In this post I am sharing a family favorite secret recipe, the best EVER chocolate brownies! These sweet treats contain an ingredient that may surprise you, but trust me, it makes all the difference.
You know I love sharing my favorite recipes with you and this favorite is at the top of our list! My kids could barely wait for me to snap a few pictures for this post before they went crazy for them. The recipe is quite basic but does have one twist that gives them a delectable depth of flavor.
Shopping list for the best ever chocolate brownies
- White sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Salted Butter
- Eggs
- Salt
- Vanilla
- Cocoa powder
- Milk
- Baking powder
- Instant espresso (for baking)
I love taking these brownies to family events or gatherings to share. I always get asked for the recipe! These brownies are definitely indulgent and rich in flavor, and I dare say they’re just as good or better the next day once they’re good and set! Yum!
The Best Ever Chocolate Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter melted
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso (for baking) This is optional but adds such a depth of flavor to the chocolate!
Chocolate Frosting
- 1/4 Cup salted butter room temperature
- 1/4 Cup milk
- 1/4 Cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 Pinch of salt
- 3 Cups Powdered Sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper or tin foil (spray this with non-stick spray). 2. In a bowl or stand mixer, add the melted butter, cocoa powder, sugar, eggs, salt, vanilla and espresso powder. 3. Mix in flour and baking powder, but just until it's all incorporated, do not over-mix or the brownies won't be as fluffy. The batter will be thick!4. Pour the batter into prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake 25-28 minutes or until toothpick tests clean. Remove brownies and allow to cool 15 minutes or until the brownies are warm, not hot.5. Beat frosting ingredients together until smooth. Frost warm brownies and allow to cool before cutting. Store leftovers in an airtight container or ziplock bag. They can also be frozen in a gallon ziplock bag.
Remember the delicious lunch lady brownies we used to get in elementary school? These have a very fudgy similar flavor and are so loved by many! They’ll be a hit at any event, gathering, BBQ or family dinner you share them at.
Tips for making the best ever chocolate brownies
- These brownies can be made ahead and are delicious the day you make them as well as the day after! Once fully cooled they keep well in an airtight bag like a ziplock.
- Try to frost the brownies when they are still warm. The frosting will slightly melt and set on top, but underneath it will stay soft which makes the brownies extra delicious to bite into!
- I like to line my pan with parchment paper so I can lift the brownies out once they are nearly cool. It makes it so easy to frost and cut them!
Don’t forget to pin and save this recipe to make later!
