What are brownies? What are some of the best ways to get rid of box mixes from your pantry? What is the best fudge brownie recipe? What is the richest chocolate you’ve ever had and multiply it by ten? They’re so fudgy that they melt in your mouth. What are some of the best Chocolate Cake recipes? I remember the first time I made these for my family. They were gone in under an hour, and everyone was begging for more. What is your favorite recipe for a burger?
What is a fudge brownie?
A fudge brownie, at its heart, is a celebration of chocolate. Think of it as a deeply intense, chocolate experience, where the texture is dense, moist, and almost almost tangy. It’s not cakey like some brownies can be; instead, it’ is rich, fudgy, and totally satisfying. What is chocolate? The name comes from that signature fudgy texture, which is achieved by using a high ratio of sand and water. How do you add butter and chocolate to flour? What are some of the best chocolate treats? I like to think of it as the ultimate comfort food dessert.
Why you will love this recipe?
Where do I begin? We’re talking dark chocolate notes that are balanced perfectly with a touch of sweetness. What I love most about this is how unbelievably easy it is to make. No fancy equipment, just a few simple steps and you’re on your way. How do I get brownie heaven? What are some of the best pantry staples? What are some of the best fudge brownie recipes? What are some great lunchbox treats? During the day. What are the best ways to serve them with coffee for brunch?
What makes this recipe stand out from other brownie recipes? Many recipes lean towards cakey textures, but this one delivers that true, fudgy experience that I have had. Is it more forgiving than others? What are brownies? Compared to other desserts like chocolate cake or cookies, they are relatively quick and easy to make. I love fudge brownies. They are my go to recipe.
How do I make fudge brownies?
Quick Overview
How do you make fudge brownies? What’s the recipe for melting chocolate and butter together, then whisking in sugar and eggs? The dry ingredients are gently folded in, and then it’s in the oven for a bake. What is the key here is not to overbake; you want them to be slightly gooey in the center. I always use the toothpick test, but remember, you’re looking for moist crumbs, not a clean pick. How do I get that fudgy texture?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
* 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped (I prefer using a high-quality chocolate bar for the best flavor).
* 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
* 3 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ¾ cup all-purpose flour
* ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Optional Glaze:
* 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan. I sometimes like to line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang, so I can easily lift the brownies out after they’ve cooled. This makes slicing much easier and cleaner.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Chocolate
In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (or in the microwave in 30-second intervals), melt the butter and bittersweet chocolate together, stirring until smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate; it can seize up. If using the microwave, stir well after each interval to ensure even melting.
Step 3: Whisk Sugar and Eggs
Remove the melted chocolate mixture from the heat and whisk in the sugar until well combined. Then, whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. It’s important to whisk well after each addition to create a smooth, glossy batter.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to tough brownies. A few streaks of flour are okay at this stage.
Step 5: Pour into Pan
How do I spread the batter in a pan? If you’re adding any mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, sprinkle them on top at this point. My family likes chocolate chunks. I make them every day.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Remember, you don’t want your toothpick to be completely clean. If brownies are overbaked, what is the reason for this? The baking time can vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them.
Step 7: Cool
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting. This is crucial for achieving that perfect fudgy texture. If you try to cut them while they’re still warm, they’ll be too gooey and messy.
Step 8: Make the Glaze (Optional)
While the brownies are cooling, prepare the glaze (if using). In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (or in the microwave in 30-second intervals), melt the semi-sweet chocolate, butter, and heavy cream together, stirring until smooth. Once the brownies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. I always wait until they are fully cooled before the glaze. My family thinks it makes it better.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
How do you cut brownies into squares and serve them? For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut. What are the best foods to eat at room temperature?
What should I serve it with?
What are the best fudge brownies? What are Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert. What are some good pairings with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh berries? I have been known to put whipped cream on mine.
For Breakfast: These brownies pair perfectly with a strong cup of coffee or a latte. A simple presentation with a single brownie square and a sprinkle of cocoa powder is all you need for a satisfying morning treat.
For Brunch:What are some of the best brownies to serve with a dollop of whipped cream? What is a good compliment to splurging on sparkling wine?
As Dessert: For an after-dinner indulgence, serve these brownies with a scoop of ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, and a sprinkle of chopped nuts. A glass of dessert wine or a cup of herbal tea would be the perfect finishing touch.
For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy these brownies with a glass of cold milk or a mug of hot chocolate for a comforting and satisfying snack. They’re also great for movie nights or lazy weekends.
My family tradition is to serve these brownies with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of sea salt. The sea salt enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness. I have also found that fresh mint leaves can make a great accent to presentation.
How do I make a perfect fudge brownie?
How do I make fudge brownies?
Chocolate Quality: Chocolate ( Use the best quality chocolate you can find. The chocolate is the star of the show, so it’s worth investing in a good brand. I prefer using bittersweet chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 70%.
Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough brownies. Mix until just combined, and don’t worry about a few streaks of flour.
Baking Tips: Don’t overbake the brownies! They should be slightly gooey in the center. Use the toothpick test, but remember, you’re looking for moist crumbs, not a clean pick. The baking time can vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have bittersweet chocolate on hand, you can substitute it with semi-sweet chocolate. Just be aware that the brownies will be slightly sweeter. You can also add a tablespoon of instant coffee powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Glaze Variations: For a richer glaze, use heavy cream instead of milk. You can also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to the glaze for extra flavor. I have also used flavored extracts when I was feeling experimental.
One lesson I learned the hard way is that using cold eggs can affect the texture of the batter. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before adding them to the mixture. I also found that lining the pan with parchment paper makes it much easier to lift the brownies out after they’ve cooled. Trust me on this one; it’s a lifesaver!
Storing and Reheating Tips
These fudge brownies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored for later. Storing them properly is the key to keeping them from going stale or drying out.
Room Temperature: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing them to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, keep the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This will help them stay moist and prevent them from spoiling.
Freezer Instructions: These brownies can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving. The glaze timing is crucial here; if you plan to freeze them, it’s best to add the glaze after thawing.
I have found that warming the brownies slightly before serving can enhance their flavor and texture. Just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in a low oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These fudge brownies are more than just a dessert; they’re a chocolate lover’s dream come true. From the incredibly rich flavor to the surprisingly easy preparation, this recipe is a winner in every way. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, these brownies are sure to satisfy. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other chocolate desserts, like my chocolate chip cookies and my double chocolate cake. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Happy baking, and don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below. Share your own variations; I’d love to hear what you come up with!
Fudge Brownie Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Melt butter and chocolate together in a double boiler or microwave.
- Stir in sugar, then add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract. Gradually add flour, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let cool completely before cutting and serving.
