Brownies | Fudgy Dark Chocolate Brownies
Indulging in a rich, decadent brownie is a delightful experience that so many of us cherish. These fudgy dark chocolate brownies are an absolute game-changer for dessert lovers. The kind of brownies that ooze with chocolate goodness and have that melt-in-your-mouth texture can turn an ordinary day into something extraordinary. What I adore about this recipe is how it combines simplicity with incredible flavor; the bittersweet chocolate creates a depth that’s hard to resist.
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I still remember the first time I made these brownies. I was hosting a small gathering, and a dessert was mandatory to end the evening on a sweet note. I was a bit hesitant at first, unsure if a homemade dessert could compete with the decadent bakery options. But as soon as the aroma filled my kitchen and my friends took their first bites, I was swept away by the compliments! There’s something so satisfying about sharing a homemade treat, and these brownies are always a hit—and now they can be yours too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in about 45 minutes with just a 5-minute prep time!
- Irresistible Flavor: The bittersweet chocolate harmonizes perfectly with the richness of butter.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: These brownies have a beautiful dark color that invites everyone to take a piece.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, as an after-school snack, or a midnight treat.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Replace regular flour with a gluten-free blend for a tasty alternative.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup unsalted butter: Adding richness and moisture to your brownies, it’s best to use unsalted for precise control over saltiness.
- 8 oz. bittersweet chocolate (Ghirardelli 60% cacao baking chips): This delivers a deep chocolate flavor; feel free to use any high-quality bittersweet chocolate you enjoy.
- 2 cups sugar: Sweetness complements the bittersweet chocolate, balancing flavors perfectly. You can use coconut sugar for a deeper flavor profile.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor; pure vanilla extract is recommended for the best results.
- 5 large eggs: These provide structure and moistness—it’s key to use room temperature eggs for easy mixing.
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a concentrated chocolate flavor; Dutch-processed cocoa will give a softer color and flavor.
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour: Offers stability to the brownies—using cake flour could yield a lighter texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor; don’t skip this!
How to Make Brownies | Fudgy Dark Chocolate Brownies
Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Greasing and flouring a 13×9 inch baking pan will make getting those brownies out much easier later on.
Melt butter and chocolate: In a 3-quart saucepan, combine 1 cup of unsalted butter and 8 oz. of bittersweet chocolate over low heat. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth and completely melted. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly to avoid scrambling the eggs in the next step.
Combine sugar and vanilla: Once the chocolate mixture has cooled down a bit, whisk in 2 cups of sugar and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Enjoy that inviting aroma—it’s truly heavenly!
Incorporate the eggs: Add in the 5 large eggs, one at a time, whisking each until fully combined. This step is crucial for a smooth brownie texture, so take your time with it.
Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together 1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 2/3 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Sifting aerates the flour and cocoa, ensuring a lighter brownie.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Fold the dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture gently; whisk thoroughly until you see no streaks of flour. It should be a glossy, rich batter.
Spread and bake: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until the edges are slightly puffed and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and slice: After baking, set the brownies aside to cool before cutting them into squares. This waiting time will help them set properly and makes slicing much easier!
Storing & Reheating
Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for a week or so, or freeze them for up to 3 months. When freezing, make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, you can reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees for about 5-10 minutes, or just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds. Just remember, reheating may slightly change the texture, but these fudgy delights will still be delicious!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Be cautious not to overbake your brownies; keep an eye during the last few minutes of baking to achieve that perfect fudgy center.
- Ensure your eggs are at room temperature to aid in blending smoothly with the other ingredients.
- If your brownies are too gooey, it could be from underbaking; alternatively, if they’re too crumbly, you might have overbaked them.
- For a flavor boost, consider adding a cup of chocolate chips or nuts into the batter before baking.
- These brownies can also be customized; try swirling in peanut butter or topping with sea salt for a gourmet touch.
There’s so much joy wrapped up in a simple batch of brownies. With this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe for fudgy dark chocolate brownies, you can whip up an indulgent treat in no time. Whether you share them with loved ones or savor them on your own, each bite promises a chocolate experience like no other. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy creating these scrumptious brownies!
Recipe FAQs
How do I know when my brownies are done?
The best way to check for doneness is to insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re perfect! If you see wet batter, bake for a few more minutes, and keep an eye on them.
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! While bittersweet chocolate gives the best flavor balance, you can experiment with semi-sweet or dark chocolate to suit your taste. Each type will slightly change the sweetness and richness, which can be fun to explore!
Why do my brownies have a cake-like texture?
If your brownies turned out cake-like, they may have been overbaked. Make sure to follow the baking time closely and check for that fudgy texture in the center before pulling them out of the oven.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, these brownies keep well! You can make them a day in advance and store them properly, just be sure to let them cool completely before covering them to retain their luscious texture. Enjoy!
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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 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These fudgy dark chocolate brownies are a delightful treat that anyone can make. With simple prep and rich flavors, they are perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 8 oz. bittersweet chocolate, (i used ghirardelli 60% cacao baking chips)
- 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 and set it aside.
- In a 3-quart saucepan, melt the butter and chocolate over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Once the chocolate mixture is cool, whisk in the sugar and vanilla extract. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking until combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Mix this flour mixture into the chocolate mixture and whisk thoroughly.
- Spread the brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-35 minutes. Let cool before cutting into squares and enjoy!
Notes
Using high-quality chocolate enhances the flavor of the brownies.
These brownies can be stored in an airtight container for several days.
For extra fudginess, do not overbake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 135mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
