Brownie Recipe
Indulge in the rich, fudgy delight of homemade brownies with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings, these brownies are a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you enjoy them plain, with a scoop of ice cream, or topped with fresh berries, this brownie recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Get ready to bake the perfect batch of brownies that are both simple and utterly delicious!
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes approximately 16 brownies. Preparation time is 15 minutes, and cooking time is 25-30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 brownie) contains approximately 250 calories, 12g fat, 35g carbohydrates, and 3g protein. This is based on a standard serving size of one brownie.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine melted butter and granulated sugar. Mix well.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. If using, fold in chocolate chips.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
10. Allow to cool in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute unsweetened cocoa powder with dark chocolate for a richer flavor. Additionally, use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version. Applesauce can replace eggs for a vegan option.
Serving and Pairings
Brownies pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries can add a refreshing contrast to their richness.
Storage and Reheating
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the batter can lead to tough brownies.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can affect texture.
- Using too high a temperature can cause overbaking.
- Not cooling brownies in the pan can lead to uneven cutting.
- Skipping parchment paper can result in sticking.
Helpful Tips
- For extra fudginess, slightly underbake the brownies.
- Add nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Let brownies cool completely before cutting for clean edges.
- Experiment with flavored extracts for a twist.
FAQs
Can I make brownies without eggs?
Yes, you can use substitutes like applesauce or a flaxseed mixture to replace eggs for a vegan-friendly option.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Can I add other flavors to my brownies?
Absolutely! You can add flavors like peppermint extract or espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
What can I do if my brownies are too dry?
If your brownies are dry, consider reducing the baking time next time or adding a bit more butter or chocolate.
How should I store leftover brownies?
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to a week.
Conclusion
This brownie recipe offers a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth with its rich and fudgy texture. Perfect for any occasion, these brownies are sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy them as a treat or dessert, and don’t be surprised if they disappear quickly!
Brownie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter and granulated sugar. Mix well.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- If using, fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow to cool in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.
