The Ultimate Fudge Brownies

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, fudgy brownie, especially one that’s made from scratch. This recipe is perfect for those days when you need a little extra sweetness in your life. These decadent fudge brownies are rich, chocolaty, and wonderfully satisfying. Let’s dive into the details and get baking!

Getting Start

First things first, preheat your oven to 180 °C. This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature by the time your batter is ready. Next, line a 23 x 32cm slice tin with baking paper. This step is crucial for easy removal later on and it will help to prevent the brownies from sticking to the tin.

Next, in a large heat-proof bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and instant coffee powder.

Browning the Butter

In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Through the melting process the butter will first start to form solids on the surface. At this point, continue to stir frequently and keep a close watch.

After cooking for 5-10 minutes the butter will start to form a foam. At this point watch closely until the butter turns a golden brown. Once browned, remove the saucepan from the heat immediately so that it doesn’t burn.

Immediately after removing from the heat, pour the hot browned butter into the bowl with the chocolate mixture. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

Set this aside to cool for about 10-15 minutes. This cooling step is important to ensure the mixture doesn’t cook the eggs in the next stage.

Crafting the Fluffy Sugar Mixture

In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs. Whip these ingredients on medium-high speed for 4-5 minutes. The result should be a thick, fluffy, and light-colored mixture. This aeration process is key to creating a perfect brownie texture.

Completing the Fudge Brownie Mixture

Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly pour the cooled chocolate mixture into the whipped sugar mixture. Mix until everything is fully incorporated, and you have a smooth batter.

Now, add the flour and salt to the bowl. Using a spatula, gently fold these dry ingredients into the batter. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, and we want them to be perfectly fudgy and tender.

Baking the Fudge Brownies

Pour the batter into your prepared slice tin and spread it out evenly.

Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25-27 minutes. The brownies are done when the middle is just set and not too jiggly. Overbaking can dry them out, and they will continue to cook as they cool.

Once baked, remove the tin from the oven and let the brownies cool in the tin for at least 30 minutes. This allows them to set properly, making them easier to cut. After cooling, lift the brownies out using the baking paper and slice them into squares.

Enjoy Your Homemade Fudge Brownies

These brownies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a special treat for yourself or a dessert to share with friends and family. Their rich, chocolaty flavor and fudgy texture are sure to impress. Enjoy them on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience. Happy baking!

Optional Additions and Variations

For an extra twist, you can fold in 1 cup of chopped walnuts or cherries into the batter before baking. The nuts add a delightful crunch, while the cherries offer a sweet-tart contrast.

If you prefer thicker brownies, bake the recipe in an 8 x 8 inch tin. Just remember to extend the baking time until the center is just set and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. This will give you wonderfully dense and chewy brownies.