Classic Fudgy Chocolate Brownies
Dense, moist and deeply chocolatey squares.
A simple melt-and-mix batter that yields rich, bakery-style brownies in under half an hour.
Shopping list
- 100 g plain flour
- 30 g unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 150 g dark chocolate
- 150 g unsalted butter
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Salt
Ingredients
Dry mix
- 100 g plain flour sifted
- 30 g cocoa powder unsweetened
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 1 pinch salt
Wet mix
- 150 g dark chocolate chopped
- 150 g butter unsalted
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 2 eggs large, beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Method
-
5 min
Preheat your oven to 180C (fan 160C) and line a 20cm square tin with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides.
-
4 min
Melt the dark chocolate and butter together in a microwave or bain-marie, stirring until smooth. Allow it to cool for two minutes.
-
3 min
Whisk the sugar and beaten eggs into the cooled chocolate mixture until well combined and slightly frothy.
-
2 min
Stir in the vanilla extract, then fold in the sifted dry mix until just combined. Do not overwork the batter.
-
2 min
Pour the thick batter into the lined tin and spread it evenly. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out with just a few dry crumbs.
Tip Underbake by one minute for a cakier texture.
-
3 min
Let the brownies cool completely in the tin on a wire rack. Lift them out using the parchment overhang and cut into nine even squares.
Tip Cold butter or a sharp knife yields cleaner cuts.
Chef's tips
- Use a digital scale for the flour to avoid too much, which makes them cakey.
- Resist the urge to stir vigorously; gentle folding keeps the fudge dense.
- If using a fan oven, reduce the temperature by 20C.
Swap it
- Walnuts
- Fold in 60g of chopped walnuts for added crunch and depth.
- White Chocolate
- Swap half the dark chocolate for white to create a marbled effect.
- Coffee
- Dissolve one teaspoon of instant espresso powder in the melted chocolate to intensify the cocoa flavour.