Brownies are one of the most beloved desserts worldwide. Their moist texture and intense chocolate flavor make them a timeless classic that never goes out of style. The best part is that you can make delicious brownies at home with a simple and quick recipe. Here, I’ll share how to prepare easy brownies along with some tips, variations, and ideas to enjoy them to the fullest.
Essential Ingredients
To make these brownies, you’ll need:
- 10 tablespoons of salted butter, melted
- 6 ounces of baking chocolate, melted
- 2¼ cups of sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 1½ cups of all-purpose flour
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, melted chocolate, and sugar. Mix well until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Add the salt, baking powder, and flour. Mix gently just until combined — avoid overmixing to keep the brownies soft.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool and serve: Let the brownies cool for a few minutes before cutting. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Perfect Brownies
Use quality ingredients: Good quality chocolate makes a big difference in flavor.
- Don’t overmix: Mix only until ingredients are just combined to keep the brownies tender.
- Watch the baking time: Every oven is different, so check at 28-30 minutes to prevent overbaking.
- Allow to cool: For clean cuts, let the brownies cool for about 15 minutes before slicing.
Variations and Tricks
- With nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking.
- Chocolate chips: Mix in ½ cup of chocolate chips for extra gooeyness.
- Mint brownies: Add a few drops of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist.
- Salty-sweet: Sprinkle a little coarse sea salt on top before baking for a delicious contrast.
- Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
How to Serve Brownies
Brownies are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
- With ice cream: Top a warm brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce.
- With fruit: Serve with slices of strawberries, bananas, or berries for a fresh touch.
- With cream: Pair with whipped cream or a caramel sauce.
- As a gift: Wrap in cellophane with a ribbon for a homemade present.
These easy brownies are perfect when you want a homemade, delicious dessert in no time. The simple recipe allows you to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. Give them a try and enjoy a classic treat that always satisfies!
