Description
Discover the ultimate homemade brownie recipe that delivers fudgy, moist, and intensely chocolaty brownies with perfectly crispy edges. This easy-to-make recipe from Weeknight Baking by Michelle Lopez uses simple ingredients and an 8x8 baking dish to ensure your brownies come out perfectly every time.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup cocoa powder, sifted if lumpy
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted if lumpy
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 3/4 teaspoons sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup canola oil or extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Other
- Cooking spray (avocado oil-based preferred)
- Parchment paper
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly spray an 8x8 inch baking dish with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper, then spray the parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, dark chocolate chips, and sea salt. Stir well to evenly distribute all dry ingredients.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, your choice of canola or extra-virgin olive oil, water, and vanilla extract until fully blended.
- Incorporate dry into wet: Gradually sprinkle the dry mixture over the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies moist and fudgy.
- Bake the batter: Pour the thick batter into the prepared baking pan. Smooth the surface evenly with a spatula. Bake for 40 to 48 minutes, checking by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached. Remove promptly to prevent overbaking.
- Cool and store: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Use an 8x8 inch baking dish to avoid overcooking; a larger 9x9 inch dish will make the brownies thinner and prone to drying out.
- Sifting cocoa powder and powdered sugar helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth batter.
- It's better to slightly underbake rather than overbake to maintain fudgy texture.
- Brownies freeze well; wrap tightly and thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.
- Avocado oil-based cooking spray is recommended for a clean release and subtle flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
