Gooey Skillet Brownie Sundae

There are desserts that satisfy a sweet craving, and then there are desserts that completely steal the show. The Gooey Skillet Brownie Sundae belongs firmly in the second category. Rich, fudgy, warm from the oven, and crowned with cold, creamy ice cream, this dessert is indulgence in its purest form.

This is not a dry brownie or a neat, perfectly sliced square. This is a deeply gooey, spoonable brownie, baked in a skillet so the edges turn slightly crisp while the center stays molten and soft. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, watch it melt into the chocolate, and you have a dessert that feels restaurant-worthy but is incredibly easy to make at home.

Whether you’re hosting friends, celebrating a special occasion, or just craving something decadent on a cozy night in, this skillet brownie sundae delivers maximum impact with minimal effort.

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Why Skillet Brownies Are Better

Baking brownies in a skillet changes everything. The cast iron retains heat beautifully, creating crisp, caramelized edges while protecting the center from overbaking. This contrast in texture is what makes skillet brownies so irresistible.

Benefits of skillet baking:

• Even heat distribution
• Crisp edges with gooey centers
• Keeps dessert warm longer
• Perfect for serving straight from the pan

It’s rustic, dramatic, and meant to be shared.

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What Makes It “Gooey”

The secret to a gooey skillet brownie isn’t underbaking—it’s balance. This recipe uses the right ratio of fat, sugar, and flour to create a brownie that sets just enough on the outside while remaining soft and molten inside.

Key elements:

• Melted butter for richness
• Cocoa powder and chocolate chips for deep flavor
• Minimal flour for fudgy texture
• Careful baking time

The result is a brownie you scoop, not slice.

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Why the Sundae Topping Is Essential

A warm brownie is good. A warm brownie with ice cream is unforgettable. The contrast between hot and cold, rich and creamy, soft and silky is what elevates this dessert into something truly special.

Classic toppings include:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Chocolate sauce
• Caramel drizzle
• Chopped nuts
• Whipped cream

You can keep it simple or go all out—this dessert handles both beautifully.

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Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup chocolate chips or chunks
• Vanilla ice cream, for serving
• Chocolate sauce, optional
• Chopped nuts or sprinkles, optional

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a cast-iron skillet.
2. In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until glossy and combined.
4. Stir in cocoa powder, flour, and salt just until incorporated.
5. Fold in chocolate chips evenly.
6. Spread batter evenly into the prepared skillet.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until edges are set and center is slightly soft.
8. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
9. Top with scoops of vanilla ice cream and desired toppings.
10. Serve warm, directly from the skillet.

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Pro Tips for the Perfect Skillet Brownie

• Do not overbake — the center should jiggle slightly
• Use room-temperature eggs for smoother batter
• Let it rest briefly before adding ice cream
• Serve immediately for best gooey texture
• A 9-inch skillet works best

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Flavor Variations

• Peanut Butter: Swirl peanut butter into batter
• Espresso: Add 1 teaspoon espresso powder
• Mint: Top with mint ice cream
• S’mores: Add marshmallows and graham crumbs

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Best Occasions to Serve It

• Dinner parties
• Date night
• Family gatherings
• Holidays
• Late-night cravings

It’s dramatic, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser.

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Storage & Reheating

• Store leftovers covered in the skillet up to 2 days
• Reheat in oven at 300°F for 10 minutes
• Add fresh ice cream when serving

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Final Thoughts

The Gooey Skillet Brownie Sundae is everything a dessert should be: rich, warm, indulgent, and unforgettable. It’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests, and once you serve it straight from the skillet, no one forgets it.

This is comfort dessert at its absolute best.