If chocolate bars or chips are not within reach, fret not! You can always prepare a tasty, fudgy, rich brownie recipe with cocoa powder. This easy recipe, which utilizes everyday pantry ingredients, will satisfy any dessert cravings and impress your friends and family.
What Is the Benefit of Using Cocoa Powder in Brownies?
Cocoa powder represents an excellent substitute for melted chocolate in brownie recipes. It provides the right chocolatey taste while keeping the texture moist and soft. Moreover, cocoa powder helps save money and is more accessible.
What You Will Need For This Easy Brownie Recipe
This is a simple brownie recipe that is made with cocoa powder. Ingredients needed are:
- 1 cup (200g) of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (60g)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Optional:
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture
Step-By-Step Instructions For The Easy Brownie Recipe
Step 1: Set The Oven Temperature
Place the oven at 325F (163C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch pan or line the bottom with parchment paper.
Step 2: Combine Butter and Sugar
Combine the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Whisk the mixture until smooth. Add the eggs one by one, whisking after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Use a sifter to sift the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently fold the mixture until thoroughly combined. Do not overmix, or the brownies could turn out tough.
Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips Or Nuts
If chocolate chips or nuts will be added, gently combine the two with the batter at this stage.
Step 5: Baking the Brownies
First, pour the brownie mixture into the baking pan and smooth it out. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes.
Remove the brownies from the oven when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs sticking to it. Do not overbake the brownies, as they will lose their fudgy texture.
Step 6: Cooling and Serving the Brownies
Let the brownie cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, shift it to a wire rack. Once it has completely cooled, cut it into squares and serve. Enjoy!
Precautions to Keep in Mind
Use the right amount of cocoa powder: Excessive cocoa powder can result in a bitter brownie, while a lack of it will make the brownie taste bland without any chocolate flavor.
Do not overmix the batter: Overmixing the brownie batter makes it tough and chewy. Therefore, mix only until the ingredients are combined.
Don’t overbake: Brownies continue to cook a little after being out of the oven. If they are overbaked, they will no longer be fudgy but very dry and crumbly.
Use good-quality ingredients: Since cocoa powder accounts for the majority of the brownie’s ingredients, make sure to use the best unsweetened cocoa powder for the best taste.
Let them cool before cutting: Warm brownies will crumble when cut, so cooling them will help.
Conclusion
This brownie recipe made with cocoa powder is perfect for last-minute dessert needs and will satisfy your chocolate cravings.
The fudgy and dense texture of these brownies paired with a deep chocolate flavor is bound to win over everyone in your household.
Enjoy them plain, or have them with nuts or even ice cream! This recipe is sure to impress in any setting. Give it a shot today and relish the taste of warm brownies!
