Are you craving a decadent treat that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This cakey chocolate brownie recipe delivers the ultimate chocolate indulgence without the fuss. Forget those dense, chewy brownies; this recipe creates light, airy brownies with a perfectly crisp top and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s a fantastic recipe for both beginner bakers and experienced cooks seeking a delicious, crowd-pleasing dessert. This recipe is perfect for a quick dessert, a family gathering, or even a simple weeknight treat. It's one of the best recipes for satisfying your chocolate cravings.
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 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, but highly recommended!)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This step ensures your brownies won't stick and will release easily.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well incorporated for a consistent batter.
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Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can result in tough brownies.
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Chocolate Chips (Optional): Stir in the chocolate chips, if using. This step adds an extra layer of deliciousness and chocolatey goodness!
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Bake: 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. Don't overbake; slightly underbaked brownies will be cakier.
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Cool & Serve: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to set properly and makes them easier to cut.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Brownies:
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough brownies. Mix until just combined.
- Room temperature eggs: Using room temperature eggs helps create a smoother batter.
- Use good quality cocoa powder: The quality of your cocoa powder will impact the flavor of your brownies.
- Check for doneness: Start checking for doneness around 25 minutes to prevent overbaking.
Variations:
- Nuts: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Espresso powder: Add 1 tablespoon of espresso powder for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
- Different chocolate chips: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate.
- Swirls: Create a beautiful marble effect by swirling different types of batter, such as a vanilla batter and a chocolate batter, together in the baking pan.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Protein: 3-4g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Enjoy your delicious, cakey chocolate brownies! They're perfect for sharing (or not!). This easy recipe will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection of healthy meals and delicious dishes. They're a simple yet impressive dessert for any occasion, making them a great addition to your quick dinner ideas. Homemade cooking doesn't get much better than this!