Are you craving a fudgy, intensely chocolatey brownie that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Betty Crocker-inspired brownie recipe, boosted with extra cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor, is the perfect answer for your sweet tooth. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe guarantees a batch of irresistible brownies that will impress everyone. It's the perfect recipe for a quick dessert, a family gathering, or simply a delicious treat for yourself after a long day. Get ready to experience homemade happiness!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8x8 inch baking pan. This ensures your brownies will slide right out once they're baked.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix well until the cocoa powder is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Make sure there are no lumps of cocoa!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. The batter will be thick.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour
Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can result in tough brownies.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Don't overbake! Slightly underbaked brownies are fudgier.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to set properly and makes cutting them much easier.
Tips for the Best Brownies:
- Use good quality cocoa powder: The quality of your cocoa powder significantly impacts the flavor of your brownies. Dutch-processed cocoa powder will give a richer, less acidic flavor.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough brownies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Check for doneness: Start checking for doneness around 20 minutes. Every oven is slightly different, so it's best to check a little early to avoid overbaking.
- Cool completely before cutting: This prevents the brownies from crumbling and ensures clean cuts.
Variations:
- Nuts: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips for extra chocolate indulgence.
- Espresso Powder: Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder for an intense chocolate flavor boost.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximately):
This will vary based on the exact ingredients used. For a general estimate, one brownie (assuming 16 servings) contains roughly:
- Calories: 200-250
- Fat: 10-12g
- Saturated Fat: 6-7g
- Sugar: 15-20g
This easy Betty Crocker brownie recipe with cocoa powder is a surefire way to satisfy your chocolate cravings. Enjoy this delicious and simple dessert! It’s a perfect addition to your collection of easy recipes, quick dinner ideas, and healthy meals (in moderation, of course!). Remember to share your baking creations and tag us! Happy baking!