Craving something decadent yet surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than this irresistible brownie and ice cream recipe! This classic combination is the perfect ending to any meal or a delightful treat for a cozy night in. Forget complicated baking – this recipe is designed for even the busiest weeknights, offering a delicious homemade dessert experience without the fuss. It's the epitome of easy recipes and healthy meals, offering a balanced sweet treat. Prepare to be amazed by how quickly you can whip up this crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients:
For the Brownies:
- 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
For Serving:
- Your favorite ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, or even a more adventurous flavor!)
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Chocolate shavings (optional)
- Cherries or other toppings (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Brownie Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8x8 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures perfectly edged brownies.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Beat until well combined. Then, whisk in the cocoa powder and salt until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Add Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
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.
Step 5: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Once cooled, serve warm with a generous scoop of your favorite ice cream. Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or your favorite dessert toppings for an extra special touch.
Tips for Brownie Perfection:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Start checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark. Every oven is different!
- Cool completely: Allowing the brownies to cool fully prevents them from crumbling when you cut them.
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different ice cream flavors and toppings to find your perfect combination.
Variations:
- Nutty Brownies: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- Chocolate Chunk Brownies: Stir in 1/2 cup chocolate chunks along with the flour.
- Salted Caramel Brownies: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the cooled brownies before adding ice cream.
Nutritional Information (per brownie, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Protein: 4-5g
This simple brownie and ice cream recipe is a quick dinner idea, a delicious dish, one of the best recipes, and a perfect example of homemade cooking, all rolled into one! Enjoy this easy, delicious treat anytime.