Indulge in the rich, fudgy goodness of these cocoa brownies, perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings. This recipe combines simple ingredients to create a delectable treat sure to please any palate. Whether enjoyed as a mid-afternoon snack or an after-dinner dessert, these brownies will quickly become a household favorite.
One ingredient that might not be commonly found in your pantry is superfine sugar. This type of sugar dissolves more easily than regular granulated sugar, which helps achieve that perfect fudgy texture in your brownies. If you don't have superfine sugar on hand, you can make your own by processing granulated sugar in a food processor until it reaches a fine consistency.
Ingredients For Fudgy Cocoa Brownies
unsalted butter: Provides richness and moisture to the brownies without adding extra salt.
cooking oil: Adds additional moisture and helps achieve a fudgy texture.
superfine sugar: Dissolves easily, contributing to the smooth and fudgy consistency of the brownies.
eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help the brownies rise slightly.
pure vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor, adding a sweet and aromatic note.
all purpose flour: Provides structure to the brownies while keeping them tender.
unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and color to the brownies.
salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the brownies.
One reader, Daisy Siebert says:
These fudgy cocoa brownies are a chocolate lover's dream! The perfect balance of rich cocoa flavor and gooey texture makes them irresistible. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, they were a hit at my family gathering. Highly recommend trying this recipe!
Techniques Required for Making Fudgy Cocoa Brownies
How to preheat oven: Set your oven to the desired temperature and allow it to reach that temperature before placing your dish inside. How to grease and line a baking pan: Lightly coat the baking pan with cooking oil spray, then place a piece of parchment paper inside, ensuring it fits snugly. How to combine ingredients: Mix the specified ingredients together in a bowl until they are well incorporated. How to sift dry ingredients: Use a sifter or fine mesh strainer to aerate and break up any lumps in the dry ingredients before adding them to the wet mixture. How to fold ingredients: Gently mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula, turning the mixture over on itself until just combined. How to check for doneness: Lightly touch the center of the brownies; they should be set and not jiggle.
How To Make Fudgy Cocoa Brownies
Create that crackly surface to add texture to these fudgy cocoa brownies by adding hot butter. These brownies are super moist and best served warm.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ½cupunsalted butter
- 1tbspcooking oil
- 1⅛cupsuperfine sugar
- 2largeeggs
- 2tsppure vanilla extract
- ½cupall purpose flour
- ½cupunsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼tspsalt
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking oil spray. Line with parchment paper and set aside.
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Combine hot melted butter, oil, and sugar together in a medium-sized bowl. Whisk well for about a minute. Add the eggs and vanilla; beat until lighter in colour.
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Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
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Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the top out evenly.
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Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the centre of the brownies in the pan no longer jiggles and is just set to the touch.
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Remove and allow to cool to room temperature before slicing into 16 brownies.
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Crushed walnuts, peanuts, almonds, pecans, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, chocolate chunks, and dried fruit can be used as toppings.
Nutrition
- Calories: 141.64kcal
- Fat: 7.63g
- Saturated Fat: 4.13g
- Trans Fat: 0.24g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.40g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.61g
- Carbohydrates: 18.15g
- Fiber: 1.10g
- Sugar: 13.62g
- Protein: 1.78g
- Cholesterol: 38.50mg
- Sodium: 46.82mg
- Calcium: 9.44mg
- Potassium: 56.52mg
- Iron: 0.67mg
- Vitamin A: 58.52µg
Essential Technique Tip for Perfect Fudgy Cocoa Brownies
For an extra fudgy texture, try underbaking the brownies slightly. Check them at the 20-minute mark; the center should be slightly underdone and will continue to set as they cool. This will give you that perfect gooey consistency.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Fudgy Cocoa Brownies
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before starting. This saves time and ensures you don't miss anything.
Melt butter in microwave: Use the microwave to quickly melt the butter instead of a stovetop.
Use parchment paper: Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and less cleanup.
Combine dry ingredients first: Sift and mix flour, cocoa powder, and salt together before adding to wet ingredients.
Quick cooling: Place the baking pan on a wire rack to cool faster, so you can slice the brownies sooner.
Substitute Ingredients For Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and moisture, giving the brownies a rich texture.
unsalted butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can mimic the fat content and moisture of butter, though it may slightly alter the flavor.
cooking oil - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can replace oil to reduce fat content while maintaining moisture.
superfine sugar - Substitute with granulated sugar: Granulated sugar can be used as it dissolves well in baking, though superfine sugar may blend more smoothly.
superfine sugar - Substitute with brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a deeper flavor and extra moisture due to its molasses content.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.
eggs - Substitute with unsweetened applesauce: Use ¼ cup per egg. This adds moisture and acts as a binder.
pure vanilla extract - Substitute with vanilla bean paste: Vanilla bean paste provides a more intense vanilla flavor and can be used in equal amounts.
pure vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract gives a different but complementary flavor to the brownies.
all purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a slightly nutty flavor and more fiber, though it may make the brownies denser.
all purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour blend: A gluten-free flour blend can be used to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
unsweetened cocoa powder - Substitute with dark chocolate: Melted dark chocolate can provide a richer flavor, though you may need to adjust the fat content.
unsweetened cocoa powder - Substitute with carob powder: Carob powder is a caffeine-free alternative that can be used in equal amounts.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used for a slightly different mineral content and flavor profile.
salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt can be used, though you may need to adjust the amount slightly due to its coarser texture.
Best Way to Present Fudgy Cocoa Brownies
Serve smaller portion sizes: Cut the brownies into elegant, bite-sized pieces to create a refined and sophisticated presentation.
Use decoration: Garnish each piece with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a small mint leaf for a touch of freshness and visual appeal.
Add texture: Sprinkle a few crushed walnuts or pecans on top of each brownie piece to add a delightful crunch and enhance the overall texture.
Incorporate color: Place a small dollop of raspberry coulis or strawberry sauce on the plate next to each brownie piece to add a pop of vibrant color and a hint of tartness.
Use elegant plating: Arrange the brownie pieces on a sleek, white plate in a staggered or circular pattern to create a visually appealing presentation that highlights the rich, fudgy texture of the brownies.
Add a touch of luxury: Drizzle a fine line of dark chocolate ganache over each brownie piece for an extra layer of decadence and a professional finish.
Create contrast: Serve the brownies with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a quenelle of whipped cream to provide a creamy contrast to the dense, fudgy texture.
Highlight ingredients: Place a few whole cocoa beans or chocolate chunks on the plate to emphasize the quality and richness of the cocoa powder used in the recipe.
Essential Tools for Making Fudgy Cocoa Brownies
Oven: Used to bake the brownies at the specified temperature of 350 degrees F.
8-inch square baking pan: The pan where the brownie batter will be poured and baked.
Cooking oil spray: Used to lightly grease the baking pan to prevent the brownies from sticking.
Parchment paper: Lined in the baking pan to further prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the brownies.
Medium-sized bowl: Used to combine the melted butter, oil, and sugar, and later to mix in the eggs and vanilla.
Whisk: Used to mix the melted butter, oil, and sugar together, and to beat in the eggs and vanilla.
Sifter: Used to sift the flour, cocoa powder, and salt to ensure there are no lumps and to aerate the dry ingredients.
Spatula: Used to gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the butter, sugar, flour, and cocoa powder accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the cooking oil, vanilla extract, and salt accurately.
Knife: Used to slice the cooled brownies into 16 pieces.
Cooling rack: Used to allow the brownies to cool to room temperature evenly.
How To Store and Freeze Fudgy Cocoa Brownies
Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing and storing. This will ensure clean cuts and prevent the brownies from falling apart.
Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain the fudgy texture, place a slice of bread in the container with the brownies. The bread will absorb excess moisture and keep the brownies soft and chewy.
For longer storage, freeze the brownies for up to 3 months. Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. This will prevent the brownies from sticking together and make it easy to thaw only the desired number of servings.
To thaw frozen brownies, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. Alternatively, you can microwave individual brownies on low power for 15-20 seconds until they reach the desired temperature and texture.
If you prefer a slightly warmed brownie, microwave a room temperature or thawed brownie for 10-15 seconds before serving. This will enhance the chocolate flavor and create a gooey, melted texture.
For a quick and easy dessert, top a warmed brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup or caramel sauce. The combination of warm, fudgy brownie and cool, creamy ice cream is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
How To Reheat Leftover Brownies
The best way to reheat leftover fudgy cocoa brownies is to warm them up gently in the oven. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and place the brownies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat them for about 5-10 minutes, or until they're warmed through and slightly soft to the touch. This method helps to restore their original texture and flavor without drying them out or making them too crispy.
Another option is to use the microwave, although this method can be a bit tricky. Place the brownie on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in 15-second intervals, checking after each interval to ensure it doesn't overheat and become rubbery. You may want to place a damp paper towel over the brownie to help retain its moisture.
If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat your brownie in a toaster oven. Set the temperature to 300°F (150°C) and place the brownie on the rack. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, or until it's warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a more indulgent treat, try warming up your leftover brownie in a skillet with a dollop of butter or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Heat the skillet over low heat and place the brownie in the center. Add the butter or ice cream on top and let it melt slightly, creating a warm and gooey dessert that's perfect for a cozy night in.
If you want to get creative, you can also crumble up your leftover brownies and use them as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or even as a base for a trifle or parfait. The possibilities are endless!
Random Fact About Fudgy Cocoa Brownies
A fun fact about this fudgy cocoa brownies recipe is that using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content more precisely, ensuring the perfect balance of flavors.
Is Making Fudgy Cocoa Brownies at Home Economical?
This fudgy cocoa brownies recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. With basic pantry staples like unsalted butter, superfine sugar, all-purpose flour, and unsweetened cocoa powder, the total cost for making 16 brownies is approximately $5-$7 USD. Given that it serves a household of 4 people, each person gets 4 brownies, making it an affordable and delightful dessert. Overall Verdict: 9/10.
Are Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Healthy or Unhealthy?
This fudgy cocoa brownies recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe is high in sugar, with over a cup of superfine sugar, which can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues when consumed in excess.
- Butter and cooking oil add significant amounts of saturated and unsaturated fats to the recipe, which can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
- The recipe is low in fiber, as it only contains a small amount of all-purpose flour and no whole grains or fiber-rich ingredients.
- There are no nutritious ingredients like fruits, vegetables, or nuts included in the base recipe, making it a treat with little nutritional value.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of sugar by using a natural sweetener like dates or applesauce to replace some of the superfine sugar
- Swap out half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour or almond flour to increase the fiber content and add some healthy fats
- Replace some of the butter with Greek yogurt or mashed avocado to reduce the saturated fat content while maintaining moisture
- Add in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or almonds, to increase the protein and healthy fat content of the brownies
- Experiment with adding grated zucchini or beetroot to the batter for a boost of vegetables and natural sweetness without compromising the texture
Editor's Thoughts on This Fudgy Cocoa Brownie Recipe
This fudgy cocoa brownie recipe is a delightful blend of simplicity and decadence. The combination of melted butter and oil ensures a moist texture, while superfine sugar adds a delicate sweetness. The use of unsweetened cocoa powder provides a rich, deep chocolate flavor. The instructions are straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Adding optional toppings like nuts or chocolate chips can elevate the brownies further. Overall, it's a versatile and foolproof recipe that promises a satisfying, fudgy treat.
Enhance Your Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe:
This fudgy cocoa brownies recipe is a must-try for any dessert lover. The combination of unsalted butter and cooking oil ensures a rich, moist texture, while superfine sugar adds the perfect sweetness. Using pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor, and the balance of all-purpose flour and unsweetened cocoa powder creates a decadent chocolate experience. The recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all levels. Plus, the option to add toppings like crushed nuts or chocolate chips allows for customization to suit your taste. Trust this recipe for consistently delicious results.
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