Step-by-Step Instructions
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Preheat & Prep: Heat oven to 350°F. Line a 13×9-inch pan with foil and coat with cooking spray.
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Dry Mix: Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.
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Egg Mixture: In a stand mixer, beat sugar, vanilla, espresso powder, and eggs on medium-high for 7–9 minutes until fluffy and pale yellow.
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Chocolate Base: In a saucepan, heat oil and butter until melted. Remove from heat, stir in chopped dark chocolate until smooth.
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Combine: With mixer on low, slowly add the chocolate mixture. Then add the sifted dry ingredients. Mix briefly, then fold with a spatula until just combined.
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Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted has moist crumbs (not wet batter).
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Cool & Cut: Let cool completely. Lift brownies out by foil and slice into squares.
What to Serve with These Brownies
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A scoop of vanilla ice cream (classic pairing!)
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A drizzle of salted caramel sauce
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A dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries
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Or enjoy them warm with just a glass of cold milk.
Tips for Perfect Brownies
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Don’t overbake! Slightly underdone is better for fudgy results.
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Use cold eggs—the extra whip time gives you that glossy top.
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Let them cool fully before cutting, unless you don’t mind messy (but delicious) squares.
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For clean slices, use a sharp knife wiped between cuts.
Storage Instructions
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Room temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Fridge: Keep up to 1 week.
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Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
You can, but the sugar helps with texture and that shiny top. Reducing too much may make them dense.
Q: Do I need the espresso powder?
No, but it makes the chocolate flavor pop. Highly recommended!
Conclusion
These homemade fudge brownies are the kind of dessert that instantly lifts your mood. They’re simple to make, wildly delicious, and guaranteed to become your go-to chocolate fix. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven or chilled from the fridge, they’ll never disappoint.
