Ingredients
Check off ingredients as you go
Serves 6-8 (20x20cm/8x8-inch pan) 12 to 16 squares
For the brownies
- 200g (7oz) dark chocolate (like Nestlé or 60% cocoa)
- 150g (⅔ cup) butter or sunflower oil
- 3 large eggs
- 225g (1 cup packed) brown sugar (light or dark)
- 90g (¾ cup) sifted all-purpose flour
- 30g (¼ cup) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking powder
- pinch of fleur de sel or sea salt
- 100g (¾ cup) toasted pecans or chocolate chips (optional)
Making the brownies
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) convection. Line a 20x20cm (8x8-inch) square pan with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, melt the chocolate and butter over low heat, stirring until smooth, then let cool slightly.
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs with the sugar until the mixture becomes foamy and lighter in color. Then fold the chocolate into the egg and sugar mixture.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Tip To avoid lumps, place a fine-mesh strainer over the bowl with the egg-chocolate mixture and gradually sift in the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa, baking powder) while mixing to get a smooth batter.
- If using pecans or chocolate chips, fold them in last, then pour into the pan. Bake for about 25 minutes. The brownie will form a light crust. Insert a toothpick to check doneness—it should come out with a few slightly moist crumbs.
Let cool for about 15 minutes out of the oven before cutting into squares.
Store in the fridge and take out 30 minutes before serving.
Variations and freezing
- For an even thicker cake, use a smaller pan and adjust the baking time.
- To toast pecans, bake at 165°C (330°F) for 15 minutes.
And if you’re a brownie fan, you should try my brownie cheesecake—it’s a classic brownie with creamy cheesecake swirls.
- To thaw a brownie, remove it from its airtight packaging and leave it on a plate or rack for 2 to 4 hours for a whole cake, 30 to 60 minutes for a slice. It’ll taste like you just made it. If you’re in a hurry, microwave for 20–30 seconds at medium power. If you prefer using the oven, preheat to 150°C (300°F), place the frozen brownie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 8–12 minutes depending on size.