Description: A decadent and intensely chocolatey dessert featuring a rich, fudgy brownie base topped with a luscious, smooth ganache. This recipe is perfect for chocolate lovers and is surprisingly easy to make, making it a show-stopping dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Brownie Cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
For the Ganache Topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray. You can also line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the brownie out of the pan after it has cooled.
Step 2: In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar until well combined. The mixture may appear slightly grainy at this point, but don’t worry, it will smooth out as you add the remaining ingredients.
Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps to create a smooth and emulsified batter. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Whisking ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing lumps in the batter.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough brownie. Fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The edges of the brownie should be slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan.
Step 8: Remove the brownie from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan before adding the ganache topping. Cooling the brownie completely prevents the ganache from melting and running off.
Step 9: While the brownie is cooling, prepare the ganache. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
Step 10: Remove the saucepan from the heat and pour the hot heavy cream over the chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a heat-proof bowl. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt.
Step 11: Gently stir the chocolate and cream together until smooth and glossy. If the chocolate doesn’t melt completely, you can microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
Step 12: Once the brownie has cooled completely, pour the ganache over the top and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Step 13: Let the ganache set at room temperature for a few hours, or chill it in the refrigerator for a firmer texture.
Step 14: Once the ganache has set, slice the brownie into squares and serve.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Chocolate Fudge Layered Bliss recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The intensely chocolatey brownie base is incredibly fudgy and moist, perfectly complemented by the rich and decadent ganache topping. It’s easy to make, using simple ingredients and straightforward instructions. The recipe is easily adaptable; you can use different types of chocolate, add nuts or other mix-ins to the brownie batter, or experiment with different flavorings in the ganache. Whether you are making it for a special occasion or simply to satisfy your chocolate craving, this recipe is sure to be a hit. The combination of textures and flavors is irresistible, making it a memorable dessert that everyone will love.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the brownie squares as is for a simple yet satisfying dessert.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Garnish with fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, for a burst of freshness and color.
- Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce or chocolate syrup for added flavor.
- Serve with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee or tea.
Tips:
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor in both the brownie and the ganache.
- Do not overmix the brownie batter, as this can result in a tough brownie.
- Cool the brownie completely before adding the ganache to prevent it from melting.
- For a thicker ganache, use a higher ratio of chocolate to heavy cream.
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For an even fudgier brownie, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the dry ingredients.
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of melted butter in the brownie batter. To make brown butter, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 3 hours (including cooling and setting time)
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
- Protein: 5-7 grams per serving
- Sodium: 150-200 mg per serving
Conclusion:
This Chocolate Fudge Layered Bliss recipe is a delicious and indulgent dessert that is sure to satisfy any chocolate craving. With its rich, fudgy brownie base and smooth, decadent ganache topping, it is a perfect treat for any occasion. The recipe is easy to follow, and the results are guaranteed to impress. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a beginner, you will be able to create this amazing dessert with ease. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a slice of chocolate heaven!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use different types of chocolate for the ganache? Yes, you can experiment with different types of chocolate for the ganache. Milk chocolate will result in a sweeter ganache, while dark chocolate will create a richer and more intense flavor. You can also use white chocolate for a completely different flavor profile.
- Can I add nuts to the brownie batter? Absolutely! Adding nuts to the brownie batter is a great way to add texture and flavor. Walnuts, pecans, and almonds all work well. You can also add other mix-ins, such as chocolate chunks, peanut butter chips, or dried fruit.
- How do I prevent the ganache from cracking? To prevent the ganache from cracking, avoid sudden temperature changes. Let the brownie cool completely before adding the ganache, and allow the ganache to set slowly at room temperature. If you need to chill it in the refrigerator, cover it loosely with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, this recipe can be made ahead of time. The brownie can be baked a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The ganache can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. When you are ready to assemble the dessert, let the ganache come to room temperature and then spread it over the brownie.
- What if I don’t have heavy cream? If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the ganache will be thinner. For a richer ganache, you can also use crème fraîche or mascarpone cheese.
