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My Grandma’s Signature Brownie Recipe Has a Genius Secret Ingredient

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  • Author: Lily Carter
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 16-20 brownies (adjusted to 2-4 servings more than normal) 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These brownies are the perfect balance of fudgy, gooey, and just the right amount of chocolatey sweetness. What makes them truly stand out is a genius secret ingredient—instant coffee—that enhances the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee. The result is an unforgettable, decadent brownie.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon instant coffee

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. Optionally, line with parchment paper for easy removal.

  2. In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and chocolate chips. Stir occasionally until fully melted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, and instant coffee.

  4. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs until combined and slightly fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and the melted butter-chocolate mixture.

  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined (avoid overmixing).

  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.

  7. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing into squares. For firmer brownies, let cool completely.


Notes

  • For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with dairy-free butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
  • For egg-free brownies, use flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer.
  • Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 brownie
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 45mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg