Are you craving a rich, fudgy brownie that's intensely chocolatey without being overly sweet? Then look no further! This recipe uses Baker's unsweetened chocolate for a deeply decadent experience that's surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out with homemade cooking. These brownies are a fantastic example of delicious dishes you can create with simple, readily available ingredients. Get ready to elevate your baking game with this ultimate quick dinner idea (or dessert, of course!).
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup Baker's unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: Chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles for added flair
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your brownies will slide right out once they're baked.
Combining Wet Ingredients:
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In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until well combined. Don't worry about getting it perfectly smooth; some lumps are fine.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, so aim for a smooth batter without overdoing it.
Combining Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, chopped Baker's unsweetened chocolate, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients and prevents clumps.
Combining Wet and Dry:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Again, avoid overmixing! A few lumps are perfectly acceptable.
Adding Optional Mix-ins:
- If using, gently fold in your choice of chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles.
Baking the Brownies:
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Overbaking will result in dry brownies, so keep an eye on them!
Cooling and Serving:
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to set properly and makes for cleaner cuts.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Brownies:
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough brownies. Mix until just combined.
- Use good quality chocolate: Baker's unsweetened chocolate adds intense chocolate flavor.
- Cool completely: Cooling allows the brownies to set up properly and makes them easier to cut.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer sweeter brownies, add a little more sugar, but remember, the unsweetened chocolate provides a lovely deep chocolate flavor.
Variations:
- Nutty Brownies: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Swirled Brownies: Swirl in a spoonful of peanut butter or Nutella for a delicious twist.
- Salted Caramel Brownies: Add a layer of homemade salted caramel sauce before baking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250-300
- Fat: Around 15-20g
- Sugar: Around 20-25g
These are just estimates, and the exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Enjoy these easy recipes and feel free to adapt them to your taste! Remember, homemade cooking is all about experimentation and finding what you enjoy most. These healthy meals are also a great way to enjoy delicious dishes without sacrificing flavor. This recipe offers a fantastic base for creating your own perfect brownie, so get baking!