Name: Gooey Chocolate Sheet Cake Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter; 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar; ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar; ½ cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup (240 ml) hot water or brewed coffee (enhances chocolate flavor); 2 large eggs; ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup (170 g) chocolate chips or chunks; ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream; ½ cup (85 g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips; 1 tablespoon butter; Vanilla ice cream; Whipped cream; Powdered sugar

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Gooey Chocolate Sheet Cake Skillet is a rich, fudgy, and indulgent dessert that’s baked in a cast-iron skillet for an irresistible crispy edge and soft, gooey center. This one-bowl recipe is perfect for chocolate lovers, special occasions, or anytime you need a warm, comforting treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Gooey & Fudgy: A melt-in-your-mouth texture with every bite.
One-Bowl, One-Skillet: Minimal cleanup and easy preparation.
Bakes in a Skillet: Creates crispy edges while keeping the center soft.
Perfect for Sharing: Serve warm straight from the skillet with ice cream!
Rich Chocolate Flavor: Made with cocoa powder and melted chocolate.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter
Semi-sweet chocolate (chopped or chocolate chips)
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Baking powder
Salt
Milk or heavy cream (for extra moisture)

Optional Toppings:

Powdered sugar
Chocolate chips
Ice cream
Whipped cream

Directions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Melt Butter & Chocolate

In a saucepan or microwave, melt butter and chocolate together, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix the Batter

In a bowl, whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Stir in the melted chocolate mixture.
Gently fold in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
Add milk or heavy cream for extra moisture.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the greased skillet and spread evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are set but the center remains slightly gooey.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Top with ice cream, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve warm!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter before baking.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for texture.
Salted Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle sea salt on top.
Extra Chocolatey: Stir in chocolate chips for a double chocolate version.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes or microwave individual servings for 30 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use a regular baking dish instead of a skillet?

Yes! Use a 9-inch baking pan, but the texture may differ slightly.

How do I make the center extra gooey?

Bake for slightly less time and serve warm.

What’s the best chocolate to use?

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate works best for a deep, rich flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Bake in advance and reheat before serving for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.

How do I prevent overbaking?

Check at 25 minutes—the edges should be set, but the center should be slightly soft.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter and almond milk instead of butter and milk.

How do I make this cake even richer?

Use dark cocoa powder and espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.

What’s the best way to serve this?

Straight from the skillet with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Can I add coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor?

Yes! Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter.

Is this the same as a brownie skillet?

Similar, but this has a softer, cake-like texture with a gooey center.

Conclusion

This Gooey Chocolate Sheet Cake Skillet is the ultimate indulgence for any chocolate lover. With its crispy edges, soft center, and rich chocolate flavor, it’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Try this easy, one-pan dessert today and enjoy a warm, decadent treat straight from the skillet!