fudgy chocolate brownie.

Fudgy chocolate brownies

makes 12–16 squares · prep 15 min · bake 20–25 min

A reliable chocolate treat for café cabinets, plated desserts or buffet spreads.

Ingredients

• 200 g butter
• 250 g sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 75 g Dutch cocoa powder
• 100 g plain flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 100 g chocolate chips (optional)

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 170°C. Line a square baking tin with baking paper.
2. Melt the butter and allow it to cool slightly. Whisk in the sugar.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
4. Sift in the cocoa powder, flour and salt. Fold gently until just combined, then add the chocolate chips if using.
5. Spread into the prepared tin and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges are set and the centre is still slightly fudgy.
6. Cool before cutting into squares.

Chef's tip: Avoid overbaking if you want a rich, fudgy centre. For a plated dessert, serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Recipe note: Baking times may vary by oven and tin size. Scale the batch to suit your kitchen's service volume.