Quick Description

These Chocolate Fudge Brownies are everything a brownie should be: rich, moist, and packed with chocolate flavor. The gooey center is complemented by a smooth layer of melted chocolate on top, making these brownies the ultimate indulgence for any chocolate lover.


Servings & Timing

  • Servings: 12 brownies
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30โ€“35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients List

For the Brownie Batter

  • ยฝ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ยฝ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ยผ tsp salt
  • ยผ tsp baking powder
  • ยฝ cup chocolate chips (or chunks for a gooey texture)

For the Topping

  • ยฝ cup chocolate chips (for melting)
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

  1. Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
  2. Grease or line an 8ร—8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir until smooth.
  2. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined.
  4. Fold in the chocolate chips (or chunks) to the batter.

Step 3: Bake the Brownies

  1. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
  2. Bake for 30โ€“35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay for a fudgy texture).
  3. Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Topping

  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the ยฝ cup of chocolate chips with the heavy cream. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
  2. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cooled brownies, spreading it evenly over the top.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

  1. Once the chocolate topping has set, slice the brownies into squares (about 12 pieces).
  2. Serve immediately, or let the brownies cool completely for firmer slices. Enjoy!

Additional Notes

  • For a richer topping: Use a mix of dark and milk chocolate chips for the topping for a perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness.
  • Gooey Texture: If you prefer even gooier brownies, bake them a bit less (around 30 minutes) so the center stays soft and fudgy.
  • Storage: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3โ€“4 days.

Dietary Info

  • Vegetarian
  • Can Be Made Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Can Be Made Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips to make these brownies dairy-free.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

  1. Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies โ€“ Swirl in peanut butter to the brownie batter before baking for a peanut butter-chocolate combination.
  2. Mint Chocolate Fudge Brownies โ€“ Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the batter and top with mint chocolate chips for a minty twist.
  3. Salted Caramel Brownies โ€“ Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the brownies before serving for a sweet and salty combination.
  4. Nutty Brownies โ€“ Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture and extra flavor.

Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Room Temperature: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3โ€“4 days.
  • Refrigeration: For longer shelf life, store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
  • Freezing: Freeze brownies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Q: Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate for these brownies?
Yes! Milk chocolate will add extra sweetness to your brownies, so you might want to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe if you prefer a less sweet treat.

Q: Can I use a different fat source instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil, coconut oil, or even applesauce for the butter for a different flavor or to make the recipe dairy-free.

Q: How can I make my brownies more cake-like?
For more cake-like brownies, increase the baking powder to ยฝ tsp and reduce the amount of butter slightly.


Optional Personal Story

โ€œGrowing up, brownies were the first dessert I learned to bake, and my grandma always made hers with a thick layer of melted chocolate on top. Now, I make these chocolate fudge brownies for my family every time we have a special occasion. Theyโ€™re always a hit and bring back those sweet memories!โ€


Call-to-Action

โ€œMake sure to save this Chocolate Fudge Brownies recipe for your next treat! Tag a friend who loves chocolate and brownies, and share your creations with #HighProteinChef for a chance to be featured!โ€