Brownies | Fudgy Dark Chocolate Brownies
Brownies | Fudgy Dark Chocolate Brownies are a chocolaty dream come true. Each bite melts effortlessly in your mouth, offering a rich and decadent experience that can make any day feel special. When you think of brownies, the memory of their dense texture and deep, bittersweet flavors likely comes to mind, and that’s exactly what this recipe delivers. The thick, fudgy layers feature a delightful sheen on top, inviting you to dive in.
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I remember the first time I made brownies at home — the kitchen was filled with that intoxicating chocolate aroma that made my family gather around in curiosity. These fudgy dark chocolate brownies have become a staple because they are quick to whip up and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They beat any store-bought version, hands down! So grab your apron, and let’s embark on this baking adventure together; your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 5 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes in the oven, delicious brownies are easily within reach.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of bittersweet chocolate and butter creates a rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Perfectly baked, these brownies have a glossy top that looks as delightful as they taste.
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for snack time, dessert after dinner, or even to impress guests at a party.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for guests with dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free flour!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup unsalted butter: This adds a rich flavor and moisture. For a lighter alternative, you can use coconut oil.
- 8 oz. bittersweet chocolate: I recommend Ghirardelli 60% cacao baking chips for an intense chocolaty taste. Semi-sweet chocolate can be used if preferred.
- 2 cups sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the brownies and contributes to that fudgy texture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: This enhances the chocolate’s flavor. Always use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
- 5 large eggs: Eggs provide structure and richness; make sure they are at room temperature for best mixing.
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Cocoa powder adds depth and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour: Just enough to give the brownies that perfect fudgy texture without making them cakey.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt balances all the sweetness and emphasizes the chocolate flavor.
How to Make Brownies | Fudgy Dark Chocolate Brownies
Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour a 13×9 inch baking pan, ensuring the brownies release easily once baked.
Melt: In a 3-quart saucepan, combine 1 cup unsalted butter and 8 oz. bittersweet chocolate. Melt them over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly while you prepare the other ingredients.
Whisk: Once the chocolate mixture is cool, it’s time to whisk in 2 cups granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Add in the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition until everything is smooth and glossy.
Sift: In a separate bowl, sift together 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 2/3 cup all-purpose flour, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. This step ensures there are no lumps and incorporates air for a light texture.
Combine: Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture using a spatula, whisking gently until everything is thoroughly combined. You want it mixed but not overworked.
Spread: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, or until the edges look set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool: Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing. Patience pays off; the flavors will set as they cool!
Storing & Reheating
To keep your fudgy brownies fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you need them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, feel free to freeze them, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 months. When it’s time to enjoy, reheat slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to revive that irresistibly fudgy texture. Just keep in mind that freezing may slightly change the texture, but they’ll still be delicious!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overmixing once you add the flour mixture to maintain that fudgy texture.
- Ensure all ingredients, such as eggs and butter, are at room temperature for seamless mixing.
- Keep an eye on baking time; check around the 25-minute mark for doneness since ovens vary.
- If you like a richer chocolate flavor, consider using dark chocolate instead of bittersweet.
- Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chunks for extra texture.
- These brownies can be made ahead and still taste great; just store them properly!
Brownies | Fudgy Dark Chocolate Brownies come with a whole world of deliciousness packed into an easy recipe. With their rich flavor and fudgy texture, these brownies are not only a treat for special occasions but also a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth any day of the week. Try experimenting with mix-ins like nuts or even a drizzle of caramel for a unique twist. They’re bound to bring joy to anyone who gets to taste them. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the bliss of baking!
Recipe FAQs
How do I know when my brownies are done baking?
You’ll know the brownies are ready when the edges are set, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs—just a few, not wet batter. The center may still look slightly soft, but they will continue to cook as they cool.
What can I do if my brownies turn out too dry?
If your brownies turn out dry, it might be due to overbaking or too much flour. Always use the correct measurements and check them a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Adding a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can also help rescue the dessert!
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum, as this helps provide structure to the brownies. Check your cocoa powder and chocolate chips to ensure they’re gluten-free, too.
How should I serve brownies for a special occasion?
For special occasions, consider serving the brownies warmed, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and drizzled with chocolate or caramel sauce. Adding a sprinkle of sea salt can enhance the overall flavor, making your brownies feel extra special and indulgent!
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📖 Recipe Card
Brownies | Fudgy Dark Chocolate Brownies
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Experience the rich flavor of these fudgy dark chocolate brownies. With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe creates a delicious treat that’s perfect for gatherings and family functions. Soft, chewy, and utterly delightful, these brownies are a must-try for chocolate lovers looking for an easy homemade dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 8 oz. bittersweet chocolate
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 5 large eggs
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2/3 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 13×9 inch baking pan; set aside.
- Melt the butter and bittersweet chocolate in a 3-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Once the chocolate mixture has cooled, whisk in the sugar and vanilla extract. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt. Then, combine this dry mixture with the chocolate mixture and whisk until thoroughly mixed.
- Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25-35 minutes. After baking, allow the brownies to cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
Ensure that the butter and chocolate mixture is cooled before adding eggs to prevent them from scrambling.
For an extra touch, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts to the brownie batter before baking.
These brownies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
