Description
A decadent Peanut Butter Brownie Skillet featuring a luscious cream cheese and peanut butter layer swirled into rich, fudgy brownie batter. Baked in a cast iron skillet for a deliciously gooey treat perfect for sharing, topped optionally with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Layer
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened (168g)
- 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter (178g)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (73g)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Brownie Layer
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (1.5 sticks or 169g)
- 3 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate, coarsely chopped (86g)
- 1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed (217g)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (109g)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup unbleached all purpose flour (119g)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Topping
- Vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Skillet: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease the bottom and sides of a 10-inch cast iron skillet to ensure the skillet brownie does not stick.
- Make Peanut Butter Mixture: In a mixer on medium speed, cream together softened cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, and 1/3 cup granulated sugar for about 2 minutes until smooth. Add in the 2 eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then beat in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Cover this mixture and set aside.
- Prepare Brownie Batter (Step 1): Cut the 3/4 cup unsalted butter into chunks and place in a bowl with the chopped unsweetened baking chocolate. Melt together in the microwave until smooth, then stir in the light brown sugar and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until fully combined.
- Prepare Brownie Batter (Step 2): Add the 3 eggs to the chocolate mixture one at a time, stirring well after each egg. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Then add the flour and salt, mixing until there are no visible flour streaks.
- Layer Brownie Batter: Reserve 1 cup of the prepared brownie batter and set it aside for later use. Pour the remaining brownie batter evenly into the prepared cast iron skillet.
- Add Peanut Butter Layer: Spread the previously made peanut butter mixture evenly over the brownie batter in the skillet.
- Top with Reserved Brownie Batter: Spoon the reserved 1 cup of brownie batter in dollops over the peanut butter layer to create a marbled effect.
- Swirl the Layers: Insert an icing spatula or butter knife straight down into the batter and swirl gently from one side of the skillet to the other, creating a marbled pattern without overmixing.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. The center will puff up slightly and the edges should pull away from the skillet sides. Baking time may vary slightly; the photo example baked for 63 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Notes
- Use a 10-inch cast iron skillet for best results to achieve that signature skillet brownie texture.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the peanut butter layer.
- Don’t over-swirl the batter to maintain distinct layers and a beautiful marbled appearance.
- Let the skillet cool completely for easier slicing and serving.
- Optional vanilla ice cream topping adds a delicious creamy contrast to the rich brownie.
