Brown Butter Brownies: A Delicious Dessert
Brown Butter Brownies are rich and fudgy treats that bring a delightful twist to traditional brownies. By incorporating brown butter, these brownies gain a nutty and caramel-like flavor that elevates them to a whole new level. This recipe is not only delicious, but it’s also straightforward and perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings.
Why You’ll Love It
- Rich Flavor: The use of brown butter creates a unique taste that combines a hint of nuttiness with the sweetness of chocolate.
- Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and steps, you can whip these brownies up quickly, making them perfect for last-minute dessert cravings.
- Versatile Treat: Serve them warm with ice cream or enjoy them cool with a cup of coffee. These brownies are flexible enough to suit any occasion.
Ingredients
- 180g unsalted butter (3/4 cup + 1 tbsp)
- 250g dark chocolate (1 cup + 1/4 cup + 2 tbsps)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 100g light brown or dark brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed)
- 100g granulated sugar (1/4 cup + 3 tbsps)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 100g plain/flour or all-purpose flour (1/2 cup + 2 tbsps)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 50g milk chocolate, chopped (1/4 cup)
- 50g milk chocolate chips (1/4 cup)
Substitutions & Key Variations
- Butter: You can replace unsalted butter with salted butter, but reduce the added salt to 1/8 tsp.
- Chocolate: If you prefer a sweeter brownie, opt for semi-sweet chocolate instead of dark chocolate.
- Flour: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease an 8×8 inch baking tray. Line the tray with parchment paper, allowing some of the paper to hang over the edges. This will help you lift the brownies out easily after baking.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
In a small pot, add the butter and heat it over medium heat. Stir continually as it melts. Once it starts foaming and sizzling, keep stirring. You’ll know it’s ready when the foam settles a bit, and the butter turns golden brown with a caramel-like scent. Remove it from heat and pour the brown butter over the dark chocolate in a mixing bowl.
Step 3: Mix Chocolate and Butter
Stir the hot brown butter into the dark chocolate until the chocolate is completely melted and combined with the butter. Set the bowl aside.
Step 4: Whisk Eggs and Sugars
In a large bowl, crack the three eggs and add both the brown and granulated sugars. Use a whisk or a hand mixer to blend them for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes paler and slightly frothy.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Add the vanilla extract to the egg and sugar mixture, giving it a quick mix. Then, pour in the brown butter and chocolate mixture, whisking until just combined and smooth.
Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gently add the flour and salt to the brownie batter. Use a spatula to fold in the dry ingredients until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
Step 7: Add Chocolate Pieces
Fold in the chopped milk chocolate and chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 8: Bake
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking tray and bake in the middle of the oven for 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary based on your oven and the size of your tray.
Step 9: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the tray at room temperature. They will continue to cook slightly as they cool. When completely cool, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper, then slice into squares.
Success Tips
- Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures.
- Texture: For fudgier brownies, check them at the earliest baking time; they should still look a bit soft in the middle.
- Common Mistakes: Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to tough brownies.
How to Serve
Serve the brownies warm, possibly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee for a delightful treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for about a week. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use less sugar?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe, but this may affect the texture and sweetness of the brownies.
2. Can I freeze brownies?
Yes! Brownies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing.
3. What if I don’t have dark chocolate?
You can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate instead; however, it may alter the overall flavor profile of the brownies.
4. Can I add nuts?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can be folded into the batter for added texture and flavor.
5. What’s the best way to cut brownies?
For neat slices, use a knife dipped in hot water, wipe it dry, and then cut the brownies.
Conclusion
These Brown Butter Brownies are a delightful addition to any dessert table or simply as a sweet treat for yourself. With their rich flavors and fudgy texture, they’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Try making them today and share the delicious result with friends and family!
Links to Related Recipes
- Classic Fudgy Brownies
- Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Easy Chocolate Cake
- Dark Chocolate Brownie Bites