Skillet Nutella Brownie Recipe with Gooey Chocolate & Toffee

Q: Can I make skillet Nutella brownies without a cast iron skillet?

Yes, you can bake skillet Nutella brownies in a 9x9-inch or similar size baking pan if you don’t have a cast iron skillet. The texture may differ slightly, with less crispiness on the edges, and you might need to bake a few extra minutes to ensure it cooks through evenly. Adjust baking time accordingly and watch for doneness using a skewer test.

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Benefits and Advantages of Skillet Nutella Brownie

The skillet Nutella brownie is favored for its easy preparation and rich, indulgent flavor. By combining creamy Nutella with a skillet baking method, this recipe produces a fudgy dessert with crisp edges and gooey pockets of melted Nutella. The use of a skillet results in even cooking, enhanced texture, and a warm, inviting presentation straight from the oven, perfect for sharing. This recipe supports various dietary adaptations, including vegan and gluten-free versions, accommodating a range of preferences without sacrificing taste.

Additionally, skillet baking simplifies cleanup by reducing the number of pans needed. The marbled effect from the Nutella swirl adds visual appeal and a unique flavor contrast that sets it apart from traditional brownies. Terms like “pan-baked Nutella brownie” and “Nutella skillet cake” also enhance SEO, capturing a wider audience searching for quick, decadent desserts with minimal fuss.

Essential Ingredients for Skillet Nutella Brownie

12 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced
9 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (or 10 oz chocolate chunks)
1 cup granulated sugar (or 1 ½ cups sugar)
¾ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark) or coconut sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon also acceptable)
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (or 2 tablespoons)
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled (or 1 ¼ cups)
¾ cup Nutella or any chocolate hazelnut spread
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional additional chocolate chips can be added)
Optional: ½ cup toffee pieces for added texture
Optional: ½ cup heavy cream (for melting with butter and chocolate in skillet)

These ingredients work harmoniously to create a balanced delivery of fudgy texture, rich chocolate, and nutty undertones. Butter and chocolate form the luscious base, while sugars provide sweetness and structure. Nutella contributes signature flavor and gooey pockets. Optional chocolate chips and toffee enhance texture and richness.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Skillet Nutella Brownie

To accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences, consider these substitutions that allow you to enjoy the skillet Nutella brownie without compromise:

Vegan Options: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water, use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of traditional butter, and select vegan Nutella or homemade chocolate-hazelnut spreads.
Gluten-Free Alternatives: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free baking blends or almond flour to maintain tenderness while avoiding gluten.
Lower-Calorie Versions: Use sugar substitutes like erythritol or stevia and opt for light Nutella replacements or homemade spreads with reduced fat and sugar.
Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk) and vegan butter to replace dairy ingredients, maintaining moist texture and flavor.

These options retain the brownie’s rich texture and layered flavors while fitting a variety of diets and health goals.

How to Prepare the Perfect Skillet Nutella Brownie: Step-by-Step Guide

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 10- to 12-inch cast iron skillet to prevent sticking.
Melt butter slowly in a saucepan, microwave-safe bowl, or directly in the skillet over medium heat. Optionally, add heavy cream for a richer texture. Add chopped semi-sweet chocolate, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat to cool slightly.
In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until the mixture is pale, smooth, and the sugar is fully dissolved (test by rubbing between fingers for grittiness).
Add vanilla extract, cocoa powder, salt, and the cooled butter-chocolate mixture to the egg mixture. Stir until fully combined.
Gently fold in the flour just until incorporated, accepting slight lumps to avoid overmixing.
Optionally fold in chocolate chips and toffee pieces, reserving some to sprinkle on top.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared skillet, smoothing evenly. Dollop or drizzle Nutella over the batter, leaving about a ½ inch border from edges.
Pour remaining batter over the Nutella carefully, smoothing gently without disturbing the Nutella layer.
Sprinkle reserved chocolate chips and toffee pieces on top, if using.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a skewer inserted comes out with moist dark crumbs and melted Nutella. Avoid underbaking (wet batter) and overbaking (dry crumbs).
Cool in the skillet to warm or room temperature for about 45 minutes, allowing the brownie to set and texture to improve.

These steps highlight key techniques for achieving the perfect balance of crisp edges, fudgy texture, and luscious Nutella pockets. Vegan or gluten-free variations can be incorporated by swapping ingredients as needed while keeping baking times similar.

For further baking tips, visit Tips for Baking the Perfect Brownie and learn more about How to Use a Cast Iron Skillet for Baking to maximize your skillet brownie success.

Advanced Tips and Variations

To achieve the best results with your skillet Nutella brownie, use room temperature ingredients to help create a smooth, even batter. Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a tender crumb and moist texture. Slightly preheating your skillet before pouring the batter can encourage a crispier crust. For flavor variations, consider swirling in peanut butter or espresso powder to deepen the chocolate notes. Sprinkling sea salt flakes on top before baking enhances the contrast between sweet and salty flavors.

For added richness and texture, fold in dark chocolate chunks or swirl cream cheese into the batter to create a marbled effect. For a fruity twist, drizzle fruit preserves over the batter before baking. Those making vegan adaptations can replace eggs with aquafaba, which provides lift without changing the texture significantly. These tips help balance classic and creative versions of the skillet Nutella brownie, appealing to multiple dietary preferences and cravings.

How to Store Skillet Nutella Brownie: Best Practices

Proper storage is key to keeping your skillet Nutella brownie fresh and flavorful. Once completely cooled, cover the skillet tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the brownie to an airtight container. In the refrigerator, the brownie can be stored for up to 4 days while maintaining moistness and flavor.

For longer storage, wrap individual portions tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, microwave frozen or refrigerated brownies for 20 to 30 seconds, or warm in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 10 minutes to restore a gooey texture. These methods help preserve the rich fudginess and gooey Nutella pockets that define this dessert.

Nutritional Value of Skillet Nutella Brownie

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	Approximately 320 kcal
Total Fat	18 g
Saturated Fat	Variable (from Nutella and butter)
Protein	4 g
Carbohydrates	38 g
Dietary Fiber	Moderate, depending on flour type
Sugars	High, primarily from sugars and Nutella
Vitamins & Minerals	Small amounts of iron, calcium, vitamin E

These values may vary slightly based on ingredient substitutions such as gluten-free flour or reduced-sugar Nutella alternatives. Overall, the brownie offers a delicious, calorie-rich dessert option with balanced macronutrients characteristic of chocolate-hazelnut treats.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Skillet Nutella Brownie

What makes a skillet Nutella brownie different from regular brownies?

A skillet Nutella brownie is baked directly in a cast iron skillet, which creates crispy edges and a gooey, fudgy center all at once. The addition of Nutella adds a creamy, hazelnut-chocolate swirl throughout the batter, enhancing the flavor and texture compared to traditional brownies. The method of layering batter and Nutella creates a rich, marbled effect and the skillet helps retain moisture while giving a signature crackly top.

Can I make skillet Nutella brownies without a cast iron skillet?

Yes, you can bake skillet Nutella brownies in a 9×9-inch or similar size baking pan if you don’t have a cast iron skillet. The texture may differ slightly, with less crispiness on the edges, and you might need to bake a few extra minutes to ensure it cooks through evenly. Adjust baking time accordingly and watch for doneness using a skewer test.

How do I tell when skillet Nutella brownies are perfectly baked?

Insert a skewer or toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist, dark chocolate crumbs and some melted Nutella visible. If the skewer is wet with batter, the brownie needs more baking. If it comes out completely dry or only with melted Nutella, it may be overbaked. Aim for a fudgy, slightly gooey center to get the ideal texture.

What is the best way to layer the Nutella and brownie batter in the skillet?

First, spread half of the brownie batter evenly in the skillet, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. Then dollop softened Nutella over the batter, spacing the spoonfuls evenly. Finally, gently spread the remaining batter over the Nutella layer without mixing. This layering creates distinct pockets of Nutella and ensures a balanced texture.

Can I substitute Nutella in the skillet brownie recipe, and how will it affect taste?

You can substitute Nutella with melted chocolate ganache (a mix of melted chocolate and butter) for a similar fudgy texture, but removing Nutella entirely will change the unique hazelnut flavor profile. Alternatives like peanut butter or almond butter may work but will significantly alter the taste. Nutella creates a signature rich and creamy highlight in this recipe that’s hard to replicate exactly.

Nutella Skillet Brownie with Gooey Chocolate and Toffee – Quick and Fudgy Dessert Recipe

Author: Valentina Lewis
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: 1 skillet brownie 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

🍫 Indulge in the ultimate fudgy dessert experience with this Nutella Skillet Brownie, offering gooey chocolatey goodness in every bite.
🧁 Perfect for a quick and satisfying dessert, this recipe ensures a rich flavor with minimal effort, great for any occasion.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 10- to 12-inch cast iron skillet.
2. Melt the butter in a saucepot or directly in the skillet over medium heat. Add chopped chocolate, stirring until smooth, then remove from heat and cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth.
4. Add vanilla extract, cocoa powder, salt, and the cooled butter-chocolate mixture to the eggs. Stir until combined.
5. Fold in the flour gently to avoid overmixing.
6. Optionally fold in chocolate chips and toffee pieces.
7. Pour half of the batter into the skillet, then dollop Nutella on top, keeping a 1/2 inch border from the edges.
8. Pour the remaining batter over the Nutella layer, sprinkle with remaining chocolate chips and toffee if using.
9. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out with moist dark crumbs.
10. Cool in the skillet until desired temperature before serving.

Notes

🥄 Tip: Use high-quality baking chocolate for the best texture and flavor.
🍳 Tip: Let the brownies cool in the skillet to enhance texture before serving.
☕ Tip: Enjoy warm with ice cream or your favorite toppings for extra decadence.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 467
Sugar: 48g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 104mg

Keywords: Nutella Brownie, Skillet Dessert, Gooey Chocolate, Fudgy Dessert