Homemade chocolate brownies are made by melting 70% dark chocolate with butter, mixing it into eggs, sugar, flour, baking soda, and vanilla, folding in walnuts and chocolate chips, and baking in a 20 cm square pan. They take 20 minutes of preparation and 30 minutes in the oven, and make 10 servings.
Dense, fudgy, and intensely chocolatey, they melt in your mouth and are a favorite with the whole family.
How to Make Chocolate Brownies?
The chocolate and butter are melted together in the microwave in short bursts or over a water bath. The eggs, sugar, flour, and baking soda are mixed gently, the melted chocolate and vanilla are stirred in, the nuts and chips are folded through, and the batter bakes at 180°C (356°F).
Nutritional Information
Each brownie contains approximately 380 kcal, 6 g of protein, 26 g of fat, 98 mg of cholesterol, 31 g of carbohydrates, 22 g of sugars, 3 g of fiber, and 50 mg of sodium. These values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
Homemade Chocolate Brownie Recipe
Preparation: 20 minutes
Cooking: 30 minutes
Servings: 10
Ingredients
- 200 g of 70% dark chocolate
- 120 g (⅔ cup) of sugar
- 110 g (½ cup) of butter
- 85 g (⅔ cup) of all purpose flour
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ½ cup of chopped walnuts, plus extra to top
- ½ cup of chocolate chips, plus extra to top
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
Instructions
- Chop the chocolate or use chocolate drops for melting. In the microwave, place it in a suitable bowl with the butter, heat on low for 30 seconds, stir vigorously, then heat for 15 more seconds and stir, repeating until melted.
- If using a water bath, place the chocolate and butter in a heat resistant bowl over a pot of hot water without touching it, and stir constantly over low heat until smooth and creamy, keeping any water out.
- In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, sifted flour, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda and whisk gently with a fork until smooth. Add the melted chocolate and butter and the vanilla and keep stirring, then fold in the chopped walnuts and chocolate chips.
- Butter a 20 x 20 cm baking pan and dust lightly with flour, or line it with parchment paper. Spread the batter evenly, top with extra walnuts and chocolate chips, and bake in an oven preheated to 180°C (356°F) for 30 minutes. Let cool, unmold, and cut into squares.
Additional Tips
Check early
Brownies are ready when a toothpick in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no liquid batter. Check at 25 minutes and every 2 to 3 minutes after.
Pick the chocolate
Semisweet chocolate of 60 to 70% cocoa gives the best balance. For a more grown up brownie, use 85% and reduce the sugar to 80 g.
Add other flavors
Almonds, peanuts, raisins, or orange or lemon zest stirred in with the melted butter all add a new twist.
| Original ingredient | Substitute | Ratio | Flavor note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walnuts | Almonds or pecans | ½ cup | Different crunch |
| Eggs | Unsweetened applesauce | 60 g per egg | Egg free, softer |
| 70% chocolate | 85% chocolate | 200 g, with 80 g sugar | Less sweet, more intense |
| Chocolate chips | White chocolate chips | ½ cup | Sweeter contrast |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make brownies without eggs?
Yes, replace each egg with 60 g of unsweetened applesauce or with 1 tablespoon of chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, rested for 15 minutes.
2. How do I know when the brownie is done?
A toothpick in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but no liquid. The edges should be firm and the center slightly soft, since it finishes cooking as it cools.
3. Which chocolate is best?
Semisweet chocolate of 60 to 70% cocoa is ideal. Avoid chocolates with less than 50% cocoa, which can make the brownies too sweet.
4. How do I store brownies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze them individually wrapped for up to 3 months.
Benefits of Cocoa
Cocoa is rich in flavonoid antioxidants, and dark chocolate contains compounds that can lift the mood. Brownies are still a rich treat, best enjoyed in moderation.
What Is a Brownie?
A brownie is a dense chocolate bar cake that sits halfway between a cake and a cookie. It can be fudgy or cakey depending on the proportion of chocolate, butter, and flour.
Did You Know?
Brownies were born in the United States in the late nineteenth century, and they take their name from their deep brown color.
How to adapt this recipe to a vegan or vegetarian version?
How to adapt this recipe to a gluten-free version?
How to adapt this recipe to a keto (ketogenic) version?
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