The Best Chewy Chocolate Brownies

These are the best chewy chocolate brownies with a decadent, rich chocolate flavor and a moist texture that everyone loves about brownies. Espresso powder, two different kinds of chocolate, and brown sugar bring that extra punch that makes these chocolate brownies stand out. We topped them with our silky chocolate ganache for that extra luscious element that makes these truly the best.

Brownies are a classic favorite that can be dressed up or down, garnished with a variety of different glazes, ganache, or chopped nuts and coconut shreds. We love how versatile this treat can be. It makes the perfect food gift for friends, family, teachers, or coworkers.

Making chocolate brownies fudgy and decadent is the only way to go, and we have some tips and tricks to share with you so that you get the absolute best chewy chocolate brownies every time. The ganache is of course optional, but we find that it brings that extra bit of silky lusciousness to the brownies that really takes them into the realm of decadent.

What is the secret to moist brownies?

Like with most baked goods, the secret to moist, tender, and soft brownies lies in the small tricks and techniques of how you prepare the brownie batter and execute the baking. Here are some key things to keep in mind and follow for sucess.

• Using the freshest ingredients for the best taste, texture, and quality of bake. High quality chocolates, cooking oils, butters, and fresh eggs will all contribute to better flavor and a chewy texture that chocolate brownies are loved for.
• Mixing only just enough until the ingredients are combined. Over mixing is a common culprit in the baking world to dense, tough, and heavy baked goods. When batters are mixed for too long the air is beaten out of them and the proteins from the flour builds too much. Make sure you don’t over mix the chocolate brownies batter.
• Liquids and fats are always key in baking fluffy, moist, and flavorful desserts. Some recipes, like ours, will include extra egg yolks, sour cream, even liquid espresso in order to bring up the moisture level in the batter. This will result in creamier textures and a robust flavor boost.
• Cooking temperatures and bake times are very important to follow. Ovens will vary in heat distribution and how long your chocolate brownies need to bake. Make sure you keep a close eye during the baking process, and if you aren’t sure, er on the side of caution baking low and slow to begin.
• Proper storage is key to maintain moisture and flavor. Make sure your chocolate brownies are fully cooled before storing them, otherwise excess moisture and heat will be trapped in the container which will lead to stale, dry brownies. Keep the brownies in an airtight container and store in a cool, dark area of your kitchen for optimal freshness.

Using baking chocolate instead of cocoa powder

This recipe calls for two different kinds of baking chocolate melted to make the chocolate brownies base. Many of us are used to cocoa powder when it comes to baking chocolate desserts, so you may wonder; why is this important?

Depth of flavor is one reason. High quality baking chocolate will have a deep, robust flavor that dry cocoa powder will not yield. For this reason, it’s an important detail to prioritize in this recipe.

The added liquid that melted chocolate brings to the batter is the other important aspect of this choice. Dry cocoa powder would mean additional liquids and fat would be necessary to add, where the baking chocolate being melted into the oils acts as one of the key liquid components of the recipe.

How can I garnish my chocolate brownies?

These decadent chocolate brownies are so rich and chewy they don’t require any additional toppings. But, it’s always a welcomed addition! Here are some of our favorite ideas for garnishing these chewy brownies.

• Finish as we did with our homemade chocolate ganache
• Enjoy these brownies alongside a scoop of our silky vanilla bean ice cream
• Sprinkle chopped walnuts or a mixed nut combo over the ganache
• Add a drizzle of homemade raspberry sauce for a fruity element
• Garnish with shredded coconut, powdered sugar, or crushed chocolate cookies
• Drizzle with a homemade caramel sauce or make it a turtle brownie topping

Making a ganache for your chocolate brownies

Chocolate ganache is a simple and delicious way to finish these chewy chocolate brownies, and it takes almost no time to execute. Our full recipe is a quick read, but here is the rundown of the process.

• You will need extra baking chocolate alongside what you are using for the chocolate brownies
• Chop up the chocolate and place in a small glass bowl
• Add heavy cream to the chocolate
• Either melt slowly over a saucepan filled with water on the stove by placing the bowl over the top of the pan
• Or place in the microwave and melt while stopping and stirring occasionally

Make sure the chocolate ganache does not burn or scald as this will affect not only the flavor, but also the consistency of the ganache. The longer it cooks down the thicker is will become, and if it burns it will have bits of burnt chocolate running throughout the ganache.

If after cooking your ganache it is smooth and delicious but you want to change the consistency you can do so by adjusting either the amount of chocolate or cream. If the ganache is too thick add some more cream and stir well until it is fully combined.

If the ganache is thinner than you would like, and you are going for more of a spreadable chocolate, you can add more chocolate to thicken it up.

How long can I store these chewy chocolate brownies?

We recommend only storing these brownies for a couple of days for optimal freshness. Remember to allow the brownies to fully cool before topping them and storing them, otherwise you risk excess heat and moisture becoming trapped in the container leading to stale, tough brownies.

Keep them in an airtight container and place the container in a cool, dark area of your kitchen.

More decadent desserts for you to try!

Be sure to try these other popular recipes on the blog! We love desserts, and each of these are some of our best loved recipes.

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