By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on July 17, 2023 | Last Updated on August 19, 2023
What about making a delicious dessert that is quick to make and yet offers great flavor? El chico brownie skillet is an easy-to-make recipe with ingredients that are usually found in the pantry. It is one of those recipes that looks and tastes like it has been made by a professional chef but can be enjoyed at home.
In this article, you will learn about the ingredients, tips, and tricks for making el chico brownie skillet. I’ll also share nutrition information and suggestions on how to store leftovers, if any.
What Is El Chico Brownie Skillet?
El chico brownie skillet is a classic chocolate dessert made with cocoa powder, butter, semi-sweet chocolate chips, eggs, sugar, and all-purpose flour. It has a rich chocolate flavor with a soft, chewy texture inside and a crunchy crust on top. The best part about it is that it can be served hot or cold and can be topped with ice cream if desired.
Where Did I First Try el chico brownie skillet?
I first tried the el chico brownie skillet at one of the outlets of El Chico, a Mexican restaurant in my hometown. I was on a date with my then-boyfriend and we decided to try the dessert after dinner.
When it arrived at our table, I was pleasantly surprised by its appearance. It looked like an upside-down cake but had a deep chocolatey flavor and a chewy texture inside. The crust on top was crunchy and the flavors of chocolate and butter were perfectly balanced.
I was so impressed by its taste that I made a mental note to try and recreate it at home. After searching for recipes online, I found out that it is quite easy to make an el chico brownie skillet with simple pantry ingredients.
All you need are all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, butter, semi-sweet chocolate chips, eggs, sugar, and salt. My friends and family absolutely loved this when I made it for a family gathering.
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Ingredients
- Butter: Butter brings out the rich flavor of the chocolate and gives the brownie a creamy texture.
- All-purpose flour: All-purpose flour acts as the binding agent in this recipe and helps to give it structure.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are used for a deep, fudgy flavor.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder adds flavor and texture to the brownie.
- Salt: Salt enhances the flavor of the chocolate.
- Eggs: Eggs are used for binding and structure.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract gives a nice sweetness to balance out the dark flavors in this recipe.
- Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar is needed to sweeten the brownie.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: This is optional but recommended for serving the brownie.
Cooking Directions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease the cast iron skillet with butter and then lightly coat it with flour. Set aside.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt, and set aside.
Step 2
In a double boiler or in a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and chocolate chips together. Stir until smooth and creamy. Remove from heat, add the vanilla extract, and stir.
Step 3
Add the eggs one at a time, stirring thoroughly after each addition. Slowly whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until all of them are combined well.
Pour the batter into the prepared skillet and spread it evenly.
Step 4
Bake for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the brownie to cool before serving. Serve with vanilla ice cream on top, if desired.
Cooking Tips
• Make sure to preheat your oven before you start so that your brownie will be cooked properly.
• Grease and lightly coat the cast iron skillet with flour to ensure your brownie doesn’t stick.
• Make sure the butter and chocolate chips are completely melted before you add them to the batter.
• When adding eggs, make sure to mix each one individually before adding the next.
• Don’t over-mix the batter as it will affect the texture of your brownie.
What Ingredients Can I Replace or Substitute While Making It?
If you’re looking for a healthier version of this recipe, you can replace the butter with coconut oil or olive oil. You can also use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet ones. For a vegan option, you can use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.
El Chico Brownie Skillet Recipe
Equipment
- Whisk
- 10-inch cast-iron skillet
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 large eggs
- Vanilla ice cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Grease a cast iron skillet with butter and lightly coat it with flour. Set it aside.
- Then whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder and salt in a separate bowl.
- Melt the butter and chocolate chips together in either a double boiler or microwave safe bowl until silky and smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract afterwards.
- One at a time, add eggs into the mixture until thoroughly combined. Slowly sift in the dry ingredients until all incorporated.
- Create an even layer of batter within your prepared skillet before baking for about 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted through the center returns clean.
- Let cool to room temperature before serving, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired!
Notes
- Make sure to preheat your oven before you start so that your brownie will be cooked properly.
- Grease and lightly coat the cast iron skillet with flour to ensure your brownie doesn’t stick.
- Make sure the butter and chocolate chips are completely melted before you add them to the batter.
- When adding eggs, make sure to mix each one individually before adding the next.
- Don’t over-mix the batter as it will affect the texture of your brownie.
Nutrition Information
How to Store Leftover el chico brownie skillet?
Leftover el chico brownie skillet can be stored in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To store it longer, place it in the refrigerator and reheat it before serving. To reheat, place the brownie in an oven-safe dish and heat it at 350°F for 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can eat el chico brownie skillet as long as all of the ingredients are safe for consumption during pregnancy. Eventually, this food should be consumed in moderation.
What can I serve with an el chico brownie skillet?
You can serve the el chico brownie skillet with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. You can also top it with fresh fruits or nuts like almonds and walnuts for added crunch. It tastes great when served warm too.
How can I make an el chico brownie skillet without using butter?
You can replace the butter with coconut oil or olive oil for a healthier option. You can also use vegan butter if you prefer. Alternatively, you can also use applesauce in place of the butter. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor might be slightly altered.
Wrapping Up
Thanks for reading this recipe on how to make an el chico brownie skillet. With its chocolatey flavor and crunchy crust, the el chico brownie skillet is sure to be a hit with everyone. Give it a try and let me know how you liked it!
This classic Mexican dessert has a rich chocolate flavor with a soft, chewy texture inside and a crunchy crust on top. Serve it warm or cold with ice cream for a delicious treat that will impress your family and friends alike. Don’t forget to share the recipe with your friends and family!
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
