Introduction
Indulging in a rich, chocolatey dessert is a delightful experience, and this recipe is a perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a delicious chocolate treat that will impress family and friends. Whether enjoyed on its own or topped with ice cream, this dessert promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
½ cup butter
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
2 eggs
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup cocoa powder
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25-30 minutes
Total Time
Approximately 45 minutes
Yield
Serves 8-10
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
2. In a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and half of the chocolate chips together until smooth.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and brown sugar until well combined.
4. Add the vanilla extract and the melted butter-chocolate mixture to the egg and sugar mixture; stir until fully incorporated.
5. Sift in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and espresso powder (if using); mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the remaining chocolate chips.
7. Pour the batter into a greased 8-inch cast iron skillet, spreading it evenly.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
10. Serve warm, optionally topped with ice cream or whipped cream.
This delectable dish is bound to become a favorite, delivering a fudgy texture and intense chocolate flavor. Enjoy your baking!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Chocolate Chips
In a saucepan over low heat or in a microwave-safe bowl, combine ½ cup of butter and ½ cup of the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Heat gently until both ingredients are melted and smooth, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
Step 3: Whisk Eggs and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a whisk to combine 2 eggs and 1 cup of brown sugar. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ensuring no lumps remain.
Step 4: Incorporate Vanilla and Chocolate Mixture
Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the egg and sugar mixture, followed by the melted butter and chocolate mixture. Stir well until everything is fully incorporated and combined.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients
Sift in ½ cup of cocoa powder, ½ cup of all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of espresso powder (if using) into the wet mixture. Stir gently just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Fold in Remaining Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the remaining ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Step 7: Prepare Baking Pan
Grease an 8-inch cast iron skillet with butter or cooking spray to prevent the brownies from sticking, then pour the batter into the skillet. Spread it out evenly across the surface.
Step 8: Bake the Brownies
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 9: Cooling Procedure
Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and allow the brownies to cool slightly before serving. This helps them set up and makes them easier to cut.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the brownies warm, optionally topped with ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.
Notes
Tip for Melting Chocolate
If using a microwave, heat in short bursts of 20-30 seconds, stirring between each session to ensure the chocolate doesn’t seize.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Variations Suggestions
Consider adding nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch or substituting some of the chocolate chips for white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
Cook techniques
Melting Chocolate and Butter
Melt butter and chocolate chips together in a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl until smooth. This creates a rich foundation for your batter.
Whisking Eggs and Sugar
Thoroughly whisk together eggs and brown sugar until well combined. This process adds air to the mixture, helping to create a light and airy texture in the final product.
Incorporating Ingredients
Add melted butter-chocolate mixture and vanilla extract to the egg and sugar mixture, stirring until fully incorporated. This ensures a uniform flavor throughout the batter.
Sifting Dry Ingredients
Sift together cocoa powder, flour, salt, and optional espresso powder before mixing it into the wet ingredients. Sifting removes lumps and helps to evenly combine dry components.
Folding in Chocolate Chips
Carefully fold in the remaining chocolate chips at the end, ensuring they’re evenly distributed without overmixing the batter.
Baking in a Cast Iron Skillet
Pour the batter into a greased 8-inch cast iron skillet and bake until edges are set. The skillet helps create a perfect crust while maintaining a soft center.
Cooling Before Serving
Allow the baked dish to cool slightly before serving, which helps it set up and enhances the flavors.
FAQ
Can I use other types of chocolate chips?
Yes, you can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate or dark chocolate, depending on your taste preference.
What can I use instead of espresso powder?
If you don’t have espresso powder, you can omit it or use instant coffee as an alternative for a similar coffee flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Can I freeze the batter?
Yes, you can freeze the batter before baking. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before using it.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that can be used for baking.
Conclusion
This simple and delectable recipe yields rich and fudgy brownies that are sure to satisfy any chocolate craving. The addition of espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor, making these brownies even more indulgent. Serve them warm for a delightful treat that can easily be elevated with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate Walnut Brownies
Add chopped walnuts to the batter for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate.
Mint Chocolate Swirl Brownies
Incorporate mint extract into the batter and swirl in some mint chocolate chips before baking for a refreshing twist.
Salted Caramel Brownies
Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the brownie batter before baking for an enticing combination of sweet and salty.
Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies
Drop spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter into the brownie batter and swirl gently for a rich, nutty flavor.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies
Top your brownies with a layer of cookie dough before baking for a decadent dessert that combines two favorites.
Raspberry Chocolate Brownies
Add fresh raspberries or raspberry puree to the brownie batter for a fruity burst that complements the chocolate beautifully.
