Effortless Flourless Brownie Skillet

Featured in Let's Bake Something Wonderful.

Easy skillet brownie made without flour using almond butter and coconut sugar. Vegan and gluten-free, with a soft center and crispy edges.
Rose
Updated on Sat, 08 Mar 2025 15:31:58 GMT
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Rich Gooey Flourless Brownie Skillet | tastybysophie.com

Creating a skillet brownie without flour isn't just possible - it's downright extraordinary. This rich, fudgy dessert proves that with the right ingredients and technique, you can make an indulgent chocolate treat that happens to be gluten-free. The results are so decadent, no one will believe it's made without traditional flour.

Key Ingredients

  • Premium dark chocolate - 70% cocoa content recommended
  • Smooth almond butter - adds richness and structure
  • Dutch-process cocoa powder - for intense chocolate flavor
  • Unsweetened applesauce - provides moisture and binding
  • 10-inch cast iron skillet - ensures even heating
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Gooey Flourless Brownie Skillet Recipe | tastybysophie.com

Preparation Method

The key to success lies in properly melting the chocolate and coconut oil. Use a double boiler or very low heat, stirring gently until completely smooth. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before proceeding - this prevents the chocolate from seizing and ensures the perfect brownie texture.

Mixing Instructions

The process of combining ingredients requires attention to detail. The warm chocolate mixture should be velvety smooth before incorporating room temperature almond butter. The applesauce adds moisture without heaviness, while proper mixing ensures even distribution of ingredients for consistent texture throughout.

Baking Guidelines

For optimal results:

Preheat skillet while oven warms

Monitor edges for proper setting

Keep center slightly underbaked

Remove when edges are firm but middle jiggles

Allow to cool before serving

Flavor Variations

Enhance the base recipe with:

Swirled nut butter topping

Dark espresso powder

Flaky sea salt finish

Chopped roasted nuts

Tahini drizzle

The versatility of this recipe allows for endless creativity while maintaining its perfect texture and rich chocolate base.

Storage Tips

For best results:

Cool completely before storing

Store at room temperature

Warm individual servings briefly

Serve with ice cream when reheating

Avoid refrigeration when possible

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Final Notes

This flourless brownie skillet recipe proves that dietary restrictions need not limit decadence. The combination of premium ingredients creates a dessert that stands on its own merits, regardless of being gluten-free.

Success comes from understanding that brownies rely more on chocolate quality and proper technique than flour. Focus on temperature control during melting and baking, and always serve with good vanilla ice cream.

The result is a dessert that needs no explanation or apology - just pure chocolate enjoyment.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Do I need a cast iron skillet for this recipe?
Nope! You can bake this in a regular 8x8-inch pan with the same cooking time.
→ What can I use instead of coconut sugar?
Light brown sugar works great as a swap for coconut sugar in equal measurements.
→ Can I try a different kind of nut butter in the recipe?
Sure! Go with any nut butter, but make sure it only contains nuts and salt for best results.
→ How will I know when it's ready?
It’s ready when you see a shiny, crackly top and the center is gooey—usually after 20-25 minutes of baking.
→ What’s the best way to serve this?
Dish it up warm with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream or drizzle some nut butter on top.

Vegan Brownie Skillet

This skillet-style flourless brownie is naturally vegan and gluten-free, featuring a gooey center and slightly crispy edges, perfect for a quick dessert fix.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes

Category: Sweet Kitchen

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (1 8-inch skillet)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 ⅓ cup smooth almond butter made from just almonds and salt
02 ¼ cup solid coconut oil
03 ½ cup applesauce with no added sugar, at room temperature
04 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
05 ⅓ cup coconut sugar
06 ⅓ cup dark chocolate chips or chunks from a broken chocolate bar

→ Dry Ingredients

07 ¼ teaspoon table salt
08 ½ teaspoon baking soda
09 2 tablespoons tapioca starch or cornstarch
10 ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, carefully measured

→ Topping

11 ¼ cup chocolate chips, save extra for sprinkling on top

Instructions

Step 01

Get your oven warmed up to 350°F and grease up an 8 or 9-inch skillet. A light coating will do!

Step 02

Use a microwave-safe bowl to heat the dark chocolate and coconut oil in short bursts of 15-20 seconds. Stir well every time until silky smooth. Cool it down for 5 minutes before moving on.

Step 03

Take a clean mixing bowl and whisk the cocoa powder, cornstarch (or tapioca starch), baking soda, and salt together. Keep it handy for later.

Step 04

Once your chocolate mix has cooled off a bit, stir in the coconut sugar and almond butter until it’s super smooth. Add the applesauce and vanilla next, and mix again.

Step 05

Fold the chocolate mixture carefully into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula just until it comes together—it’ll be a thick, fudgy batter. Don’t overdo it.

Step 06

Pour the batter into the prepped skillet and sprinkle some of those extra chocolate chips for a fun topping if you’d like! Bake for 20-25 minutes, just until you get a nice crusty look on top while keeping the middle gooey.

Notes

  1. You can swap the skillet with an 8x8-inch baking pan if needed
  2. Replace coconut sugar with brown sugar if desired
  3. This dessert tastes amazing when warm, especially paired with ice cream or a drizzle of nut butter

Tools You'll Need

  • A microwave-safe bowl
  • Cast iron skillet, 8 or 9 inches
  • Whisk
  • A set of mixing bowls
  • Spatula or mixing spoon

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains almond butter, so it has nuts
  • Uses coconut as an ingredient

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 318
  • Total Fat: 23 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 30 g
  • Protein: 5 g