The aroma of chocolate wafting through the air and the promise of a delicious, gooey center can motivate aspiring bakers to roll up their sleeves. This is your guide on “How to Make Brownies from Scratch” – a journey that promises mouth-watering treats and the joy of baking from your heart.
Table of Contents
How to Make Brownies from Scratch
Brownies are a popular baked treat typically featuring chocolate as a primary ingredient. They are dense and fudgy and often cut into squares or rectangles. There are many variations, including those with nuts, chocolate chips, or swirls of caramel.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter
- 1 and 1/4 cups (250g) white granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (150g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup (80g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (175g) chocolate chips or chunks (optional but recommended for extra gooeyness)
- Optional add-ins: nuts, dried fruits, or a swirl of peanut butter
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While heating up, take an 8×8 inch baking pan and either butter it generously or line it with parchment paper. This ensures your brownies don’t stick and are easy to remove.
- Melt Butter & Combine Sugars: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Once melted, add the white and brown sugar, stirring until fully combined and just slightly warm. This creates a smooth, well-integrated base for your brownies.
- Add Cocoa Powder: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cocoa powder until smooth. This is when your kitchen will start to smell like chocolate heaven.
- Beat in Eggs & Vanilla: Let the mixture cool slightly, then beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. These ingredients will give your brownies structure and richness.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually fold this into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay and ensure your brownies will be fudgy.
- Chocolate Chips (Optional): Gently fold in the chocolate chips or chunks (and any other add-ins of your choice) just until distributed.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool & Slice: Let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack before slicing. This patience is crucial; cutting too soon can lead to a crumbly disaster.
Tips for Perfect Brownies:
- Don’t Overbake: This is the secret to moist, gooey brownies if you’re unsure, lean towards underbaking.
- Quality Cocoa: Your brownies are only as good as your cocoa powder. Opt for high-quality unsweetened cocoa for a deep, luxurious flavor.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Cut with a Plastic Knife: Odd but true—a plastic knife cuts cooled brownies more cleanly than a metal one.
What to serve with
With their deep chocolate flavor and moist, fudgy texture, serving brownies opens many pairing possibilities. Whether served as a stand-alone treat or as part of a grand dessert platter, brownies can be elevated into a culinary experience with the right accompaniments.
1. Ice Cream: A classic pairing, the cool creaminess and slight melt of ice cream against a warm or room-temperature brownie is irresistible. Vanilla ice cream is a traditional favorite for its contrasting simplicity. For a unique twist, don’t shy away from experimenting with flavors like salted caramel, mint chocolate chip, or coffee.
2. Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream atop a brownie can add lightness to its dense richness. For an extra touch, flavor your whipped cream with vanilla, almond extract, or a splash of bourbon or rum for a kick.
3. Fresh Berries: The tartness and slight acidity of fresh berries, such as raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries, cut through the sweetness, balancing each bite. A berry compote or a simple berry salad with a sprinkle of sugar and lemon zest can also be a refreshing companion.
4. Nut Butters: Drizzling peanut butter, almond butter, or hazelnut spread over brownies adds a creamy texture and a nutty depth. You can lightly warm the nut butter for easier drizzling.
5. Caramel Sauce: A warm, gooey caramel sauce can make brownies even more indulgent. Sprinkle some sea salt on top to create a salted caramel experience that pairs delightfully with the chocolate.
6. Coffee: The bitterness of coffee, whether in liquid form or as an ice cream flavor, complements the sweetness of brownies. A strong espresso or a creamy latte served alongside a brownie can enhance both flavors.
7. Cheese: Pairing brownies with cheese might be the perfect choice for those who love mixing sweet and savory. Mascarpone or cream cheese can be lightly sweetened and served on the side, or a sharp cheddar can offer a surprising contrast in flavors.
8. Nuts and Seeds: Toasted nuts and seeds like walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds can add a crunchy texture to your brownies. Sprinkle them on top before baking or serve them as a garnish.
9. Powdered Sugar or Cocoa Powder: Sift powdered sugar or cocoa powder over the brownies for a simple yet elegant presentation. This adds a subtle layer of sweetness or chocolate and creates a beautiful visual contrast.
10. Dessert Wines: For an adult gathering, pairing brownies with a dessert wine such as port, late-harvest Riesling, or a rich sherry can elevate the dining experience. The sweetness and body of the wine should complement the brownie’s dense, chocolatey notes.
Ingredients Substitutes
Making brownies from scratch is a delightful and relatively simple process, but sometimes, you might need an ingredient substitute due to dietary preferences, allergies, or simply because you’ve run out of something.
Flour
- All-purpose flour is the standard, but almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend can be used in a 1:1 ratio for gluten-free options. Keep in mind that textures might vary slightly.
- Oat flour is another healthful substitute, providing a slightly nuttier flavor.
Sugar
- Brown sugar can replace white sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor and added moisture. The ratio is 1:1.
- Honey or maple syrup can serve as a more natural sweetening option. However, reduce the amount by ¼ since they’re sweeter than granulated sugar and adjust the liquid content elsewhere in the recipe.
Eggs
- Flaxseed or chia seeds: For a vegan substitute, use 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water to replace one egg. This mixture adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients.
- Applesauce: ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce can replace one egg. This also adds moisture but can slightly alter the flavor.
Butter
- Coconut oil can be used in a 1:1 ratio for a dairy-free alternative. It brings a slight coconut flavor.
- Vegetable oil: While it doesn’t bring the richness butter does, vegetable oil is an easy 1:1 substitute and keeps the brownies moist.
Cocoa Powder
- Unsweetened chocolate: If you’re out of cocoa powder, use unsweetened chocolate by melting it down. Use 1 ounce of unsweetened chocolate (melted) for every 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, but reduce the fat in the recipe slightly since the chocolate contains cocoa butter.
- Dutch-processed cocoa powder: This can be used in a 1:1 ratio instead of natural unsweetened cocoa powder, but it might alter the leavening reaction slightly if the recipe involves baking soda.
Chocolate Chips
- If you’re out of chocolate chips or looking for a variation, nuts or dried fruit can add a different texture and flavor.
- Chopped candy bars can also be a fun and creative substitute, offering a range of flavors depending on the candy used.
Vanilla Extract
- Almond extract: If you run out of vanilla, you can use half the amount of almond extract, as it’s stronger in flavor.
- Bourbon or rum: For a different dimension of flavor, a small amount of bourbon or rum can substitute for vanilla extract.
Final Thoughts
Armed with these ingredients, instructions, and tips, you’re well on your way to creating brownies from scratch that’ll satisfy your sweet tooth and add a dash of love to your kitchen.
More Brownie Recipes:
- Simple Mills Brownies Recipe
- Easy 3 Ingredient Mug Brownie Recipe
- Sonic Chocolate Chunk Brownie Blast Recipe
- Copycat Brenda Gantt Brownie Recipe
- Cottage Cheese Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter
- 1 and 1/4 cups (250g) white granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (150g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup (80g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (175g) chocolate chips or chunks (optional but recommended for extra gooeyness)
- Optional add-ins: nuts, dried fruits, or a swirl of peanut butter
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While heating up, take an 8x8 inch baking pan and either butter it generously or line it with parchment paper. This ensures your brownies don't stick and are easy to remove.
- Melt Butter & Combine Sugars: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Once melted, add the white and brown sugar, stirring until fully combined and just slightly warm. This creates a smooth, well-integrated base for your brownies.
- Add Cocoa Powder: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cocoa powder until smooth. This is when your kitchen will start to smell like chocolate heaven.
- Beat in Eggs & Vanilla: Let the mixture cool slightly, then beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. These ingredients will give your brownies structure and richness.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually fold this into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay and ensure your brownies will be fudgy.
- Chocolate Chips (Optional): Gently fold in the chocolate chips or chunks (and any other add-ins of your choice) just until distributed.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool & Slice: Let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack before slicing. This patience is crucial; cutting too soon can lead to a crumbly disaster.
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