Easy Fudgy Cocoa Powder Brownies
Ever craved a brownie so rich and decadent that it feels like an indulgence with every bite? Enter these homemade fudgy Cocoa Powder Brownies. Made in just one bowl (who doesn’t love easy cleanup!) with the deep richness of unsweetened cocoa powder and a hint of instant coffee to intensify the chocolatey flavor, these brownies are every chocoholic’s dream. And the best part? This simple brownie recipe with cocoa powder comes together in just 35 minutes from start to finish, with a mere 10 minutes of prep time!
You know, there’s something undeniably comforting about a homemade chewy brownie. Especially one where cocoa powder takes center stage. If you’ve been on the hunt for an easy, from scratch brownie recipe that doesn’t require a fancy setup or ingredients you can’t pronounce, then you’re in the right spot. This one-bowl brownies with cocoa powder recipe ensure minimal dishes (and maximum flavor!).
Why You’ll Love These easy Brownies with Cocoa Powder
- Chewy Texture: The perfect balance between cakey and fudgy, giving you that satisfying chew with every bite.
- Deep Chocolate Flavor: Using unsweetened cocoa powder paired with instant coffee ensures a robust chocolate experience.
- Budget-Friendly: Ditch store-bought brownie mixes! With common pantry ingredients, these brownies won’t break the bank.
- DIY Mix Option: You can prep the dry ingredients in advance for a homemade brownie mix – say goodbye to store-bought versions.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the base recipe to make it dairy-free, gluten-free, or vegan to suit your dietary needs.
INGREDIENTS TO MAKE chocolatey COCOA POWDER BROWNIES
- Unsalted Butter: Adds a creamy richness. Using unsalted lets you control the salt level, ensuring the brownies aren’t overly salty.
- Granulated Sugar: Gives the brownies their sweet foundation. It also plays a role in achieving that classic, shiny crust.
- Large Eggs: Contribute to the brownies’ structure and moistness. They’re crucial for that chewy texture we love.
- Vanilla Extract: Introduces a touch of warmth and sweetness, complementing the deep cocoa flavor.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The primary flavor agent, ensuring an intense chocolate experience. Always go for a quality brand for the best chocolate taste.
- Instant Coffee: Deepens the chocolate flavor. A little goes a long way in enhancing the overall taste profile.
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structural base of the brownies, ensuring they hold together while retaining their chewy texture.
- Salt: Balances and elevates the flavors. It contrasts the sweetness, helping the chocolate notes to stand out even more.
HOW TO MAKE brownies with cocoa powder
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the melted butter and instant coffee and stir to combine. Add the cocoa powder and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, and salt to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out into an even layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remember, it’s better to underbake slightly for a fudgier texture.
- Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.
TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST COCOA POWDER BROWNIES
- Quality Matters: Invest in good quality cocoa powder. The better the cocoa, the richer the brownie flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: After adding the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to cakey, rather than fudgy, brownies.
- Oven Accuracy: Ensure your oven temperature is accurate. An oven thermometer can help. Overbaking can lead to dry brownies.
- Cool Completely: Allow your brownies to cool completely in the pan. This helps them set and makes cutting cleaner.
- Lined Pan: Use parchment paper with overhangs. This makes lifting the brownies out and cutting them much easier.
- Test for Doneness: A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs. If it’s clean, they might be overbaked. If it has wet batter, they need more time.
- Moisture is Key: If you find your brownies are a little dry, consider reducing your baking time or adding an extra egg yolk for moisture.
POPULAR SUBSTITUTIONS AND ADDITIONS
- Sugar Variants: Swap granulated sugar with brown sugar for a more caramel-like sweetness.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of cinnamon or chili can add a new dimension to your brownies.
- Add-ins: Consider chocolate chips, nuts (like walnuts or pecans), or dried fruits (like cherries) for texture and flavor variations.
- Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend to cater to those with gluten intolerances.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil in place of butter and ensure your cocoa powder and other ingredients are dairy-free.
- Vegan Twist: Replace eggs with flaxseed or chia seed “eggs” and use vegan-friendly substitutions for other ingredients.
- Toppings: Once baked, drizzle with caramel, sprinkle with sea salt, or even spread a layer of ganache for added decadence.
What to serve with brownies
Brownies are delicious on their own, but they can be taken to the next level with some delightful accompaniments. Whether you’re serving them at a casual get-together or a formal dinner, there are plenty of options to enhance your brownie experience:
- Ice Cream: This classic pairing is a crowd-pleaser. Vanilla is a favorite, but mint, coffee, caramel, or even fruit-flavored ice creams can be amazing with brownies.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream can add a light, airy contrast to the denseness of a brownie.
- Berries: Fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries can add a tart contrast and a burst of freshness.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over a brownie can make it even more indulgent.
- Nuts: Toasted walnuts, pecans, or almonds can add a nice crunch and complement the soft texture of the brownie.
- Chocolate Sauce: For the chocolate enthusiasts, a drizzle of chocolate sauce can intensify the chocolatey experience.
- Fruit Compotes or Sauces: Cherry compote, raspberry sauce, or even a citrus curd can be delightful with brownies.
- Cheese: Soft cheeses like brie or cream cheese can be a surprisingly delicious pairing, adding a savory note to the sweet treat.
- Mint Leaves: A few fresh mint leaves can add a refreshing touch, especially if combined with fruit or ice cream.
- Coffee or Espresso: A freshly brewed cup can complement the deep flavors of the brownie, making for a delightful dessert experience.
- Liqueurs: A splash of Baileys, Frangelico, Chambord, or any other favorite liqueur can add an adult twist to your brownie serving.
- Fruit Sorbet: A scoop of fruit sorbet can add a refreshing and light touch, balancing the richness of the brownie.
Remember, the key is to balance flavors and textures. Whether you want to enhance the chocolate flavor, add a refreshing note, or introduce a contrasting taste, there are myriad options to make your brownie serving unique and memorable.
HOW TO REHEAT & STORE COCOA POWDER BROWNIES
Reheating your cocoa powder brownies is a breeze! For the best results:
- Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds. This will give you that just-baked warmth.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the brownies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5 minutes.
Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to retain their moistness and flavor. If you want them to last a little longer, consider storing them in the fridge.
HOW LONG WILL BROWNIES LAST IN THE FRIDGE?
When stored in an airtight container, your cocoa powder brownies will remain fresh and delicious for up to a week in the fridge. However, for that freshly baked taste and texture, it’s best enjoyed within the first 3 days.
CAN I FREEZE HOMEMADE BROWNIES?
Absolutely! To freeze:
- Let the brownies cool completely.
- Slice them into portions.
- Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place them in a zip-top freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, allow them to thaw at room temperature or in the fridge overnight.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need to add the instant coffee?
No, but it enhances the chocolatey flavor. Feel free to skip it if you prefer.
Why are my brownies too cakey?
Overmixing the batter or overbaking can lead to a cake-like texture. Aim for a fudgy center by mixing just until combined and keeping an eye on the baking time.
Can I double this recipe?
Definitely! Just make sure to use an appropriately sized baking pan and adjust the baking time accordingly.
When that chocolate craving strikes or you just want to impress a gathering with a simple yet delectable treat, these cocoa powder brownies won’t let you down. Quick, straightforward, and undeniably satisfying.
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Cocoa Powder Brownies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1.5 teaspoon instant coffee
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan or line it with parchment paper
- In a large mixing bowl, add the melted butter and instant coffee and stir to combine. Add the cocoa powder and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out into an even layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remember, it’s better to underbake slightly for a fudgier texture.
- Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.
Equipment
Notes
Letting the brownies cool completely before slicing ensures cleaner cuts.
These brownies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of your favorite ice cream.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
