Snacks & Dessert

The Baked Brownies – Simple Food Dishes

Name: The Baked Brownies – Simple Food Dishes
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 24
Ingredients: 11 ounces bittersweet dark chocolate, roughly chopped; 1 cup unsalted butter, diced into 1-inch cubes; 1 1/4 cups plain all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, natural or Dutch-processed; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar; 5 large eggs, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder, optional but highly recommended for depth; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, a newer addition for subtle nuttiness; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, adds warmth and enhances the chocolate

Lisa Schneider August 14, 2025

Servings: 24 Total Time: 1 hr Difficulty: Intermediate

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Before we dive into the details of baked brownies, let’s take a moment to talk about what goes beautifully with them. Imagine sinking your teeth into a rich, fudgy brownie. Now envision pairing that with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—heavenly, right? The cold creaminess of the ice cream perfectly balances the dense chocolatey goodness.

Or think about pouring a little drizzle of caramel sauce on top, its sweetness mingling with the brownie’s chocolate depth. For those who enjoy a kick in their desserts, a hint of espresso or coffee can elevate the flavors to new heights. And don’t underestimate the power of nuts. A sprinkle of walnuts or pecans adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft brownie texture.

Let’s make this brownie journey delightful, informative, and even a tad humorous. Grab your apron, and let’s dive in!

What is the Baked Brownie?

At its core, a baked brownie is a rich dessert made from simple ingredients like chocolate, butter, sugar, and flour. The magic happens when these components meld together. You see, brownies come in different forms, from cake-like to fudgy to chewy. This recipe leans toward the latter two, achieving a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.

Many describe brownies as the love child of cake and cookie; they capture the best of both worlds. A true brownie strikes a balance between moist and firm. It’s a dessert that demands attention, whether dusted with powdered sugar or slathered with frosting.

What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Baked Brownies?

So, how does my brownie recipe stand out in a sea of options? It’s all about the ingredients. Instead of relying solely on chocolate, this version incorporates a unique combination of extracts and spices. For instance, the hint of almond extract adds a subtle nuttiness. Meanwhile, a sprinkle of ground cinnamon introduces warmth, complementing the chocolate perfectly.

Moreover, my choice of bittersweet dark chocolate contributes depth and sophistication. Coupled with both granulated and brown sugar, this recipe achieves a perfect level of sweetness, balancing richness without overwhelming your palate.

How Does It Taste Like?

Now, you might be wondering about the flavor profile. What should you expect? Imagine taking a bite and being greeted by a dense, sweet chocolate layer. You’ll find delightful textures: the soft, fudgy interior contrasts beautifully with any added crunch from nuts.

The aftertaste? A harmonious blend of chocolate and subtle notes from the vanilla and spices. It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience that lingers long after the last bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish

To create these delightful baked brownies, gather the following ingredients:

11 ounces (311.85 g) bittersweet dark chocolate, roughly chopped
1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, diced into 1-inch cubes
1¼ cups (156.25 g) plain all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or Dutch-processed)
1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
½ cup (110 g) firmly packed light brown sugar
5 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional, but highly recommended for depth)
½ teaspoon almond extract (this is a newer addition for subtle nuttiness)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (this adds warmth and enhances the chocolate)

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures optimal baking conditions, helping your brownies rise and set properly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Next, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with a touch of butter or line it with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the brownies later.

Step 3: Melt Chocolate and Butter

In a microwave-safe bowl (or over a double boiler if you’re feeling fancy), combine the chopped dark chocolate and butter. Heat in short bursts—15 to 30 seconds at a time—stirring in between. You want it to melt smoothly without burning.

Step 4: Mix the Sugars

Once melted, remove the bowl from heat and add both granulated and brown sugar. Stir until fully combined, allowing the sugars to dissolve slightly.

Step 5: Add the Eggs

Next, crack in the eggs, one at a time, mixing until just blended after each addition. This process adds air but remember, don’t overmix.

Step 6: Incorporate the Extracts

Pour in the vanilla, almond extract, and espresso powder. Blend these in gently, making sure the flavors are evenly distributed.

Step 7: Add Dry Ingredients

Now, sift together the flour, salt, cocoa powder, and ground cinnamon in a separate bowl. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overwork the batter.

Step 8: Pour into the Baking Dish

Pour the brownie batter into your prepped baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.

Step 9: Bake

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, you’re good to go!

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before cutting them into squares. This wait will help them set, ensuring a cleaner cut.

Tips & Tricks On Making the Baked Brownie

Use Quality Chocolate: Higher cocoa content means better flavor.
Room Temperature Eggs: They blend more easily, contributing to a smoother batter.
Don’t Overmix: Mixing too much can create a cake-like texture. We want fudgy!
Check Early: Ovens can vary. Start checking your brownies around the 20-minute mark.
Enhance with Add-Ins: Nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruit can add an extra layer of delight.

Nutrition Information

Let’s chat about the nutrition aspect. Brownies are a treat, and enjoying them in moderation is key. Here’s a rough breakdown per brownie (assuming 16 servings):

Calories: 300
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 25g

Of course, these values can vary based on your ingredient choices.

How Do I Store This Dish?

Once you’ve baked and cooled your brownies, storing them right can keep them fresh. Here’s what to do:

In an Airtight Container: Layer the brownies in a container, covering each layer with wax paper to prevent sticking.
At Room Temperature: They last about 3 to 4 days at room temperature.
In the Refrigerator: For possibly longer shelf life, store them in the fridge for up to a week. Just bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

What Other Substitutes Can You Use in the Baked Brownie?

Flexibility is one of the delights of baking brownies! Here are some substitutions to consider:

Gluten-Free Flour: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly option. Many blends work perfectly.
Coconut Oil: Replace butter with melted coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative. The flavor is subtle but adds an intriguing twist.
Maple Syrup or Honey: You can sweeten with maple syrup or honey instead of granulated sugar, but reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly.
Greek Yogurt: To add moisture without as much fat, try replacing some butter with plain Greek yogurt. This can lower the calories a bit!
Nut Butters: Incorporating nut butters like almond or peanut can add healthy fats and flavor; just reduce the butter accordingly.

Conclusion

There you have it! You’ve now been armed with everything you need to whip up a delicious batch of baked brownies. Whether you aim for the classic chocolaty flavors or try incorporating unique twists, the possibilities are endless. Remember, the best part of baking is sharing what you create with loved ones.

So, gather the ingredients, don your apron, and dive right in. I promise, the result will be a dessert that’s sure to please the masses. Happy baking!

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Print Recipe

The Baked Brownies – Simple Food Dishes

Author: Lisa Schneider Cuisine: American Courses: Snacks & Dessert

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 1 hr

Servings: 24 Calories: 300 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Brownies are the embodiment of comfort food. They hold a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many. Some folks enjoy the classic chewiness, while others revel in the fudginess. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or for your own sweet tooth, a great brownie recipe is a must-have in your culinary toolkit.

As I reflect on my own journey with baking brownies, I recall the various attempts that resulted in both triumphs and disastrous desserts. From the first time I attempted my grandma's recipe—too dry, I learned quickly—the journey has been filled with learning, experimenting, and pure joy.

Let’s explore the allure of baked brownies further. Specifically, we'll tackle what sets this recipe apart, what wonderful flavors you'll experience, and how you can whip up a batch that even your toughest critics (hi, cousin Tom) will love.