The BEST Fudgy Brownie Recipe

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through making rich and fudgy brownies from scratch, inspired by the popular recipe from Preppy Kitchen. These brownies feature a gooey center, melty chocolate bits, and a shiny, crackly top, making them the perfect indulgence for chocolate lovers.

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Gather the following ingredients:
  • 1 cup (226 grams) of butter, cubed
  • ¾ cup (75 grams) of Dutch processed cocoa powder
  • 2 cups (400 grams) of granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon of sea salt
  • 1 scant cup (120 grams) of all-purpose flour
  • 270 grams (about 1.5 cups) of semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon of instant espresso, nuts, or other mix-ins

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Bloom Cocoa Powder

• In a large bowl, melt the cubed butter in the microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, until fully melted.
• Once melted, add the cocoa powder to the butter and mix until combined. This process, known as blooming, enhances the chocolate flavor.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Sift the following ingredients into the melted butter mixture:
  • Cocoa powder
  • Granulated sugar
  • Optional instant espresso (to enhance chocolate flavor)
• Whisk vigorously to dissolve the sugar completely. This step is crucial for achieving that shiny, crackly top.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings

• Add the 3 large eggs and continue whisking until well combined.
• Incorporate the vanilla extract and sea salt. Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and velvety.

Step 5: Incorporate Flour and Chocolate

• Gently fold in the scant cup of all-purpose flour, being careful not to overmix to maintain the fudgy texture.
• Add the chopped chocolate, reserving a small amount to sprinkle on top if desired, and fold until just combined.

Step 6: Prepare the Baking Pan

• Line an 8x8 inch (or similar size) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
• Grease the parchment lightly with butter to hold it in place.

Step 7: Bake the Brownies

• Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
• Optional: Sprinkle reserved chocolate and flaked sea salt on top for extra flavor.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. Adjust baking time based on desired texture:
  • For fudgy brownies, a skewer inserted in the center should come out with moist crumbs.
  • For cakey brownies, it should come out with a few dry crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

• Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan.
• Use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies out and cut them into squares.

Conclusion

You've successfully made delicious fudgy brownies! These brownies are perfect for satisfying any chocolate craving and can be customized with your favorite mix-ins. Enjoy them as a treat for yourself or share them with friends and family. For more chocolate recipes, check out the creator's playlist for additional inspiration!