Delicious and Easy Gourmet Recipes for Everyone

Ingredients

1 cup of all-purpose flour
1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
1 cup of white sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
2 tablespoons of milk
1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it is light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and unsweetened cocoa powder.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl used for combining ingredients.
Whisk - A utensil with wire loops used for blending and mixing ingredients.
Electric Mixer - A handheld or stand mixer used to cream ingredients together.
Baking Pan - A rectangular or square pan used for baking the batter.
Spatula - A flat and flexible utensil used for scraping the sides of bowls and smoothing the batter.
Toothpick - A thin wooden or metal pick used to test the doneness of the cake.
Wire Rack - A rack with open grid-like shelves used for cooling the cake.
Oven - A kitchen appliance used for baking the cake.
Measuring Cups and Spoons - Tools used to accurately measure the ingredients.

Recipe variations

Substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
Replace unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (such as walnuts or almonds) to the batter for added texture.
Mix in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chunks for extra chocolatey goodness.
Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.
Sprinkle a layer of powdered sugar on top before serving for a decorative touch.
Create a chocolate glaze by melting 1/2 cup of chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of butter and drizzle it over the cooled brownies.
Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter for a refreshing twist.
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Incorporate 1/2 cup of dried fruit (such as cherries or cranberries) into the batter for a fruity twist.

Recipe overview

This recipe is a delightful treat for all chocolate lovers out there! Using simple, everyday ingredients, you can whip up a delicious chocolate cake that is sure to impress your family and friends. The process is straightforward and beginner-friendly - you'll start by creaming together butter and sugar, add in eggs and vanilla, then slowly incorporate a mix of dry ingredients. The result is a rich, moist chocolate cake with a perfect crumb. It's a versatile recipe that you can dress up with frosting or enjoy plain. This chocolate cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, so preheat your oven and let's get baking!

Common questions

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? - Yes, you can use salted butter instead of unsalted butter in this recipe. However, you may want to reduce the amount of added salt slightly to balance the flavors.
Can I use a different type of flour? - It is recommended to use all-purpose flour for this recipe. Using a different type of flour may alter the texture and taste of the final product.
Can I substitute the white sugar with a different sweetener? - While it is possible to substitute white sugar with alternative sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup, it may affect the texture and taste of the brownies. Adjustments may be needed to achieve the desired results.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the brownie batter? - Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or any other desired mix-ins to the batter. Simply fold them in gently before pouring the batter into the baking pan.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking? - Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the brownies are done. Avoid overbaking as it can result in dry brownies.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining ingredients.
Electric Mixer - Used to cream the butter and sugar and mix the ingredients.
Spatula - To scrape down the sides of the bowl and fold in the dry ingredients.
Measuring Cups and Spoons - For accurate measurement of ingredients.
Baking Pan - A rectangular pan for baking the brownies.
Toothpick - To check if the brownies are fully baked.
Wire Rack - To cool the brownies after baking.

Origin stories

This recipe hails from the world of American baking, where cocoa powder has been a beloved ingredient since the mid-19th century. Back then, cocoa powder was a luxury, but it's said that one day, a baker in New York ran out of the high-quality chocolate normally used for cakes. In desperation, the baker used what was available - inexpensive cocoa powder. The result was a moist, rich cake that was lighter but just as delicious. Customers loved it, and the cocoa cake became a staple in American bakeries. Today, it's a reminder that sometimes, necessity really is the mother of invention.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.