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Customizable Brownie Bars

These brownie bars are a rich, fudgy treat that can be personalized with unexpected mix-ins like smoked sea salt or toasted coconut. The recipe involves melting butter, mixing in cocoa and sugar, then folding in eggs, flour, and your favorite add-ins before baking until the edges are set and the top crackles beautifully. The final result is a glossy, chewy bar with a tender crumb and surprising bursts of flavor and texture.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 9
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 115 g unsalted butter melted and cooled
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder sifted for smoothness
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup mix-ins e.g., toasted coconut, smoked sea salt, chopped nuts

Equipment

  • 9-inch square baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Toothpick
  • Wire cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line your baking pan with parchment paper, letting some overhang for easy removal.
  2. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then let it cool slightly until it’s just warm and fragrant.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and sifted cocoa powder until they’re combined and slightly fragrant.
  4. Pour the warm melted butter into the dry mixture, stirring until smooth and glossy.
  5. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking vigorously after each to incorporate and create a shiny, thick batter.
  6. Stir in the vanilla extract, then gently fold in the flour until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  7. Gently fold in your chosen mix-ins, spreading them evenly throughout the batter.
  8. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula and tapping the pan lightly to settle the batter.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges look firm and slightly cracked on top, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
  10. Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. After cooling, lift out the whole block of brownie using the parchment overhang, and slice into squares. Serve and enjoy the rich, fudgy texture with your personalized mix-ins.