Craving a decadent, fudgy brownie but dreading a mountain of dirty dishes? This one-bowl Baker's chocolate brownie recipe is your answer! It's incredibly easy, requires minimal cleanup, and delivers intensely rich, chocolatey brownies that will satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth. Perfect for a quick weeknight dessert or a special occasion treat, this recipe is a true homemade cooking gem. Get ready to experience the joy of easy recipes and delicious dishes!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened Baker's chocolate, melted (or your favorite dark chocolate)
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8x8 inch baking pan. This ensures your brownies release easily and prevents sticking.
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Melt the Chocolate & Butter: In a large bowl, melt the butter completely. Add the melted Baker's chocolate and stir until smooth and combined. This step is crucial for a perfectly fudgy texture.
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Sweeten Things Up: Add the granulated sugar to the melted chocolate mixture and whisk until well incorporated. The sugar will dissolve readily into the warm chocolate.
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Egg-cellent Addition: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
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Flour Power: Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough brownies.
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Chocolate & Nutty Goodness: Stir in the semisweet chocolate chips and nuts (if using). The chocolate chips add delightful pockets of extra chocolate throughout the brownies.
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Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached (it shouldn't be completely clean). Overbaking will result in dry brownies.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to set properly and prevents them from crumbling.
Tips for Brownie Bliss:
- Quality Chocolate: Using good quality Baker's chocolate or dark chocolate significantly impacts the flavor of your brownies.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough brownies. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Cooling Time: Patience is key! Allowing the brownies to cool completely is essential for achieving the perfect fudgy texture.
Variations:
- Nut-Free: Omit the nuts for a nut-free version.
- Add-ins: Get creative! Try adding other mix-ins like caramel chips, chopped pretzels, or dried cranberries.
- Different Chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate, to create unique flavor combinations.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: Approximately 18-20g
- Sugar: Approximately 25-30g
This easy recipe for Baker's chocolate brownies is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals (in moderation, of course!). It's a delightful homemade cooking project that yields incredibly satisfying results. Enjoy the deliciousness!