These Ultimate Gooey Brownies are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a holiday, or simply craving something chocolatey, these brownies deliver! With their rich fudgy texture and delightful gooeyness, they are sure to impress family and friends. Plus, they’re easy to whip up from scratch, making them a go-to dessert for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: These brownies are loaded with chocolate, ensuring each bite is a decadent delight.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can have these brownies ready in no time.
- Versatile Add-Ins: Customize your brownies with M&M’s, nuts, or even crumbled cookies for extra fun and flavor.
- Perfect Texture: Enjoy the contrast of crispy edges and a soft, gooey center that makes every bite unforgettable.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a cozy night in, these brownies fit right in!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Non-stick baking spray
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking Pan: The right size ensures even baking and perfect brownie texture.
- Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
- Mixing Bowls: Using separate bowls helps keep ingredients organized during prep.
Ingredients
These delicious, gooey brownies are made from scratch and soooo good! Fudgy and slightly under baked on the inside, crackly on the tops with crispy edges included and loaded with chocolate flavor! The way Ultimate Gooey Brownies were meant to be! You’ll love how easy they are to prepare and even better when you get to devour these brownies!
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder (like Hershey’s Special Dark)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (12 tablespoons)
- 2 Tablespoons canola oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 1/2 cups sugar (divided (1/2 cup, 1 cup))
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, plus 1 egg yolk
- 2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Add-ins: 1/2 cup to 1 cup of M&M’s (nuts or roughly chopped cookies)
How to Make Ultimate Gooey Brownies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line your baking pan (8×8 or 9×9 inches) with parchment paper. Lightly spray it with non-stick baking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together the following:
* 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder
Set this mixture aside for later.
Step 3: Melt Butter Mixture
In a medium saucepan over medium heat:
* Combine 3/4 cup unsalted butter, 2 Tablespoons canola oil, and 1/2 cup sugar.
* Stir frequently until the butter is completely melted. Remove from heat once melted.
Step 4: Mix Eggs and Sugar
In another large mixing bowl:
* Whisk together 2 large eggs, 1 egg yolk, and the remaining 1 cup sugar.
* Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Slowly pour the warm butter mixture into the egg mixture:
* Add gradually while whisking constantly until fully combined.
Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Add your dry ingredient mixture from Step 2 into the wet ingredients:
* Stir gently with a spatula until just combined—do not overmix.
Step 7: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Fold in:
* 2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
* Any add-ins you desire at this point (M&M’s or nuts).
Step 8: Pour Batter into Pan
Scrape the brownie batter into your prepared pan:
* Smooth out the top evenly.
Step 9: Bake Brownies
Bake in preheated oven:
* For a 9 pan, bake for about 30 minutes.
* For an 8 pan, bake for approximately 40 minutes.
Check that the edges are firm while the center remains shiny.
Step 10: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, place your brownies on a cooling rack:
Cool completely before cutting into squares—about 2 hours. Enjoy your Ultimate Gooey Brownies!
How to Serve Ultimate Gooey Brownies
Ultimate Gooey Brownies are a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Their rich, fudgy texture and chocolatey goodness make them perfect for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your brownie experience.
A La Mode
- Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a classic combination. The cold ice cream melts slightly over the warm brownie, creating an irresistible treat.
With Whipped Cream
- Top the brownies with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. This adds a light and airy contrast to the dense fudginess of the brownies.
Drizzled with Caramel
- A drizzle of warm caramel sauce enhances the sweetness and adds a luxurious touch. It pairs wonderfully with the chocolate flavors in the brownies.
Sprinkled with Sea Salt
- For a sophisticated twist, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top just before serving. The salt balances the sweetness and brings out the chocolate flavor.
Served with Fresh Berries
- Accompany your brownies with fresh raspberries or strawberries. The tartness of the berries cuts through the richness of the brownies beautifully.
How to Perfect Ultimate Gooey Brownies
To achieve the ultimate gooey texture in your brownies, follow these simple tips that ensure delicious results every time.
- Use high-quality chocolate: Opt for semi-sweet chocolate chips or bars for richer flavor.
- Don’t overmix: Gently fold in ingredients to keep your brownies fudgy and avoid toughness.
- Watch baking time closely: Check for doneness early; underbaking slightly leads to gooier centers.
- Let them cool completely: Allowing brownies to cool for at least two hours ensures they set up nicely but remain soft.
- Experiment with add-ins: Try nuts, cookies, or candies like M&M’s to customize your brownies further.
Best Side Dishes for Ultimate Gooey Brownies
While Ultimate Gooey Brownies are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic choice that provides a creamy contrast to rich brownies.
- Fresh Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances sweetness.
- Chocolate Sauce – For chocolate lovers, drizzling extra chocolate sauce amplifies the indulgence.
- Pecan Pie Bites – These small bites offer a nutty crunch that contrasts nicely with soft brownies.
- Coffee or Espresso – Serving brownies alongside coffee enhances their chocolate flavor and offers a satisfying finish.
- Cheesecake Bites – Mini cheesecakes provide a tangy contrast while still being indulgent and sweet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Ultimate Gooey Brownies, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch for:
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to tough brownies. Mix just until combined to keep them fudgy and gooey.
- Not measuring ingredients correctly: Accurate measurements are key. Use proper measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients to ensure success.
- Skipping the parchment paper: Lining your pan helps with easy removal. Don’t skip this step, or you may end up with broken brownies.
- Baking too long: Overbaking can dry out your brownies. Start checking for doneness a few minutes early; they should be set but still soft in the middle.
- Ignoring cooling time: Cutting into hot brownies can ruin their texture. Allow them to cool completely for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking, to prevent sticking.
Freezing Ultimate Gooey Brownies
- Wrap brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.
Reheating Ultimate Gooey Brownies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Warm brownies for about 10-15 minutes for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
- Microwave: Heat individual pieces on medium power for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Place brownies in a pan over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes, checking frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make my Ultimate Gooey Brownies extra chocolatey?
You can add more chocolate chips or chunks into the batter before baking. Consider using different types of chocolate like dark or white chocolate for added flavor!
Can I substitute ingredients in the Ultimate Gooey Brownies recipe?
Yes! You can use coconut oil instead of butter or swap granulated sugar for brown sugar for a richer flavor profile.
What are some great add-ins for Ultimate Gooey Brownies?
Some delicious options include nuts, caramel bits, or cookie dough pieces. Feel free to get creative with your favorite mix-ins!
How do I know when my Ultimate Gooey Brownies are done baking?
Look for firm edges and a shiny, crackly top while the center remains soft and slightly underbaked. A toothpick inserted should have moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Final Thoughts
The Ultimate Gooey Brownies are not just a dessert; they are an experience! Their fudgy texture and rich chocolate flavor will delight any sweet tooth. Don’t hesitate to customize these brownies with your favorite mix-ins or toppings. Try them today, and you’ll see why they are so loved!
Ultimate Gooey Brownies
Indulge in the decadent delight of Ultimate Gooey Brownies, a dessert that combines rich chocolate flavor with an irresistibly fudgy texture. Perfect for any occasion, these brownies are sure to impress family and friends. With a simple preparation process using common ingredients, even novice bakers can whip up these treats with ease. Customize them with your favorite add-ins like M&M’s or nuts for added fun and flavor. Each bite delivers a perfect contrast between crispy edges and a gooey center, making them a go-to dessert whether you’re celebrating a special event or satisfying a sweet craving.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 1/2 cups sugar (divided)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk
- 2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional add-ins: M&M's, nuts, or crumbled cookies
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, sift together flour, salt, and cocoa powder; set aside.
- Melt butter and oil in a saucepan over medium heat, then mix with half of the sugar until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, yolk, remaining sugar, and vanilla extract until blended.
- Gradually combine the warm butter mixture into the egg mixture while whisking continuously.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and any desired add-ins before pouring the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for about 30 minutes (for a 9-inch pan) or approximately 40 minutes (for an 8-inch pan), ensuring that the center remains shiny.
- Cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Use high-quality chocolate for deeper flavor. Don’t overmix the batter to maintain rich gooeyness. Check baking time closely to avoid overbaking.
