How to Make Brownies at Home, Best, Easy, Delicious Fudgy Chocolate Brownies!
If you love chocolate, you probably love brownies too. And probably wonders how to make brownies at home. Brownies are one of the most popular desserts in the world, and for good reason. They are rich, fudgy, chewy and satisfying, with a crackly top and a gooey center. They can be customized with different toppings, flavors and mix-ins, such as nuts, chocolate chips, caramel sauce, cream cheese, peanut butter and more. They are also easy to make at home with basic pantry staples.
But where did brownies come from? How did they become so popular? And how to make brownies at home? Let’s find out!
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The origin of brownies is not very clear, but there are several legends and stories about how they were created. One of the most popular ones is that a housewife in Bangor, Maine, forgot to add baking powder to her chocolate cake and decided to cut and serve the flat cake anyway.
How to make Brownies at home. Chocolate Brownies Recipe
In this post, I will show you how to make brownies at home with cocoa powder, dark chocolate and other simple ingredients. You will learn how to make brownies step by step, we will use vegetable oil replacement for brownies with butter for more flavor and richness or use olive oil in brownies if you prefer a lighter option. You will also learn some tips and tricks to make your brownies extra fudgy and moist, and how to serve them with Vanilla ice cream on top for a decadent treat. This recipe is easy, quick and foolproof, and it will make your house smell amazing!
Psst! - This Brownie Recipe cannot go wrong even if you add little more or little less any ingredients. Or you can even try to experiment of your own by adding or changing brownie ingredients, like try to use Instant Coffee Powder Brownie or couple pinch of Cinnamon in a Brownie. Both will give different flavor altogether.
Health Benefits of Chocolate Brownies
Chocolate brownies may not be the healthiest dessert option, but they do have some health benefits if consumed in moderation. Here are some of them:
- Chocolate brownies may boost your mood and energy levels because they contain caffeine, theobromine and phenylethylamine (PEA), which are stimulants that affect the brain’s neurotransmitters.
- Chocolate brownies may improve your cognitive function because they contain flavonoids that may increase blood flow to the brain and protect against neurodegeneration.
- Chocolate brownies may lower your blood pressure and improve your cardiovascular health because they contain flavonoids that may relax the blood vessels and reduce inflammation.
- Chocolate brownies may support your immune system because they contain zinc, iron and magnesium, which are essential minerals for the production and function of white blood cells.
Let's make some delicious homemade brownies from scratch. Let’s get started!
In this recipe, you will learn how to make chocolate brownies at home using cocoa powder, dark chocolate and other simple ingredients. These brownies are easy to make in one bowl with a whisk or a spatula. They are fudgy, moist and decadent, with a crackly top and a gooey center.
Chocolate Brownies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, a potluck or a cozy night in. You can enjoy them plain or with your favorite toppings, such as vanilla ice cream, whipped cream or caramel sauce.
- 1/2 cup Butter ((113 g approx.) unsalted butter, cut into pieces. You can use salted butter instead of unsalted butter, but reduce the salt to a pinch. You can use olive oil instead of butter, but the brownies will be lighter and less fudgy. Use 1/3 cup (80 ml) of olive oil and increase the flour to 1 cup (125 g).)
- 4 oz Dark chocolate ((113 g approx.) dark chocolate, chopped. You can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate, but the brownies will be sweeter and less rich.)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar ((200 g approx.) granulated sugar. You can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar, but the brownies will be softer and more moist.)
- 2 Eggs (Large Eggs at room temperature.)
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup All-purpose flour ((94 g approx.) all-purpose flour. You can use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour, but the brownies may be more crumbly and dry. So, Add an extra egg or some xanthan gum to help bind the batter.)
- 1/4 cup Cocoa powder (21 g approx. Unsweetened cocoa powder.)
- 1/4 tbsp Salt (Reduce the salt to a pinch If you are using Salted Butter.)
- 1/2 cup Chocolate chips (Optional, (85 g approx.) chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and flavor. You can also mix Nuts for nutty flavors.)
- Prepare Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Melt the Chocolate
In a large microwave-safe bowl, add the butter and chocolate and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each one, until melted and smooth.
Alternatively, you can use a double boiler over low heat to melt Butter and Chocolate together.
- Whisk
Whisk in the sugar until well combined, then whisk in the eggs, one at a time, until smooth and glossy. Whisk in the vanilla extract.
- Sift in other ingredients
Sift in the flour, cocoa powder and salt and fold with a spatula or a wooden spoon until no dry streaks remain.
Do not overmix. Stir in the chocolate chips or nuts if using.
- Fill the Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Bake just right
- Bake for 22 to 28 minutes, depending on how fudgy you want your brownies.
- A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.
- Do not overbake or the brownies will be dry and cakey.
- Let Cool
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, or for at least 10 minutes if you want to serve them warm.
- Cut and Serve
Cut into 16 squares and enjoy with vanilla ice cream on top if desired. Milk, Coffee or other Beverage of your choice on the side.
Servings 16
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 288kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15g24%
- Saturated Fat 9g45%
- Cholesterol 47mg16%
- Sodium 48mg2%
- Total Carbohydrate 37g13%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 26g
- Protein 3g6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Notes:
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freeze brownies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the microwave before serving.
- Reheat brownies in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at 300°F (149°C) for 10 minutes until warm.
Tips and Alternates:
- You can use salted butter instead of unsalted butter, but reduce the salt to a pinch.
- You can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate, but the brownies will be sweeter and less rich.
- You can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar, but the brownies will be softer and more moist.
- You can use olive oil instead of butter, but the brownies will be lighter and less fudgy. Use 1/3 cup (80 ml) of olive oil and increase the flour to 1 cup (125 g).
- You can use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour, but the brownies may be more crumbly and dry. Add an extra egg or some xanthan gum to help bind the batter.
Facts: Here are some interesting facts about brownies and their ingredients:
- Brownies are considered as bar cookies rather than cakes because they are denser and chewier than cakes.
- The name “brownie” comes from their dark brown color. Some people also believe that they are named after brownies, which are mythical creatures that help with household chores in exchange for food.
- Cocoa powder is made from roasted and ground cacao beans. It contains antioxidants, flavonoids and minerals that may have health benefits for the heart, brain and skin.
- Dark chocolate is chocolate that contains more than 70% cocoa solids. It also has antioxidants, flavonoids and minerals that may lower blood pressure, improve mood and reduce stress.
- Butter is a dairy product made from churning cream or milk. It adds flavor, richness and moisture to baked goods. It also contains fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.
- Olive oil is a plant-based oil extracted from olives. It is high in monounsaturated fats that may lower cholesterol levels and inflammation. It also has antioxidants that may protect against oxidative stress.
Equipments:
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
- Whisk
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Sifter
- Baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack