Are you craving a rich, fudgy brownie that's intensely chocolatey and just a little bit gooey? Look no further! This chocolate brownie recipe, featuring the magic of brown sugar, delivers the ultimate indulgence. Forget boxed mixes; homemade brownies are surprisingly easy to make and offer a level of flavor and texture that simply can't be beaten. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, offering a delicious and satisfying treat for any occasion. Get ready to experience brownie bliss!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated 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:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This step ensures your brownies release easily and prevents sticking.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until well combined and the sugars are dissolved. This is where the magic of brown sugar comes in – it adds a deep, molasses-like flavor and incredible moisture.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, so be gentle!
- Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix! A few lumps are okay.
- Chocolate Chips (Optional): Stir in the chocolate chips, if using.
- 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 attached. Don't overbake! Slightly underbaked brownies will be fudgier.
- Cool & Cut: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to set properly and makes them easier to serve.
Tips for the Best Brownies:
- Use good quality cocoa powder: The flavor of your brownies depends heavily on the cocoa powder. Dutch-processed cocoa powder will result in a richer, darker brownie.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough brownies. Mix until just combined.
- Cool completely: Patience is key! Letting the brownies cool completely before cutting prevents them from crumbling.
- Add nuts: For a delightful twist, add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
Variations:
- Salted Caramel Brownies: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the cooled brownies for an extra layer of deliciousness.
- Peanut Butter Brownies: Add ½ cup of peanut butter to the batter for a unique flavor combination.
- White Chocolate Brownies: Substitute white chocolate chips for semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate, based on 16 brownies):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: Approximately 14g
- Sugar: Approximately 25g
- Protein: Approximately 3g
This easy chocolate brownie recipe with brown sugar is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The deep chocolate flavor and chewy texture will have everyone asking for more. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying homemade treat! This quick dinner idea is also perfect for dessert. Enjoy these best recipes, great healthy meals and easy recipes for homemade cooking!