The BEST Homemade Dark Chocolate Brownies

The BEST Homemade Dark Chocolate Brownies - These are the most EXQUISITE and HEAVENLY dark chocolate brownies ever! They are super fudgy, full of rich chocolate flavour and have a shiny papery crispy crinkly top. Made with dark chocolate and super quick and easy to make, they are easily adaptable too.

The BEST Homemade Dark Chocolate Brownies

Everyone knows and loves brownies right?

Out of all the millions of recipes out there, I can confidently say that these mouthwatering ones right here are some of my faves. As well as these Triple Chocolate Brownies.

Brownies are a chocolate baked confection hailing from America which come in a variety of forms.

You can add many different treats into the mix such as cream cheese, nuts, chocolate chips, caramel, fudge - anything you like really!

The most well known variation is to use Brown Sugar, Vanilla and White Chocolate chunks to make Blondies. Obviously in this case no Cocoa or melted Chocolate is added.

Brownies can be fudgy or cakey.

They often have a glossy skin, are eaten by hand and often accompanied with warm milk and a scoop of ice cream.

In this recipe, Dark Chocolate (not too dark) adds an extra layer of deliciousness. In my opinion, this brownie is just the right amount of gooey vs squidgy.

The great thing about Brownies is that they are mixed and ready to bake in 15 minutes and the recipe is super forgiving! Everyone can make brownies!

Why is dark chocolate used for brownies?

Dark Chocolate has more chocolate flavour then milk chocolate. The bitterness and higher cocoa percentage also helps to counteract the sweetness of the Brownies.

What makes a brownie fudgy?

Fudgy brownies are often made with light brown sugar as it is more hydroscopic.

They also have a low ratio of dry ingredients compared to the butter and chocolate.

Cakey brownies are usually baked longer and has more flour.

Ingredients

You need only a few simple ingredients to make these quick and easy Brownies. Here is what you need:

Butter - I use Unsalted Butter because I like to add a sprinkling of Maldon Salt on top.

Plain Flour and Cocoa Powder - There is very little Flour and Cocoa Powder in this recipe because I like a gooey in the middle Brownie with crisp edges.

Eggs - These are there to provide structure, for emulsifying and thickening.

Light Brown Sugar - To add moisture and it makes them super fudgey too. You can use white sugar or a combination of both if you prefer.

Dark Chocolate - I use something that is no more then 60% Cocoa Solids. Any darker and I find that they can taste a bit bitter which I can handle but my loved ones aren’t into that as much.

How to make Brownies

Preheat oven to Gas Mark 4/180 C/160 fan.

Line a square 9 inch baking tin with baking paper. Don’t forget to leave some overhang so you can lift them out later!

Melt the Butter and Dark Chocolate in a large bowl over a pot of simmering water.

Beat Eggs and Sugar till pale and voluminous.

Stir in the melted Chocolate slowly.

Add Plain Flour and Cocoa and fold in very gently.

Scrape batter into tin and bake for 25 - 30 minutes. See note below.

Leave to cool completely before cutting.

FAQs

How long  do Brownies need to be baked?

You can bake these Brownies between 25 - 30 minutes.

If you prefer them gooey with a good wobble, bake for 25 minutes.

Bake for 28 - 30 minutes makes for a fudge Brownie.

32 - 33 minutes will give you a cakey Brownie.

Can Brownies be frozen?

Yes. Brownies freeze really well for up to 3 months.

Can brownies be left out?

They can be left out for up to a week in a air tight container but if you live in a hot country, I would suggest that you keep them in the fridge.

Can Brownies go in the fridge?

Yes, because they are so gooey I would suggest keeping them in the fridge for 1 hour after cooling to allow them to set fully. Bring to room temperature (10 - 20 minutes) before serving. Do note though that keeping them in the fridge for too long can dry them out so they are best kept at room temperature in a metal tin or airtight container once they have set.

When are brownies done?

They are done and ready to eat at the 25 minute mark.

When are brownies undercooked?

Brownies should not be eaten when undercooked as they contain Eggs. The internal temperature should be 73 C/165 F.

Why are my brownies cakey?

Cooking for longer then 30 minutes makes the Brownies Cakey.

Why are my brownies dry?

Usually a cakey brownie is down to overbaking. This will usually make them crumbly.

Incorrect storage will also dry them out. In order to revive them, you can serve them very slightly warmed with ice cream. You can also top with a ganache or chocolate spread.

Is milk or dark chocolate better for brownies?

Dark chocolate is better for brownies as it has a richer, deeper chocolate flavour. 

What can you add to brownies to make them taste better?

Instant coffee intensifies chocolate flavour. You can also add a whole range of additions. See Variations below.

Should brownies jiggle when you take them out of the oven?

Yes, there should be a slight wobble for perfect fudgy brownies.

The edges will looked baked though.

If the edges look overdone and the middle is not yet set, it mean the oven temperature was likely too high. In this case, cover with foil and cook for a little longer at 180C/Gas Mark 4.

How do you keep brownies soft and moist?

Brownies should be stored ideally at room temperature (unless it is hot where you are) in a metal or plastic airtight tin.

You can also wrap them in cling film or foil.

This will stop them from going stale.

Do brownies taste better with butter or oil?

Butter lends far more flavour then oil and is always the best option for brownies.

What is the secret to moist brownies?

Baking for 25 - 28 minutes and using light brown sugar ensures you get moist brownies.

Should brownies be cut when cool or hot?

Brownies must be cooled before cutting as they need time to set. 

Run the blade of a knife under hot water, dry and then cut your brownies.

Why do you put salt in brownies?

Salt enhances the flavour of Brownies and makes them sweeter. It also balances the flavour.

Why do my brownies always come out gooey?

Brownies should be gooey in the middle but if they are too gooey, it is usually because your oven temperature is too high. In this case, the edges may be hard. 

Turn the temperature down to 180 C/Gas Mark 4. Cover with foil and cook for 5 - 7 minutes.

What happens if you use salted butter instead of unsalted in brownies?

You can use either salted or unsalted butter in this recipe. I have tried both. If you then feel like the brownies need a little something, sprinkle over a touch of coarse salt.

Why do you put vanilla in brownies?

Vanilla adds so much flavour to brownies but it isn’t necessary. You can skip it if you prefer. 

How to Store Brownies

Storage for Brownies is quite simple.

How to store Brownies in the Fridge 

These keep well in the fridge in an airtight container or on the counter top for a week. If it is super hot where you are, they must be kept in the fridge or they will lose their structure. Otherwise the counter top is fine.

How to store Brownies in the Freezer 

Brownies keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months in a airtight container or wrapped in 2 layers of cling film followed by one layer of tin foil. Don’t forget to label and date them!

How to serve

Bring back to room temperature for 2 - 3 hours before serving. You can do this in the fridge or on the counter top.

Tips to make The BEST Homemade Dark Chocolate Brownies

Fridge time

Keep them in the fridge and serve at room temperature or slightly warm in the microwave before eating.

Chocolate

Use Dark Chocolate that is between 55 - 70% for best results.

Baking Paper

Allow some overhang, to make it easier to lift the Brownies out of the tin.

Use room temperature ingredients

Fridge cold ingredients (especially eggs and butter) may cause problems with the mixing of ingredients.

Wait for them to cool completely before serving

Letting them cool completely makes for the best brownies - just the right balance between gooey and fudgey. 

Variations

You can add Chocolate Chips into the batter.

You can add Nuts such as Walnuts, Macademia, Pecans.

You can also add a swirl of Caramel or Cheesecake at the end.

You can add a Biscoff or Nutella spread and swirl it through the batter at the end..

Try adding your favouite snacks such as Pretzels, M&Ms, Snickers.

More Quick and Easy Baking Recipes:

The BEST Sticky Toffee Pudding Tray Bake

No bake Milk Chocolate Cheesecake with Oreo Crust 

The MOST delicious Malteser Tray Bake

Pizza Hut Hot Cookie Dough Copycat

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