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Indulge your sweet tooth and elevate your baking game with our mouthwatering Homemade Brownies recipe. These fudgy, chocolaty squares are the epitome of dessert perfection—a delightful blend of rich cocoa, buttery goodness, and an irresistible chewiness. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these brownies are the ultimate treat to satisfy your chocolate cravings. Join us as we embark on a culinary journey into the world of brownies, exploring the art of creating these delectable squares from scratch.
Homemade brownies are a beloved classic, known for their fudgy, chocolatey goodness and delightful simplicity. The exact origins of brownies are a bit mysterious, with various stories and claims about their creation.
- Early Mentions: The first published recipe for brownies appeared in the 1897 Sears, Roebuck, and Co. catalog. These early brownies resembled small cakes and were flavored with molasses.
- Fudgy Evolution: Over time, brownie recipes evolved, shifting from a cake-like texture to a denser, fudgy consistency. The addition of cocoa powder and the removal of yeast helped achieve this transformation.
- Iconic American Dessert: Today, brownies are an iconic American dessert enjoyed worldwide. They’re perfect for casual snacking, picnics, potlucks, and sweet cravings.
Homemade Brownies
Brownies are a beloved classic in the world of baking, and for good reason. They strike the perfect balance between cakey and fudgy, offering a dense, chocolate-packed experience that's hard to resist. Our Homemade Brownies recipe is a celebration of this iconic treat, combining the finest ingredients to create a dessert that's both simple and indulgent.
These brownies feature a deep chocolate flavor thanks to high-quality cocoa powder, a touch of sweetness from granulated sugar, and a rich, buttery texture that's achieved with the right balance of fats and eggs. The result is a batch of brownies that are perfectly tender in the center with a crackly, slightly crisp top—a texture that brownie enthusiasts crave.
Tools and Equipment
- 8x8-inch square baking pan: Buy On Amazon
- Parchment paper: Buy On Amazon
- Mixing bowls (various sizes): Buy On Amazon
- Whisk or spatula: Buy On Amazon / Buy On Amazon
- Saucepan (for melting butter, if not using the microwave): Buy On Amazon
- Microwave (optional): Buy On Amazon
- Measuring cups and spoons: Buy On Amazon
- Cooling rack: Buy On Amazon
- Knife: Buy On Amazon
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
In a microwave-safe bowl or a saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter.
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir until well combined.
Add the eggs and pure vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until the batter is smooth and glossy.
In a separate bowl, sift together the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the batter is well combined. Be careful not to overmix.
If desired, fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 15-30 minutes.
Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhangs to lift the brownies out of the pan. Place them on a cooling rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, cut the brownies into squares, serve, and savor each chocolaty bite.
Servings 16
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 125.17kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 6.41g10%
- Saturated Fat 3.79g19%
- Cholesterol 37.94mg13%
- Sodium 54.15mg3%
- Potassium 59.99mg2%
- Total Carbohydrate 16.61g6%
- Dietary Fiber 0.64g3%
- Sugars 12.57g
- Protein 1.57g4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Please note that the nutritional values provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. It's always best to double-check with your specific ingredients and measurements for accurate nutritional information.
Note
Tips and Variations:
- For an extra decadent twist, use dark chocolate cocoa powder for a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor.
- Customize your brownies with your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, nuts, or dried fruit.
- To enhance the flavor profile, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the brownie batter just before baking.
- Experiment with different extracts, such as almond or peppermint, for a unique flavor twist.
- If you prefer extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake them by reducing the baking time by a few minutes.
Serving Suggestions:
- Homemade Brownies are a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with various accompaniments. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat, or enjoy them with a glass of cold milk for a classic combination. You can also drizzle caramel sauce or ganache over the brownies for an elegant touch.
Allergen Information:
It's crucial to be aware of potential allergens when making brownies, as they typically contain ingredients that may trigger allergies in some individuals:
Dairy: Brownie recipes often include butter and milk. For those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies, dairy-free alternatives can be used.
Eggs: Eggs are a common binding ingredient. To make vegan brownies or for those with egg allergies, egg replacements such as applesauce, mashed bananas, or commercial egg replacers can be used.
Nuts: Many brownie recipes call for nuts, often walnuts or pecans. Be cautious if you or your guests have nut allergies and consider omitting them or using nut-free alternatives.
Wine or Drink Pairing:
Brownies are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of beverages:
Milk: Classic milk, whether regular or non-dairy, is a timeless choice to complement brownies. The coolness of the milk balances the richness of the brownie.
Coffee: The robust flavors of coffee, especially espresso or cappuccino, pair excellently with brownies, enhancing their chocolatey goodness.
Red Wine: A glass of red wine, such as a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, can be a sophisticated choice for pairing with brownies. The wine's tannins and fruitiness complement the chocolate.
Port or Sherry: These fortified wines are often considered the ultimate brownie companions, especially when you desire a dessert-like drink.
Storage and Leftovers:
Preserving the freshness and texture of brownies is crucial, especially if you're making a large batch or have leftovers:
Airtight Container: Store brownies in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out and becoming stale. Layer parchment paper or wax paper between brownie layers to keep them from sticking together.
Room Temperature: Brownies can be stored at room temperature for up to three days. If you anticipate longer storage, consider refrigerating or freezing them.
Refrigeration: In warm climates or if your brownies have a creamy filling or frosting, refrigerate them to prevent melting or spoilage. Let them come to room temperature before serving to regain their fudgy texture.
Freezing: Brownies freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or briefly in the microwave when you're ready to enjoy them.
