Brownies are a classic dessert that everyone loves. They’re easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a sweet treat, this basic brownie recipe is perfect for you. In this article, we’ll go over the ingredients, instructions, and nutrition of this recipe.
Ingredients
To make these brownies, you’ll need the following ingredients: - 1 cup unsalted butter - 2 cups granulated sugar - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ¾ cup cocoa powder - 1 cup all-purpose flour - ½ teaspoon salt
Butter
The butter is an essential ingredient in this recipe. It gives the brownies a rich and buttery flavor. Make sure to use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in the recipe.
Sugar
The sugar is what makes the brownies sweet. You can use either granulated sugar or brown sugar in this recipe. Granulated sugar will give the brownies a lighter color, while brown sugar will make them darker and give them a slightly different flavor.
Eggs
The eggs help bind the brownies together and give them structure. Make sure to use large eggs for this recipe.
Vanilla Extract
The vanilla extract is optional, but it adds a nice flavor to the brownies. If you don’t have any on hand, you can leave it out.
Cocoa Powder
The cocoa powder is what gives the brownies their chocolate flavor. Make sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder.
All-Purpose Flour
The all-purpose flour is what gives the brownies their structure. Make sure to measure the flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife.
Salt
The salt helps balance out the sweetness in the brownies. Use only ½ teaspoon of salt since the butter is already salted.
Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients, it’s time to make the brownies. Follow these instructions: 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). 2. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. 3. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. 4. Add the granulated sugar to the melted butter and stir until well combined. 5. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring after each addition. 6. Stir in the vanilla extract. 7. In a separate bowl, mix together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt. 8. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until well combined. 9. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth it out with a spatula. 10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean. 11. Let the brownies cool completely before cutting them into squares.
Nutrition
These brownies are delicious, but they’re also quite high in calories and sugar. Here’s the nutrition information for one brownie: - Calories: 250 - Fat: 12g - Saturated Fat: 7g - Cholesterol: 75mg - Sodium: 95mg - Carbohydrates: 34g - Fiber: 2g - Sugar: 25g - Protein: 3g
Calories
The calories in these brownies come from the butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. While they’re not the healthiest dessert, they’re a tasty treat in moderation.
Fat
The fat in these brownies comes from the butter and eggs. If you’re looking to reduce the fat content, you can use a lower-fat butter substitute or replace some of the butter with applesauce.
Carbohydrates
The carbohydrates in these brownies come from the sugar and flour. If you’re watching your carb intake, you can try using a sugar substitute or using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Protein
The protein in these brownies comes from the eggs. While they’re not a significant source of protein, every little bit helps.
Conclusion
This basic brownie recipe is a classic for a reason. It’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or just want a sweet treat, these brownies are sure to satisfy your cravings. Just remember to enjoy them in moderation!