Brownie
Brownie
Brownies are a beloved treat that combines the richness of chocolate with a moist, chewy texture. Perfect for any occasion—from casual afternoons to parties—brownies are easy to make and hard to resist. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up these delicious chocolaty squares in no time.
Why Make This Recipe
Making brownies from scratch is satisfying and allows you to customize them to your taste. This recipe is simple and uses common ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked brownies wafting through your home!
How to Make Brownie
Ingredients:
- 6 medium eggs (or 7 small or 5 very large)
- 200 g dark chocolate (preferably 70%, e.g., 150 g dark 70% and 50 g milk)
- 250 g sugar (brown cane or a mix with regular, e.g., brown cane and unrefined dark muscovado)
- 140 g all-purpose flour (about a cup)
- 200 g butter (whole stick or ghee/coconut oil)
- 3 tablespoons oil (about 30 g, e.g., rice oil)
- 100 g cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional add-ins: rum, vanilla (extract, paste, or essence), cherries, raspberries, nuts (e.g., pecans, hazelnuts, walnuts), cinnamon, chili, cayenne pepper, blueberries, blackberries, red currants, peanut butter swirls.
Directions:
- Take the eggs out of the fridge in advance.
- Melt 200 g of butter in a water bath, a thick-bottomed saucepan, or in the microwave. Set aside to cool; it should only be warm.
- Pour three tablespoons of vegetable oil into the warm butter.
- Add 250 g of sugar to the butter and oil mixture. Mix to eliminate bigger lumps. The sugar does not need to dissolve.
- Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Beat in six medium eggs (or appropriately 7 small/5 very large).
- Mix everything very thoroughly with a whisk (or hand mixer) until a uniform cream forms.
- Optionally: You can add vanilla extract/paste/essence, a larger pinch of cinnamon, a pinch of chili or cayenne pepper, and a tablespoon of rum along with the eggs.
- Sift 140 g of all-purpose flour mixed with 100 g of cocoa powder into the bowl.
- Slowly mix the batter until a uniform, dark, and moderately thick dough forms.
- Chop or break 200 g of dark chocolate (minimum 70%, e.g., 150 g dark 70% and 50 g milk) into pieces. Stir the chocolate pieces into the batter.
- Line a baking pan (22 x 25 cm or 24 x 24 cm, or a 24 cm diameter round pan) with parchment paper.
- Pour the batter into the pan. Optionally, top with a handful of nuts (e.g., pecans, roasted hazelnuts, walnuts), swirls of peanut butter, or some broken chocolate and fresh fruits (raspberries, blueberries, cherries, blackberries, red currants).
- Bake in a preheated oven at 175 degrees C with an option for upper/lower baking. Place the pan on the middle shelf or one shelf lower.
- Choose your baking time:
- 22-23 minutes for a fluffy, moist, gooey brownie.
- 24-27 minutes for a soft, slightly firmer brownie.
- 28-32 minutes for a firm, fully baked brownie.
(Ensure the oven is properly preheated. If the pan is smaller and thick, the baking time may need to be extended by 5-10 minutes.)
- After baking, you can immediately remove the brownie from the oven. Wait about 20 minutes for it to cool slightly before releasing it from the pan.
- You can cut slightly warm brownies. Optionally, drizzle with chocolate glaze, serve with homemade ice cream, decorate with fresh fruits (raspberries, blueberries, red currants, cherries), or top with cooked fruits.
How to Serve Brownie
Serve brownies warm or at room temperature. They can be enjoyed plain or dressed up with a scoop of ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce. Fresh fruits can add a nice touch, too!
How to Store Brownie
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly.
Tips to Make Brownie
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour and cocoa powder; it can lead to tough brownies.
- Experiment with mix-ins and toppings to find your perfect combinations.
Variation
You can add different flavors or nuts to your brownies, such as white chocolate chips, peanut butter, or even mint extract for a refreshing twist.
FAQs
1. Can I make brownies without eggs?
Yes, you can use substitutes like applesauce, mashed bananas, or commercial egg replacers to make egg-free brownies.
2. How can I tell when the brownies are done?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
3. Can I add frosting to brownies?
Absolutely! A cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache can elevate the brownies to a dessert cake level.
Brownie
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously rich and chewy brownies, easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 6 medium eggs (or 7 small or 5 very large)
- 200 g dark chocolate (preferably 70%, e.g., 150 g dark 70% and 50 g milk)
- 250 g sugar (brown cane or a mix with regular)
- 140 g all-purpose flour (about a cup)
- 200 g butter (whole stick or ghee/coconut oil)
- 3 tablespoons oil (about 30 g, e.g., rice oil)
- 100 g cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional add-ins: rum, vanilla, cherries, raspberries, nuts, cinnamon, chili, cayenne pepper, blueberries, blackberries, red currants, peanut butter swirls.
Instructions
- Take the eggs out of the fridge in advance.
- Melt 200 g of butter in a water bath, saucepan, or microwave and set aside to cool.
- Pour three tablespoons of vegetable oil into the warm butter.
- Add sugar to the mixture and mix to eliminate lumps.
- Stir in salt and beat in the eggs.
- Mix thoroughly with a whisk until a uniform cream forms.
- Optionally, add vanilla, cinnamon, chili, cayenne, or rum along with the eggs.
- Sift flour and cocoa powder into the bowl.
- Slowly mix until a thick dough forms.
- Chop dark chocolate and stir into the batter.
- Line a baking pan with parchment paper and pour the batter in.
- Optionally, top with nuts or fruits.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 175 degrees C for 22-32 minutes depending on desired texture.
- Let cool for 20 minutes before cutting and serving.
Notes
Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor. Don’t overmix the batter once flour is added.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
