Fudge Brownies
Fudge brownies are the epitome of chocolate indulgence, offering a dense, gooey texture that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, these brownies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With a simple list of ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, you’ll be on your way to creating a batch of these delightful treats in no time.
Ingredients
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
– 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 yields approximately 16 brownies. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with an additional baking time of 25-30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 brownie) contains approximately 200 calories, 10g fat, 30g carbohydrates, 2g protein, and 15g sugar. These values are per serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
3. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar until well combined.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
6. Stir in the vanilla extract until smooth.
7. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
8. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
9. Fold in the chocolate chips if using.
10. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
11. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
12. Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute unsweetened cocoa powder with dark cocoa for a richer flavor. For a gluten-free version, use almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix instead of all-purpose flour.
Serving and Pairings
Fudge brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. They also complement a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a classic treat.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using too much flour can make brownies dry.
- Overmixing the batter can lead to tough brownies.
- Not using enough butter can result in a crumbly texture.
- Underbaking can cause gooey centers; ensure they are set.
- Skipping the cooling step makes cutting difficult.
Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
- Let the brownies cool completely for easier cutting.
- Experiment with add-ins like nuts or caramel.
- Use a toothpick to check for doneness accurately.
FAQs
Can I use melted chocolate instead of cocoa powder?
Yes, you can substitute cocoa powder with melted chocolate. Use about 1 ounce of melted chocolate for every 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder.
What can I do if my brownies are too cakey?
If your brownies turned out too cakey, it could be due to overmixing or too much flour. Try reducing the flour next time or mixing just until combined.
How do I know when my brownies are done?
Brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. They should not be liquid or overly dry.
Can I add nuts to my brownies?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans make a great addition and add a nice crunch to the fudgy texture.
How do I make my brownies more fudgy?
To achieve a more fudgy consistency, you can increase the butter slightly or reduce the flour. Baking for a shorter time can also help.
Conclusion
Fudge brownies are a beloved dessert that never disappoints. With their rich flavor and chewy texture, they are perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and indulge in a delightful chocolate experience!
Fudge Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter
- 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).
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in the sugar until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until smooth.
- Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
