Indulge in the ultimate chocolatey delight with our Best Brownie Recipe. These delectable squares boast a perfect balance of fudgy and chewy, offering an irresistible treat for any chocolate lover. Crafted with high-quality cocoa, rich butter, and just the right amount of sweetness, these brownies are the epitome of homemade decadence. Whether enjoyed warm with a scoop of ice cream or savoured with a glass of milk, our Best Brownie Recipe promises an unforgettable chocolate experience that will leave you craving for more. Unlock the secrets to baking perfection with this beloved classic, sure to become a favourite in your repertoire.
How To Make This Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Brownies:
- 200g (7 oz) unsalted butter
- 200g (7 oz) high-quality dark chocolate, chopped
- 250g (1 1/4 cups) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 125g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 25g (1/4 cup) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Extra Indulgence (Optional):
- A handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 20×20 cm (8×8 inch) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
2. Melt Butter and Chocolate:
- In a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water (double boiler), melt the unsalted butter and chopped dark chocolate, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Batter:
- In a separate bowl, whisk the granulated sugar and eggs together until well combined. Stir in the pure vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt.
5. Mix It All Together:
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture, folding gently until you have a smooth brownie batter. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Add Extras (If Desired):
- If you want an extra layer of indulgence, fold in a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter.
7. Bake:
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Avoid overbaking for a fudgy texture.
8. Cool and Slice:
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out and place them on a cutting board.
9. Slice and Enjoy:
- Cut the brownies into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. Serve and savour the rich, chocolatey goodness.
These homemade brownies are the epitome of chocolate indulgence. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with your favourite toppings, they are sure to delight your taste buds with their perfect balance of fudgy and chewy textures. Share them with friends and family or keep them all to yourself for a blissful chocolate escape.
Tips Of Recipe
Achieving brownie perfection requires a few tricks and tips. Here’s how to make sure your brownies turn out amazing every time:
1. Quality Ingredients:
- Use high-quality dark chocolate and pure vanilla extract for the best flavour.
2. Precise Measurements:
- Accurate measuring of ingredients, especially flour and cocoa powder, is crucial for the right texture. Use a kitchen scale for precision.
3. Don’t Overmix:
- Mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies.
4. Melt Chocolate Gently:
- When melting chocolate and butter, use a double boiler or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to avoid overheating.
5. Line the Pan:
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang, for easy removal and clean slicing.
6. Bake with Care:
- Be vigilant with baking time. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs when inserted into the centre. Avoid overbaking for fudgy brownies.
7. Add Extra Indulgence:
- Customize your brownies by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or swirls of caramel for an extra layer of flavour.
8. Cool Completely:
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. This helps them set and makes slicing easier.
9. Sharpen Your Knife:
- Use a sharp knife to cut the brownies. Wiping the knife with a damp cloth between cuts can yield cleaner edges.
10. Experiment with Toppings: – Try topping your brownies with a sprinkle of sea salt, a dusting of icing sugar, or a drizzle of chocolate ganache for added flair.
11. Store with Care: – Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze them.
12. Share and Enjoy: – Brownies are best when shared with loved ones. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature for maximum pleasure.
With these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to create brownies that are perfectly fudgy, chocolatey, and irresistibly delicious—a treat that’s sure to become a favourite in your baking repertoire.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
- While dark chocolate is recommended for its intense flavour, you can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste.
- What’s the best way to cut brownies without them sticking to the knife?
- To prevent sticking, dip a sharp knife in hot water or use a plastic knife. Wiping the knife with a damp cloth between cuts can also help achieve clean edges.
- Can I use cocoa powder instead of chopped chocolate for the batter?
- You can use cocoa powder, but it may affect the texture and flavour. Adjust the recipe accordingly, as cocoa powder absorbs more moisture than chopped chocolate.
- Can I make brownies without nuts or chocolate chips?
- Absolutely! Brownies are delicious on their own. You can omit nuts or chocolate chips if desired.
- Why did my brownies turn out cakey instead of fudgy?
- Cakey brownies can result from overmixing the batter or overbaking. Be gentle when folding the ingredients and bake until a toothpick has a few moist crumbs when inserted.
- How do I store leftover brownies?
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. For longer storage, refrigerate them, or freeze for several months.
- Can I add a swirl of caramel to the batter?
- Yes, you can create a caramel swirl by drizzling caramel sauce on top of the brownie batter and gently swirling it with a toothpick before baking.
- Can I use a different size of baking pan?
- Using a different pan size will affect the thickness and baking time of your brownies. Adjust accordingly and keep an eye on the baking time.
- Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
- Yes, you can double the ingredients for a larger batch. Just make sure to use a larger baking pan and adjust the baking time as needed.
- Can I freeze brownies?
- Yes, brownies freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- How can I make gluten-free brownies?
- To make gluten-free brownies, substitute an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend for regular flour. Check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
- Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
- You can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer less sweetness. However, keep in mind that it may affect the texture and flavour of the brownies.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts for One Standard Square (1/16th) of The Best Brownie Recipe
Calories: Approximately 180-220 calories per square
Protein: Around 2-3 grams
Fat: Approximately 10-12 grams
- Saturated Fat: About 6-7 grams
- Trans Fat: Varies based on the type of butter and chocolate used
Carbohydrates: Approximately 22-25 grams
- Dietary Fiber: Around 1-2 grams
- Sugars: Approximately 16-18 grams
Cholesterol: Typically, brownies contain a moderate amount of cholesterol due to the eggs and butter used in the recipe.
Sodium: Approximately 50-70 milligrams
Vitamins and Minerals:
- Calcium: Provides a small amount of calcium.
- Iron: Contains a minimal amount of iron.
Note: These nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion size used. Brownies are a delicious treat but should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
