Decadent Chocolate Fudge Brownies

Ingredients

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter
• 8 oz (225g) high-quality dark chocolate, chopped 8 oz (225g) high-quality dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (175g) chocolate chips (optional) 1 cup (175g) chocolate chips (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 10g)
• Carbohydrates: 38g (Sugar: 28g)
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch (23x23cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and chopped dark chocolate together in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
3. 3.
   In a separate large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and espresso powder until well combined.
4. 4.
   Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the sugar mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
5. 5.
   Sift in the flour and salt, and gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. 6.
   If desired, fold in the chocolate chips.
7. 7.
   Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
8. 8.
   Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
9. 9.
   Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Dark Chocolate — Choose a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids for the best flavor and texture.
• Instant Espresso Powder — If you don't have espresso powder, you can substitute it with an equal amount of instant coffee granules.
• Chocolate Chips — Feel free to use your favorite type of chocolate chips, such as semi-sweet or milk chocolate, or omit them altogether for a smoother texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra fudgy texture, slightly underbake the brownies by reducing the cooking time by a few minutes.
• Dust the cooled brownies with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
• Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
• Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter for added crunch and flavor.
• To create a beautiful marbled effect, swirl in some peanut butter or caramel sauce into the batter before baking.

Serving advice

Serve the Decadent Chocolate Fudge Brownies at room temperature or slightly warmed. They are delicious on their own or can be accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Presentation advice

For an appealing presentation, cut the brownies into neat squares and dust them with powdered sugar. Serve them on a decorative platter or individual dessert plates.