins

Total Time:

1 hour
hr
5 minutes
mins

Servings:

8
servings

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Ingredients

 

• 170 g (6oz) Semi Sweet Chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 ½ cups (300g) White Sugar
• 3/4 cup (165g) Dark Brown Sugar
• 3 Large Eggs
• 3/4 cup (170g) Unsalted Butter, melted
• 2/3 cup (150g) Chocolate SunButter
• 1 ½ tsp Vanilla Extract
• 120 g All Purpose Flour, about 1 cup measured volumetrically
• 75 g Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder, about ¾ cup measured volumetrically, sifted
• 1/2 tsp Table Salt
• 3/4 cup (180g) Chocolate Chips

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare a 9” (23cm) oven safe skillet with cooking spray.
• Add the chopped chocolate to a heatproof bowl and place over of a pot of simmering water, ensuring the bowl fits tightly over the pot of water and that the bottom does not touch the water. Heat, while stirring with a rubber spatula, until all of the chocolate has melted. Set aside to cool until just warm while you continue on.
• In a large mixing bowl, add the white sugar, brown sugar and eggs. Whisk vigorously together by hand for about 1 minute. The mixture should look creamy, well-combined, and slightly volumized. Next, pour in the melted butter, Chocolate SunButter, vanilla and melted chocolate. Whisk together until well-combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sifted cocoa powder and salt. Add these dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, then fold the sifted dry ingredients into the batter with a rubber spatula, until the batter is smooth, well-combined and thick. Add in chocolate chips, then lightly fold to incorporate.
• Pour the batter into the prepared skillet and smooth it out. Place into the oven to bake for 35-45 minutes. Allow the brownie skillet to cool and set up for about 30 minutes before consuming. Enjoy warm with ice cream.

Cuisine:
American

Course:
Baking

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