This chocolate brownie features a rich and fudgy texture with a crisp top and gooey center. It combines dark chocolate, butter, and sugars, mixed with eggs and dry ingredients like flour and cocoa powder. Optional walnuts or chocolate chips add extra texture. Baked in a square pan at 180°C (350°F) for 28–32 minutes, it offers a decadent chocolate experience. Cooling before slicing ensures neat squares, perfect for serving warm with vanilla ice cream or enhancing flavor with espresso powder.
Discovering this chocolate brownie recipe was like finding a hidden treasure in my kitchen—rich, fudgy, and just the right amount of gooey that quickly became a weekend favorite.
I clearly remember the first time unexpected guests showed up, and these brownies saved the day with compliments and happy faces all around the table.
Ingredients
- Dark Chocolate: I always choose chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for that deep, rich flavor that truly stands out in this recipe.
- Butter: Using unsalted butter lets the chocolate shine while controlling the salt level perfectly.
- Granulated Sugar & Light Brown Sugar: The combo provides sweetness with a hint of caramel from the brown sugar.
- Eggs: Large eggs create structure and moisture, keeping the brownie fudgy inside.
- Flour & Cocoa Powder: Sifted in carefully to keep the batter light and tender.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the chocolate goodness.
- Optional Nuts or Chocolate Chips: Adds delightful texture and bursts of extra chocolate.
Instructions
- Get Everything Ready:
- Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line your 23 cm square pan with parchment paper, greasing lightly so the brownies come out perfectly.
- Melt & Mix:
- Gently melt dark chocolate and butter over simmering water, stirring until silky smooth. Let it cool just a bit to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- Whisk the Sugars & Eggs:
- Beat the eggs with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture turns pale and thick, about two minutes—this is your fluffy foundation.
- Combine & Fold:
- Stir the melted chocolate into the eggs until fully blended. Then sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt, folding gently just until blended to avoid a tough brownie.
- Add the Extras:
- Fold in chopped walnuts or chocolate chips if you're using them—you'll love the surprise crunch or bursts of chocolate.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Pour into your pan, smooth the top, and bake for 28 to 32 minutes until the top is set but still slightly soft inside. Test with a toothpick; a few moist crumbs are perfect.
- Cool & Enjoy:
- Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares so they hold together beautifully.
This recipe has become more than just a treat; it marks celebrations, comfort after a long day, and those special moments shared with loved ones.
Keeping It Fresh
Once cooled, storing brownies in an airtight container at room temperature keeps them moist for days. For a quick refresh, a few seconds in the microwave revives that just-baked warmth.
Serving Ideas That Clicked
I love serving these brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dusted lightly with cocoa powder for a simple, elegant finish.
A Time This Recipe Saved the Day
When I was pressed for time yet wanted to impress, this quick recipe pulled through like a charm. Just remember:
- Don’t rush the cooling—patience makes perfect slices.
- Mix gently; overmixing is the enemy here.
- Add a pinch of espresso powder for an unexpected boost.
Thanks for sticking with me through this recipe chat—I hope your kitchen smells as heavenly as mine does right now.
Recipe Help & Support
- → How do I achieve a fudgy texture in this chocolate brownie?
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Use a higher proportion of chocolate and butter, and avoid overmixing after adding the flour to keep the brownie moist and fudgy.
- → Can I add nuts to the batter?
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Yes, folding in chopped walnuts or pecans adds crunch and richness, but you can omit them for a nut-free version.
- → What is the ideal baking time for a gooey center?
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Bake for the lower end of the range, around 28 minutes, to keep the center moist while the top sets crisp.
- → How should I prepare the pan before baking?
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Line a 23 cm square pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- → How can I enhance the chocolate flavor?
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Adding a pinch of espresso powder intensifies the chocolate notes without altering the overall taste.