Easy Chocolate Brownies Recipe
Introduction
These easy chocolate brownies offer a rich, fudgy texture with a deep chocolate flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you like them gooey or more cake-like, this recipe is simple to follow and delivers delicious results every time.
Ingredients
- 200g (14 tbsp) unsalted butter (1 3/4 US sticks)
- 200g (1 1/4 cups) dark chocolate chips (7 oz)
- 1 cup (175g) brown sugar, loosely packed
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (75g) plain flour
- 1/4 cup (30g) cocoa powder
- Pinch of salt
- 180g (6 oz) dark chocolate block/bar (optional)
- 1.5 cups roughly chopped walnuts or other nuts
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C fan forced.
- Step 2: Spray a 20cm (8″) square baking tin with oil and line it with baking or parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Step 3: Place the butter and chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts until melted (about 1 minute 30 seconds), stirring in between until smooth.
- Step 4: Add the brown sugar and vanilla extract to the melted chocolate mixture and mix well. Then add the eggs and continue mixing until the batter is smooth and molten.
- Step 5: Stir in the flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt until just combined and smooth. Fold in the chopped chocolate and nuts if using, then pour the batter into the prepared baking tin.
- Step 6: Bake for 24 minutes for very gooey brownies, 28 minutes for a fudgey but moist texture (recommended), or 32 minutes for a moist, fudge-cake-like consistency. Use a toothpick to test doneness as needed.
- Step 7: If you omit the extra chopped chocolate, reduce the baking time by 2 minutes.
- Step 8: Let the brownies rest in the tin for 10 minutes before lifting out using the paper overhang. Allow them to cool completely for at least 20 minutes before cutting and serving.
Tips & Variations
- Try swapping walnuts with pecans or hazelnuts for a different nutty flavor.
- Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate taste without adding coffee flavor.
- For chewier brownies, slightly underbake and allow them to finish setting as they cool.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best richness and depth of flavor.
Storage
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months—thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat gently in the microwave if you prefer them warm.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
You can, but milk chocolate will make the brownies sweeter and less intense. Dark chocolate is recommended for a richer, more balanced flavor.
How can I tell when the brownies are done?
The edges should be set and slightly pulling away from the pan, but the center will still feel soft. Insert a toothpick—it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Baking times vary based on your preferred fudginess.
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Easy Chocolate Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies (in 8-inch square pan) 1x
Description
These Easy Chocolate Brownies are wonderfully rich and fudgy, perfect for chocolate lovers. With a simple blend of melted butter, dark chocolate, brown sugar, eggs, and cocoa powder, these brownies bake up moist and decadent with a gooey center. Optional chopped walnuts add a delightful crunch, and varying the baking time lets you customize the fudginess to your liking. Ideal for a quick homemade treat that impresses every time.
Ingredients
Chocolate Mixture
- 200g (14 tbsp / 1 3/4 US sticks) unsalted butter
- 200g (1 1/4 cups / 7 oz) dark chocolate chips
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup (175g) brown sugar, loosely packed
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (75g) plain flour
- 1/4 cup (30g) cocoa powder
- Pinch of salt
Optional Add-ins
- 180g (6oz) dark chocolate block/bar, roughly chopped
- 1.5 cups roughly chopped walnuts or other nuts
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C (320°F) if using fan forced.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Spray an 8-inch (20cm) square baking tin with oil and line it with baking or parchment paper, ensuring an overhang to easily lift out the brownies later.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: Place the butter and chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between bursts, until fully melted and smooth, about 1 minute 30 seconds total.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract until combined. Then add the lightly beaten eggs and mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and molten.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in the plain flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently until evenly combined and smooth. If desired, fold in the chopped dark chocolate and walnuts for added texture.
- Pour and Bake: Transfer the batter into the prepared tin, spreading it evenly. Bake for 24 minutes for a very gooey center, 28 minutes for a fudgy yet moist texture (recommended), or 32 minutes for a moister, fudge-cake-like brownie. Adjust time slightly if you did not add extra chopped chocolate by reducing bake time by 2 minutes.
- Cool: Let the brownies rest in the pan for about 10 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Allow them to cool completely for at least 20 minutes before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
- Storage: Store the brownies in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Note 1: Using good quality dark chocolate with high cocoa content enhances the flavor.
- Note 2: Lining the baking pan with parchment paper with an overhang makes it easy to remove the entire brownie slab from the pan after baking.
- You can customize the texture by adjusting the baking time for gooier or more cake-like results.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or substitute with your favorite mix-in.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: easy chocolate brownies, fudgy brownies, chocolate dessert, homemade brownies, walnut brownies, chocolate chips brownies
