This brownie recipe is a staple in my kitchen because it delivers consistently perfect results. The brownies are delightfully dense with just the right amount of airiness, thanks to a touch of baking soda. I hope you give it a try and love it as much as I do!
What Pan Should You Use for Baking Brownies?
The pan you use can really influence the texture and doneness of your brownies. Darker and metal pans heat up quickly, which can cause your brownies to cook faster. In contrast, glass pans are thicker and take longer to warm up, meaning you’ll need to bake for a bit longer if using glass.
- Metal or Dark Pans: Start checking your brownies around 20 minutes to prevent burning or drying out.
- Glass Pans: Expect your brownies to need closer to 30 minutes to bake fully.
You’ll know your brownies are ready when the edges are dry and crackly, while the center still looks a bit moist. A skewer inserted into the middle should come out with just a few crumbs, not wet batter. If you used chocolate chips, check in a few spots, as they may cause the skewer to come out a bit wet.
Mixing Your Brownie Batter
To achieve dense brownies, avoid over-mixing the batter. Over-mixing adds air and makes the texture lighter and more cake-like. If you want that rich, fudgy texture, mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
When you add the flour, mix gently to avoid toughening the batter. I recommend adding any chocolate chips or add-ins before incorporating the flour so you don’t overwork the batter. Hand-mixing is the best option to ensure you don’t accidentally over-mix.
How to Store Brownies
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature to prevent them from drying out. They’ll last 3-5 days at room temperature, or up to a week if refrigerated.
Can You Freeze Brownies?
Yes, you can! Freeze brownies in an airtight container or plastic bag for up to two months. To defrost, let them sit at room temperature for a couple of hours, or in the fridge overnight. If defrosted in the fridge, let them warm up a bit before serving to soften the butter.
Reheating Brownies
To reheat brownies, wrap them in parchment paper, then tin foil, and bake at 350°F for about 3-5 minutes. This method traps moisture to keep them fudgy and prevents them from drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave brownies in 10-second intervals until warm.
Doubling or Tripling Your Recipe
This brownie recipe is perfect for scaling up. Feel free to double, triple, or even quadruple the recipe for a bigger batch. You can also halve it for a smaller batch if you’re craving just a few.
Brownie Substitutions and Add-ins
Customize your brownies to fit your flavor preferences. Add-ins like walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts are great alternatives to chocolate chips. You can also swirl in some cream cheese for cheesecake brownies, or mix in peanut butter, caramel, or Nutella for a unique twist. Coconut flakes can add a touch of texture, and ice cream on top is a classic indulgence. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick / 115g) unsalted butter
- ½ cup (100g) dark brown sugar
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup (4 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler. Add both sugars while still hot and whisk until combined.
- Add the eggs and vanilla, whisking until smooth.
- Stir in the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda. If adding chocolate chips or any other mix-ins, fold them in before the dry ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Use a skewer to check doneness—look for a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Let brownies cool for 10-15 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy with ice cream or your favorite toppings!
Enjoy these fudgy brownies with your favorite toppings or just as they are. They’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them!
Leave a Reply