Description
A simple, budget-friendly dessert featuring dense, chewy brownies topped with a rich, warm chocolate ganache. Made with just five main ingredients and minimal effort for maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate bars (chopped)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the long sides, and grease lightly with butter.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt 8 oz chopped chocolate and 1/2 cup butter together. Stir constantly until smooth, remove from heat, and let cool for 2 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk 1 cup sugar and 2 eggs vigorously for about 2 minutes until pale and glossy.
- Pour the melted chocolate-butter mixture into the egg-sugar mixture and whisk until fully combined.
- Sift in 1/2 cup flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Gently fold in with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
- While brownies bake, heat 1/2 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just starts to simmer. Remove from heat and add 4 oz chopped chocolate and 1 tablespoon butter. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Stir in vanilla.
- Pour warm ganache over the baked brownies and spread to the edges. Cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before cutting.
Notes
Do not overbake; the center should still jiggle slightly. Use a thermometer to check for 180°F (82°C) for fudgy texture. Ensure eggs are room temperature to prevent chocolate from seizing. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and dairy-free chocolate.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: brownies, chocolate ganache, budget dessert, easy baking, fudgy brownies, 5-ingredient recipe, chocolate bars