Homemade Brownies – Rich, fudgy, and packed with decadent cocoa flavor, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion for a cozy night in or sharing them at a gathering, these brownies strike the perfect balance between chewy and gooey.
Why Homemade Brownies Are Worth It
Store-bought brownie mixes are convenient, but they can’t compete with the rich flavor and customizable texture of homemade brownies. By making them yourself, you can control the sweetness, use quality ingredients, and experiment with flavors. Plus, nothing beats the satisfaction of baking something delicious from scratch.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Brownies
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tough brownies. Mix until just combined.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Use real butter, high-quality cocoa powder, and pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- Check for Doneness Early: Brownies continue to cook as they cool, so pull them out when they’re slightly underdone for maximum fudginess.
- Chill for Cleaner Cuts: Refrigerate brownies for 30 minutes before slicing if you want neat, bakery-style squares.
Delicious Variations
One of the best things about homemade brownies is how versatile they are. Here are some fun twists to try:
- Nutty Brownies: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a crunchy texture.
- Peppermint Brownies: Mix in ½ teaspoon peppermint extract and top with crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
- Salted Caramel Brownies: Drizzle caramel sauce over the batter before baking, then sprinkle with sea salt.
- Cheesecake Swirl Brownies: Swirl in a mixture of cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla for a decadent combo.
- Gluten-Free Brownies: Substitute almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
How to Serve Brownies
Brownies are a treat on their own, but here are some creative serving ideas:
- A La Mode: Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream.
- Layered Dessert: Crumble brownies into parfait glasses with whipped cream and berries.
- Frosted Brownies: Top with chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgence.
- Brownie Sundaes: Add hot fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry for a nostalgic dessert.
How to Store Brownies
Proper storage ensures your brownies stay fresh and delicious:
- At Room Temperature: Store brownies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Extend their shelf life to a week by storing in the fridge. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
- Freezing: Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 15–20 seconds for a quick treat.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, but butter adds a richer flavor. If substituting, use ¾ cup vegetable oil for every cup of butter.
Q: How do I make brownies more cakey?
Use less fat (reduce butter slightly), add an extra egg, and include a bit of baking powder.
Q: Why are my brownies dry?
Overbaking is the most common culprit. Always check for doneness early and err on the side of underbaking.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase baking time by about 10–15 minutes.
Q: Can I make brownies without eggs?
Yes, replace each egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana, or yogurt.
Homemade Brownies
Homemade Brownies - Rich, fudgy, and packed with decadent cocoa flavor, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion for a cozy night in or sharing them at a gathering, these brownies strike the perfect balance between chewy and gooey.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup powdered sugar (sifted if lumpy)
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup cocoa powder (sifted if lumpy)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup canola or extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Prep the Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Lightly spray an 8x8 baking dish with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper. Spray the parchment too—it makes cleanup a breeze!
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, chocolate chips, and salt.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, water, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine: Gradually sprinkle the dry ingredients over the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined—don’t worry if the batter is thick!
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 40–48 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few crumbs. Pro tip: it’s better to pull them out slightly early than overbake.
- Cool and Slice: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares for the cleanest cuts.
Nutrition Information
Yield
16Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 219Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 24mgSodium 110mgCarbohydrates 32gFiber 1gSugar 25gProtein 2g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Homemade brownies are an unbeatable dessert, whether you’re baking for a party, a gift, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth. With the tips, tricks, and variations in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to brownie mastery. Experiment with flavors, play with textures, and make these brownies your own. Happy baking!