One of our favorite treats, these brownies are as easy to make as they are delicious. Rich without being too sweet, they’re a culinary canvas for toppings like chocolate buttercream frosting or raspberry coulis, or mix-ins like chocolate chips and nuts. The best part? They come together in just 30 minutes and you only need one sauce pan for the whole shebang – fabulous!
High quality cocoa powder is the key to this brownies’ rich flavor. Using a high quality variety like Hershey’s or Guittard ensures you’ll avoid any bitterness that can come with lesser-grade cocoa powders. And although this recipe calls for a cup of sugar, the end result is not too sweet – we think it’s just right.
For those who do want a little more sweetness or chocolate flavor, adding some semi-sweet chocolate chips does the trick. A chocolate ganache topping or frosting is wonderful, too.
And if you prefer something a little lighter, there’s nothing quite like a chocolate-raspberry pairing. Fresh raspberries or a tangy raspberry coulis take this dessert from simple to amazing.
Nuts can also be added for those who enjoy a little crunch with their brownie. Walnuts work best, though pecans fit the bill just as well.
And let’s not forget the brownie sundae! Top your brownie with a scoop of your favorite ice cream, chocolate or raspberry sauce, whipped cream, a sprinkle of chopped nuts and, for us, a light dusting of cocoa powder. Or invite your family or guests to create their own sundae – a fun and delicious way to end a meal.
Finally, these brownies are a fantastic addition to a dessert board. Mini-bites of two, three, or four different desserts give folks a chance to sample everything without overdoing it. We like to pair brownie bites with mini-cheesecakes, key lime pies, or fruit tartlets.
However you decide to serve these brownies, they’re bound to be a hit. Enjoy!
Rich and Decadent Brownies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 2/3 cup flour
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/2 cup walnuts or chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉ and line an 8- or 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, or coat with non-stick spray.
- Melt butter in a medium-sized sauce pan, then remove from heat.
- Add cocoa powder and stir well.
- Mix in sugar, eggs, and vanilla until shiny and smooth.
- Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Fold in walnuts and/or chocolate chips, if desired.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 15-20 minutes, being careful not to overbake. The brownies are done when the edges begin to pull away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and cut into squares.
Notes
- Using parchment paper allows for easy removal of the brownies from the pan. Once cooled, simply lift them out using the parchment “handles,” place on a cutting board, and cut into squares.
- To avoid bitterness, use a high quality cocoa powder like Hershey’s or Guittard.