The Best Brownies!
Ingredients
- 200g dark chocolate, broken into pieces
- 150g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
- 250g caster sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 100g plain flour
- 30g cocoa powder
- Pinch of salt
Optional Add-Ins
- 100g chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans)
- 100g chocolate chunks or chips
- A handful of mini marshmallows
Method
- Preheat the oven:
- Set your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or Gas Mark 4.
- Grease a 20cm square baking tin and line it with baking parchment.
- Melt the chocolate and butter:
- Place the dark chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water (don’t let the bowl touch the water). Stir until melted and smooth. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix the wet ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk the caster sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until pale and fluffy. Gradually stir in the melted chocolate mixture.
- Combine the dry ingredients:
- Sift the plain flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt into the chocolate mixture. Gently fold everything together using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add extras (if using):
- Stir in your chosen add-ins, like nuts or chocolate chips, for extra texture and flavour.
- Bake the brownies:
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes. The brownies should have a slightly crusty top but still be gooey in the middle. A skewer inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and slice:
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the tin before slicing into squares or rectangles.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Dust with icing sugar for a decorative finish.
- Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
Enjoy your rich, fudgy UK-style brownies!