Gooey Chocolate Sheet Cake Skillet Recipe

Gooey Chocolate Sheet Cake Skillet Recipe Ultimate Bliss

Chocolate lovers rejoice when a decadent chocolate sheet cake skillet lands on their kitchen counter.

Warm aromas will soon fill every corner of your home.

Melted chocolate creates magic in cast-iron cookware, promising pure indulgence.

Rich layers promise a sensational dessert experience with minimal effort.

Unexpected techniques make this recipe surprisingly simple and delightful.

Professional bakers and home cooks will adore how quickly this treat comes together.

One slice guarantees smiles and satisfied sweet cravings.

Rich Taste of Gooey Chocolate Sheet Cake Skillet

  • Using a single cast iron skillet means fewer dishes and easier cleanup, making it a hassle-free dessert for busy home cooks.
  • This gooey chocolate cake serves multiple people, ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend dessert moments with rich, warm chocolate flavor.
  • Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make this recipe approachable for novice bakers wanting to create a delicious dessert without complex techniques.

What Goes Into Gooey Chocolate Sheet Cake Skillet

Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for the cake's structure, creating a soft and tender crumb.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a moist texture.
  • Cocoa Powder: Provides rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the cake.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cake.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and tender cake with a smooth texture.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
Topping and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Butter: Creates a rich, decadent chocolate frosting with deep flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a smooth frosting texture.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Chocolate Chips: Adds extra chocolate intensity and creates gooey pockets of melted chocolate.

How to Bake Gooey Chocolate Sheet Cake Skillet

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), getting ready to create a delightful chocolate masterpiece.

Step 2: Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

Grab a 10-12 inch cast iron skillet and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine the following in a large mixing bowl:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Whisk these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended and lump-free.

Step 4: Create Wet Ingredient Mixture

In a separate bowl, blend:
  • Buttermilk
  • Vegetable oil
  • Large eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Wet And Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Add Hot Water Magic

Slowly pour in hot water and mix until the batter becomes silky and well-combined. The batter will look thin, but don’t worry- this is exactly what you want!

Step 7: Pour And Spread

Transfer the batter into your prepared skillet, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 9: Cool And Garnish

Let the cake cool in the skillet for about 15 minutes. Top with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Step 10: Serve And Enjoy

Slice directly in the skillet and serve warm, letting everyone dig into this gooey chocolate delight!

Tips for the Ultimate Chocolate Sheet Cake Skillet

  • Prep Skillet Perfectly: Thoroughly grease your cast iron skillet with butter or cooking spray to prevent cake from sticking and ensure easy removal.
  • Control Chocolate Intensity: Use high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate for a rich, deep flavor that elevates the entire dessert's taste profile.
  • Moisture Magic Technique: Add sour cream or buttermilk to the batter for an incredibly soft, tender crumb that stays moist even after cooling.
  • Serve Strategically: Warm the skillet cake slightly before serving and top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a stunning presentation and complementary temperature contrast.
  • Storage Smart Move: Cover the cooled cake loosely with foil and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping its gooey texture intact and preventing dryness.

How to Store and Reheat Sheet Cake Skillet

  • Store leftover cake covered in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the cake away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
  • Let cake cool completely before storing at room temperature in a sealed container. Consume within 2 days for best taste and texture.
  • Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until slightly warm and soft.

Pairing Ideas for Chocolate Sheet Cake Skillet

  • Rich espresso or dark roast coffee cuts through the cake's sweetness, creating a balanced flavor profile that enhances the chocolate's depth.
  • Smooth vanilla bean ice cream provides a cool, silky contrast to the warm, gooey chocolate cake, delivering a classic dessert combination.
  • Choose a sweet port or late-harvest red wine with chocolate notes that complement the cake's richness, elevating the entire tasting experience.
  • Scattered toasted almonds or chopped pecans add a delightful textural element and subtle nutty undertone that beautifully balances the cake's soft, decadent texture.

Flavor Variations for Sheet Cake Skillet

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring a celiac-friendly version that maintains the cake's rich chocolate flavor and moist texture.
  • Vegan Chocolate Skillet Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and swap butter for coconut oil to create a dairy-free and egg-free chocolate dessert that's equally indulgent.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Skillet Cake: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and incorporate mashed bananas or applesauce to maintain moisture and natural sweetness.
  • Nutty Chocolate Skillet Cake: Fold chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter, and sprinkle additional nuts on top for a crunchy texture and enhanced nutty flavor profile.

FAQs on Gooey Chocolate Sheet Cake Skillet

  • What makes a skillet cake different from a regular cake?

A skillet cake bakes directly in a cast iron skillet, which provides even heat distribution and creates a unique crispy exterior while keeping the inside incredibly moist.

  • Can I use a different type of pan if I don't have a cast iron skillet?

Yes, you can substitute a 9×13-inch baking dish, but the cast iron skillet gives the cake a special texture and rustic presentation that’s hard to replicate.

  • Is this recipe good for beginners?

Absolutely! This sheet cake skillet is straightforward and forgiving, making it perfect for home bakers who are just starting to explore baking techniques.

  • How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake- if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly done. Avoid overbaking to maintain the gooey chocolate texture.

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Gooey Chocolate Sheet Cake Skillet Recipe

Gooey Chocolate Sheet Cake Skillet Recipe


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4.6 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Rich, molten chocolate sheet cake skillet beckons dessert enthusiasts with its irresistible comfort. Melted chocolate, buttery crumb, and warm serve create pure indulgence you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Base:

  • 1 cup (225 g / 8 ounces) unsalted butter
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Sweeteners and Liquids:

  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) hot water or brewed coffee
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings and Additions:

  • 1 cup (170 g) chocolate chips or chunks
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (85 g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Whipped cream
  • Powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 350F (175C), ensuring a perfectly calibrated temperature for optimal baking.
  2. Select a 10-12 inch cast iron skillet and coat its interior with a delicate layer of oil or butter, preventing any potential sticking.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients, whisking thoroughly to eliminate any potential lumps and create a uniform flour mixture.
  4. In a separate vessel, cream together butter and sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, fluffy consistency with a pale, creamy appearance.
  5. Gradually incorporate eggs into the butter mixture, blending each one completely before adding the next to maintain a smooth, cohesive texture.
  6. Alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and liquid components to the butter mixture, stirring gently to create a silky, well-integrated batter.
  7. Pour the chocolate batter into the prepared cast iron skillet, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform depth and consistent baking.
  8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven, allowing the cake to bake for approximately 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
  9. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the cake cool slightly, allowing the edges to set and the center to remain delightfully gooey.
  10. Optional: Dust the warm cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate ganache for an extra layer of decadence before serving.

Notes

  • Swap regular flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Let ingredients like eggs and butter reach room temperature before mixing to ensure smoother, more even cake texture.
  • Reduce sugar by using ripe mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce to create a healthier dessert option.
  • Cool cake in skillet for 10-15 minutes before serving to help it set and develop deeper chocolate flavors.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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