Chocolate Brownies Recipe (Classic Version) - Joyofbaking.com

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil adds a unique flavor and reduces saturated fat.

sugar

🥗Healthier: stevia

💰Cheaper: honey

Stevia reduces calories while honey adds moisture.

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: almond flour

💰Cheaper: whole wheat flour

Almond flour adds protein while whole wheat is more economical.

chocolate chips

🥗Healthier: dark chocolate

💰Cheaper: cocoa nibs

Dark chocolate has less sugar, cocoa nibs are less expensive.

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius).

In a large heatproof bowl, place 4 ounces of coarsely chopped unsweetened chocolate and 1/2 cup of chopped unsalted butter.

Melt the chocolate and butter together over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring until smooth.

Remove from heat and stir until the butter is fully melted into the chocolate.

Add 1 cup of white sugar and mix well using a whisk or spatula.

Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.

Add 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt, mixing until just combined.

Pour the brownie batter into an 8-inch square baking pan that has been buttered or sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.

Spread the batter evenly in the pan and bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Remove the brownies from the oven and place them on a wire rack to cool to room temperature.

To make the chocolate ganache frosting, in a heatproof bowl, combine 3 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate, 1/3 cup of heavy whipping cream, and 1 tablespoon of chopped butter.

Melt the ganache ingredients together over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring until smooth.

Once melted, pour the ganache over the cooled brownies and spread it evenly with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.

Let the chocolate set before cutting the brownies into squares.

Store the brownies at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens