In today’s age of endless text and voice messages among friends, a freshly homemade brownie registers differently. You don't have to be a pro in the kitchen. You don't even have to have fancy baking equipment that breaks the bank. What you need is the desire to create something that puts a smile on your face, and a good, simple brownie recipe does exactly that.
Friendship Day in India isn't just about the hashtags and wristbands. It's about sharing something that is familiar, taking a walk home with that one friend who never left you behind, and now, perhaps, to share a brownie warm and gooey that you baked in your own kitchen.
This article is for beginners to experienced bakers. It's for people who need something homemade, in a single bowl to prepare, less than 30 minutes, and yet a fulfilling enough treat to say thank you for being you. Let's go straight into the simplest brownie recipe you'll ever make, no mixer, no fancy ingredients or tools, just love in every bite.
Ingredients:
Method:
Begin by heating the chocolate and butter in a pan over low heat or in a microwave-safe bowl in short intervals. Stir until smooth. Let it cool slightly. Add the sugar and mix it well. Next, add the eggs and vanilla and whisk until blended well.
Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently stir until there are no dry patches. If it is a bit too thick, add a spoon or two of milk. Fold chopped nuts or chocolate chips in if using.
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a small square baking tin or line it with parchment paper. Fill the batter and level it using the back of a spoon. Bake for 18–22 minutes. Do a toothpick test to check doneness, it should come out dry and no wet batter.
Cool for 5-10 minutes before you cut them. They hold their proper shape as they rest. You can have them warm or keep them in an airtight box.
Don’t stress over baking chocolate brands. Use regular chocolate bars like Bournville, or even leftover Dairy Milk Silk if that’s all you’ve got. Just avoid anything with fillings. Dark chocolate works better than milk chocolate as it balances the sugar in the recipe. Chop it small so it melts evenly.
This duo forms the base of every good brownie. Melting them together gives your mix a smooth shine and rich finish. If you’re short on time, microwave both together in a glass bowl in 30-second bursts. Stir after each round so it doesn’t burn. This one step makes your brownies taste rich without adding anything extra.
This simple brownie recipe is designed to be basic. A standard whisk or even a fork will do. When your wet ingredients are smooth, folding in the rest is just a matter of time. Over-mixing is the culprit that dries out or makes dense brownies. Carefully stir just until the white flour is gone.
All ovens are slightly different. 18-22 minutes, according to the recipe, is fine, but it's worth checking at 15 minutes. If the sides are cooked and the centre wobbles a tiny bit, turn off and let it cook the rest of the way in the tray. Too long and it becomes a chocolate cake. A few sticky crumbs on your toothpick are perfection.
This is your recipe, own it. Crave a bit of crunch? Sprinkle crushed Oreos on top before baking. Want nutty? Mix in some cashews or walnuts. For a desi twist of fun, mix in a spoon of peanut butter or Nutella. Even Cadbury Gems bring color and cheer. Simple is fine, but you can play.
Yes, most brownies require you to cool them for an hour. But with this quick brownie recipe, it doesn't mind being cut warm. Let it cool for only 10 minutes. That's long enough to hold its shape. If you prefer softer, gooier centres, eat it warm off the spoon. To be gifting or packing, let it settle for 20 minutes before wrapping.
Don't be disappointed if you lack an oven. This simple brownie recipe also functions in an old-fashioned pressure cooker. Put a pinch of salt in the bottom of the cooker, put in a stand, heat for 5 minutes, then insert your baking sheet without the gasket and weight. Close and bake 25 minutes on low. Works like magic, no whistles required.