Searching for a unique and tasty way to tell someone you care? Whip up a delicious batch of homemade brownies. There's nothing better than gooey brownies straight from the oven. Plus, this dessert not only tastes great, but it's also easy to make. With the right recipe and a little effort, you can create a plateful of brownies that guests will go crazy for. Keep reading for a list of easy-to-follow recipes and tips to make the perfect brownies.
Best Brownie Recipes
From chocolate to red velvet, making delicious brownies starts with a great recipe. So to ensure that your next batch of brownies is the best yet, we've rounded up six of the best brownie recipes.
Red Velvet Brownie Torte
Sometimes regular brownies just won't do. If you're a fan of red velvet cake and looking to spice up your usual brownie recipe, you're bound to love this torte. This Red Velvet Brownie Torte recipe features delicious chocolate-y brownies that are layered with chocolate chip cream cheese buttercream. The perfect way to upgrade your next pan of brownies, add this treat to the dessert table and watch guests line up for a bite.
Peppermint Brownies
Peppermint tastes delicious when included in baked dessert recipes. And though it's most commonly used during the holiday season, you can enjoy peppermint year-round. So if you're craving the minty taste of your favorite winter treat, bake up a batch of these Peppermint Brownies. Our gluten-free brownie mix and high quality cocoa powder create a celiac-friendly dessert that everyone can take a bite of. Not only will your gluten free guests be grateful, but people who do eat gluten won't be able to tell the difference.
Gluten Free Cream Cheese Brownies
Gluten free baking doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, with a bit of help from our Gluten Free Brownie Mix, your favorite brownie recipe can be effortlessly recreated sans gluten. To create a gluten free treat that is bursting with sweet, creamy flavor, start by making these Gluten Free Cream Cheese Brownies. Only a handful of ingredients are needed to create this brownie and take your favorite dessert to the next level. To make this recipe, butter, eggs, cream cheese and sugar combine for a sweet, smooth and creamy flavor that is sure to be remembered.
Pretzel Brownies (Gluten Free)
If you crave salty foods as much as sweet ones, you're in luck. These Pretzel Brownies are the perfect way to curb all of your cravings in just one bite. Loaded with sweet, salty, crunchy and chewy flavor, their chocolatey goodness is irresistible. A recipe formulated to work with our Gluten Free Brownie Mix, this dessert is one that eaters of all ages love. Create a batch or two for your next birthday celebration, or make some for yourself to have on hand when you're craving something sweet. One thing is for sure when making these brownies; there will be hardly any leftovers.
Vanilla Brownies with Vanilla Glaze Frosting
If you are searching for a way to spice up your favorite dessert, then it may be time to ditch your typical chocolate brownie recipe and switch to a vanilla one instead. A fun, unique and chic approach to a classic dessert, these Vanilla Brownies with Vanilla Glaze Frosting are sure to be remembered. Instead of cocoa powder, vanilla extract and white chocolate chips create a light, chocolatey flavor sweetened with brown sugar and butter. Topped with a vanilla glaze frosting, these brownies not only taste extravagant, but they also look good. Sure to be a favorite amongst family and friends, pair this dessert with a warm cup of coffee or glass of wine if you're of age.
Peanut Butter Brownies
A classic pairing, anytime peanut butter is combined with chocolate, it's known to produce excellent results, and these Peanut Butter Brownies are no exception. Simple to make and overflowing with flavor, these cocoa-infused brownies are topped with a sweet peanut butter swirl that will satisfy your sweet and salty cravings. Make these brownies to share with the peanut butter lovers in your life, and watch them quickly disappear from the plate. Oooey, gooey and oh-so-delicious, these brownies will surely earn a spot in your recipe book.
Red Flags to Look for When Making Brownies
Making brownies seems like a pretty straightforward process. While that's typically the case, there are a few red flags to watch out for when lining up your brownie ingredients. Review the list of cautions below before making your next batch.
Low-Quality Chocolate
The biggest mistake you can make when baking brownies is to use chocolate that's not of good quality. Good quality chocolate will boost the flavor and texture of your brownie recipe and is one ingredient that you might want to splurge on. If your goal is an ooey-gooey and velvety chocolate brownie, we recommend using the best quality chocolate that you can find.
Sugar Substitutions
To ensure that your brownies turn out great, make sure you use the ingredients listed in the recipe. While certain ingredients can be substituted for others, sugar is not one of them. Each type of sugar reacts and bakes differently. If you're working with a recipe that calls for castor sugar and uses granulated sugar in its place, it could end in disaster.
Over Baked Brownies
Another common mistake that at-home cooks tend to make when baking brownies is the cooking time. To ensure that your brownies capture all the fudgy flavor possible, you'll want to bake them for the exact time stated in the recipe. Overbaked brownies will end up hard, dry and brittle, whereas underbaked brownies will fall apart upon handling.
Brownie Making Tips
Baking brownies isn't just about looking out for red flags. There are also several things that you can do to take your brownie recipe up a notch. Ready to begin baking? Use the right ingredients and follow the tips below, and we're confident that your next batch of brownies will be the best yet.
Be Mindful of Substitutions
Not all brownie recipes may meet your dietary restrictions, and that's okay! Luckily, there are several substitutions out there that can help you transform any recipe into the perfect one for you. That being so, it's essential to be mindful of the substitutions you use. For example, if you're making eggless brownies, search for a one-to-one egg substitution like our Gluten Free Egg Replacer. When substituting traditional flours for gluten free ones, we recommend using a pre-made mix like our Gluten Free Brownie Mix. Using substitutions that have already been adjusted for the recipes at hand makes you more likely to end up with the desired result.
Mix Well
The key to perfectly gooey brownies is good mixing, especially when it comes to eggs and sugar. Whisking eggs and sugar into the perfect texture will help incorporate more air into the batter and result in soft and fudgy brownies. We recommend using a stand mixer or a handheld mixer with wire whisks for the best chance at mixing success. No matter the type of mixer used, make sure that there are no lumps at the end of the mixing process.
Sift Dry Ingredients
Even if not stated in the recipe, sifting dry ingredients is an excellent way to ensure that they're fully mixed before they are combined with the wet ingredients. Sifting your brownie mix will help break up any lumps in the dry ingredients and aerate them simultaneously. This process allows the dry mixture to incorporate into the wet one better and ensures that brownies are not dense when cooked.
Allow Brownies to Cool Completely
Though reaching for a brownie that's just left the oven may be tempting, it could affect the overall taste and texture. If brownies are removed when too hot, they'll likely crumble before you can get them into your mouth. Allowing brownies to cool for 10-15 minutes before removing them from the pan helps all of the ingredients set so that they are soft and fudgy.
Use the tips and recipes above to level up your brownie baking skills and create a batch that everyone will enjoy. The perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth, brownies are easy to make and keep well in the fridge. If you find that you have leftovers and want to save them for the next time you fancy something sweet, read the articles: Can You Freeze Brownies? and How to Store Brownies. From everyone at Bob's Red Mill, we wish you brownie baking success!
Do you find yourself baking brownies regularly? We'd love to hear more about how you make this great-tasting dessert. Share your favorite recipes with us in the comments below.
