Description
A minimalist, 5-ingredient dessert that delivers intense chocolate flavor with a fudgy texture. This small batch recipe requires no flour or mixer, making it a quick, foolproof treat ready in about 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 ounces (115g) dark chocolate (semi-sweet baking bars, chopped)
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
- Optional: ¼ cup chocolate chips
- Optional: Sea salt flakes for topping
- Optional: ¼ cup walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, creating a sling with overhang on the sides, and grease lightly.
- Chop dark chocolate into rough pieces. Place chocolate and cubed butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely smooth (about 1-2 minutes). Alternatively, melt using a double boiler.
- Whisk the sugar into the melted chocolate and butter mixture vigorously for about 30 seconds until glossy and thick.
- Whisk in the eggs one at a time until just combined. Do not overmix. Stir in the espresso powder until dissolved.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Add optional chocolate chips or nuts if using, pressing them gently into the batter.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center should still look slightly soft and jiggly.
- Let brownies cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes to set. Lift out using the parchment sling, cut into 9 squares, and sprinkle with sea salt flakes if desired.
Notes
Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly soft for a fudgy texture. Use good quality dark chocolate as it is the main flavor source. Espresso powder enhances chocolate flavor but does not make the brownies taste like coffee. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 15
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: small batch brownies, fudgy brownies, 5 ingredient dessert, chocolate brownies, espresso brownies, gluten-free dessert, quick dessert, no flour brownies