There are few things in life that can bring people together quite like a plate of warm, gooey brownies. This particular brownie recipe has not only captured my heart but has also taken the internet by storm. The moment I took my first bite, I was transported back to my childhood, where my grandmother would whip up a batch every Sunday afternoon. The rich chocolate flavor, the fudgy texture, and the delightful aroma wafting through the kitchen made it a cherished family tradition. Today, I’m excited to share this recipe with you, which has become a favorite among friends and family alike.
Why This Recipe Works
What makes this brownie recipe stand out from the countless others available online? Here are a few reasons:
- Perfect Balance of Ingredients: This recipe strikes the ideal balance between chocolate, sugar, and butter, resulting in a rich and decadent flavor that is hard to resist.
- Gooey Texture: The secret to the gooeyness lies in the baking time and the use of high-quality chocolate. This ensures that the brownies remain soft and fudgy in the center while still having a slightly crisp top.
- Simple Steps: With just a few straightforward steps, even novice bakers can achieve bakery-quality brownies. The simplicity of the process makes it accessible to everyone.
- Customizable: This recipe serves as a fantastic base for various add-ins, allowing you to personalize your brownies with nuts, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of peanut butter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe yields about 12 brownies and takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare, with a cooking time of 25 minutes.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring even baking.
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Mix in Sugar and Eggs: Stir in the granulated sugar until well combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them into the batter for an extra chocolatey experience.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting them into squares. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!
My Pro Tips for Success
- Use Quality Chocolate: The better the chocolate, the richer your brownies will taste. Opt for high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips.
- Don’t Overbake: For that gooey texture, keep an eye on your brownies as they bake. It’s better to underbake slightly than to overbake.
- Add a Pinch of Espresso Powder: For an enhanced chocolate flavor, add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try adding nuts, caramel swirls, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
What I Serve With This Recipe
- Vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing
- Fresh berries for a tart contrast
- Whipped cream for added indulgence
- A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for extra sweetness
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour, but the texture may vary slightly.
How should I store leftover brownies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I freeze these brownies? Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
What if I don’t have unsweetened cocoa powder? You can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot on Your Table
This gooey brownie recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and memories. The combination of rich chocolate and a fudgy texture makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a sweet treat after dinner, these brownies are sure to impress. I love how versatile they are, allowing for endless variations and personal touches. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen.
Make This Gooey Brownie Recipe That Broke the Internet
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- Vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing
- Fresh berries for a tart contrast
- Whipped cream for added indulgence
- A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for extra sweetness
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring even baking.
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Mix in Sugar and Eggs: Stir in the granulated sugar until well combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them into the batter for an extra chocolatey experience.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting them into squares. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!
Nutrition Information
