This rich, fudgy chocolate base is the best chocolate brownie I have ever made. The recipe results in the perfect consistency and taste, every time.
That’s why they are the ultimate batter for customizing and making your own variation. So go ahead and get creative. From coconut flakes to peanut butter filling to a pecan pie topping, there are so many ways you can have fun when you have the perfect brownie base to start with.
These brownies are sure to impress your friends and family and fill you with that warm feeling.
Homemade Brownies Recipe
Skip the boxed brownie mix next time you’re baking brownies and make them from scratch. This homemade recipe starts with a homemade brownie mix that includes chocolate and cocoa powder, flour, butter, sugar, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and eggs.
Although homemade brownie mix may seem a hassle, the results are worth the effort, and you’ll end up with a much more delicious dessert with a fudgy texture that you can get creative with!
Ingredients you’ll need to make these Brownies:
Chocolate – Semisweet or bittersweet chocolate is commonly used for the brownie base. I have used a combination of bittersweet chocolate chips and coarsely chopped semisweet chocolate that works wonders to make the most fluffy and fudgy brownies.
Cocoa Powder – Cocoa powder is made from roasted and ground cocoa beans, giving the brownies a dark, rich color and chocolate flavor. It is a crucial ingredient in making the brownies taste like chocolate and can also be used to adjust the intensity of the chocolate flavor.
Flour – Flour is used to make the brownie base. All-purpose flour provides more structure to the brownies, which helps them hold their shape and maintain a consistent texture.
Eggs – Eggs act as a binding agent, helping to hold the ingredients together and create a cohesive batter. The proteins in eggs help to provide structure and lift to the brownies, which allows them to rise and become fluffy.
Butter – Butter is a fatty ingredient, which provides structure and flavor, and holds things together in baked goods. It’s recommended to use room-temperature unsalted butter.
Vanilla Extract – Vanilla extract enhances other flavors; it can make the other ingredients taste more prominent, like chocolate, nuts, and other spices used in the recipe.
Hot Tips
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough and dry brownies. Mix the ingredients until they are just combined.
- Use The Right Pan Size: Using a too large pan can lead to thin, dry brownies. A 9×13 pan is best for making pecan pie brownies.
- Don’t Overbake the Brownies: Overbaking can lead to dry and crumbly brownies. Check the brownies for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Use a toothpick to check.
- Let The Brownies Cool: Allow the brownies to cool completely before you start slicing them. It will ensure that the brownies hold their shape and neat appearance.
- Flavor Variations: You can try using different nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, or add other flavorings, such as maple syrup or bourbon, to create unique and delicious variations of brownies.
The BEST Brownie Base Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 oz (283g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 4 oz (113g) unsweetened chocolate coarsely chopped
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter at room temperature
- 6 tablespoons (35g) cocoa powder
- 6 large eggs
- 2–1/4 cups (450g) sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (270g) all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Line a 9×13 pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.
- You may prefer parchment paper
- Combine chocolate and butter and set over a pan of simmering water.
- Heat, while occasionally stirring, until butter and chocolate are melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat.
- Whisk in cocoa powder.
- Whisk together the eggs, sugar, salt, and vanilla in a separate bowl.
- Whisk in the chocolate mixture.
- Fold in the flour with a spatula until incorporated and no dry streaks remain.
- Spread into the prepared pan in an even layer, bake at 350F, and set time for 35 minutes.
- Remove from oven and enjoy!
Notes
If you are adding any toppings, be sure to incorporate them into your mix with the dry ingredients. Some toppings may require sprinkling on top at a specific time into baking. Be sure to consider these details when making changes to the above.