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Chocolate Turtle Brownies

November 6, 2025 by Abigail Leave a Comment

Cutting into a tray of freshly-baked turtle brownies.

Everything you love about the candy, now in a chewy, chocolatey brownie. Alternating layers of fudgy chocolate brownie batter and homemade salted caramel, topped with a salted caramel drizzle and toasted chopped pecans.

Cutting into a tray of freshly-baked turtle brownies.

DeMet’s first introduced their original chocolate pecan caramel clusters in 1916, and both Rochelle from Everybody Hates Chris and I have been throwing them back for years with a passion and fury misunderstood by family and friends alike.

On a more serious note, chocolate turtles are roasted and salted pecan halves that are covered in chewy caramel and then enrobed in delicious milk chocolate. They are a timeless, simple confection that you can easily eat into a sugar-induced stupor.

Funnily enough, a tray of fudgy chocolate brownies are equally addictive, so it makes total sense then to combine two perfect chocolate classics into one beautiful, decadent dessert.

Fudgy, caramel centers of turtle brownies.

Why Chocolate Lovers Make This Recipe

  • Ultra decadent — for those nights when you just need something…a little extra. When you’re ready to go all-out on treating yourself or someone you care about with a deliciously fudgy, chocolaty treat.
  • Twist on a classic — forget the rose petals; sprinkle Turtles all over the bed if you want my attention! ๐Ÿ˜€ Needless to say, these are one of my favorite candies of all time, so it makes perfect sense to combine them with my favorite Fudgy Chocolate Brownies for what is, just maybe, the perfect dessert.
  • Perfect for Fall — chocolate, caramel, and pecans are all quintessential autumnal flavors, making these brownies a perfect choice to serve at your next holiday party or cozy night in with loved ones.

Ingredients and Variations

These indulgent brownies need only simple pantry staples to come together. Some notes on a few key ingredients:

Granulated sugar — arguably one of the most important ingredients in caramel, granulated sugar provides the perfect balance of natural sweetness with warm, nutty notes. Do not substitute with brown sugar, unless you are specifically looking for butterscotch instead of caramel. ๐Ÿ™‚

Lemon juice — adding a little acid to caramel is an old baker’s and confectioner’s secret. Acid helps prevent the caramel from crystallizing without negatively affecting the overall flavor.

Heavy cream — heavy cream contains around 36% milk fat and is largely responsible for caramel’s silky texture. If you don’t have any heavy cream on hand, you can substitute using whole milk, but be advised that the resulting caramel will be thinner and less rich in texture, even if you add a little butter to compensate for the milk’s lower fat content.

Melted butter — dissolving sugar in hot, liquid fat like melted butter gives way to brownies with flaky, crackly tops.

Powdered sugar — powdered sugar dissolves more readily in heated fat due to its finer texture. While powdered sugar is derived from granulated sugar and cornstarch, I wouldn’t recommend substituting with any other sugar otherwise you can alter the brownies’ final texture and overall density.

Premium dark chocolate — using real, premium chocolate in brownie batter both intensifies the chocolate flavor and creates those gooey, fudgy centers we all love and crave. I have successfully used a variety of dark chocolate ranging from 56%-72% cocoa, but you can easily substitute with milk chocolate if you prefer.

Chopped pecans — pecans are a signature ingredient in classic turtle chocolate candies, so including them in these brownies is a must. However, you can easily swap 1-1 with walnuts, peanuts, or omit nuts altogether; just know that any variations won’t technically classify these as “turtle” brownies.

Tips for Success

  1. Choose a saucepan that has a light-colored bottom, such as stainless steel, so you can easily monitor the caramel’s color as it browns.
  2. Using citric acid and a saucepan with a clear lid prevents crunchy sugar crystals from developing in your caramel, so follow the recipe as written to remove any guesswork while achieving the results you want.
  3. It takes a good few minutes for the sugar mixture to darken, so have patience and trust in the process. Most importantly, refrain from stirring the caramel until the cream is added, otherwise your caramel will come out with large crystals that will be unpleasant to eat.
  4. Once the sugar mixture begins to caramelize and turn a light golden brown, stay close and have the heavy cream and vanilla mixture at the ready. Sugar will darken rapidly once it starts to turn, and can go from delicious to burnt in seconds. Use your eyes and nose to determine how the caramel is progressing, and add the heavy cream as soon as the caramel reaches a dark amber color and has a rich, nutty aroma.
  5. Use either a food-grade infrared or candy thermometer to achieve the proper caramel consistency; once returned to the stovetop, the caramel should reach between 225-235 degrees Fahrenheit before removing from heat and setting aside to cool.
  6. The caramel layer in between gets absorbed during baking, so don’t be alarmed if you don’t see much inside the actual brownie (except for the outer edges). This absorption keeps the brownies very easy to eat (no loose fillings here!) and still bursting with caramel flavor.
  7. Allow the brownies to fully cool in the pan before removing and cutting into slices. Doing so any earlier will most likely result in brownies that fall apart, which will be the twist your day doesn’t need to take. Plus, allowing for the brownies to cool completely gives you the most accurate level of doneness, since the brownies will continue to look slightly raw until they set. Have faith and patience!
  8. Deliciously, crackly brownie tops derive from dissolving sugar in fat. This recipes calls for dissolving powdered sugar in hot, melted butter for the flakiest finish.
Cutting and serving turtle brownies.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you are confident (and proud!) in your ability to demolish a tray of brownies in 1-3 days, then store these brownies in an airtight container on the counter. For longer storage, keep these brownies in an airtight container in the fridge between 3-7 days.

When ready to serve, simply allow the brownies to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, or gently warm individual servings in the microwave for 15-30 seconds until warm and gooey.

Chocolate Turtle Brownies

Everything you love about the candy, now in a chewy, chocolatey brownie. Alternating layers of fudgy chocolate brownie batter and homemade salted caramel, topped with a salted caramel drizzle and toasted chopped pecans.

  • measuring cup
  • 2L lightly-colored saucepan with clear lid
  • wooden spoon or spatula
  • large heatproof bowl
  • large mixing bowl
  • rubber spatula
  • 8×8 brownie pan
  • sheets parchment paper
  • food-grade probe or infrared thermometer

For the Caramel Sauce

  • 400 ml heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 400 grams granulated sugar
  • 200 ml water
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 3/4 teaspoon sea salt

For the Brownie Batter

  • 380 grams powdered sugar
  • 227 grams butter
  • 4 whole eggs, chilled
  • 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 10 ounces premium dark chocolate, melted
  • 160 grams all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 150 grams semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 70 grams toasted pecans, finely chopped

For the Caramel Sauce

  1. Stir together the heavy cream and vanilla extract in the measuring cup and set aside.

  2. In a deep, lightly-colored saucepan, combine sugar, water, and lemon juice over medium heat. Cover with a clear lid and allow the mixture to sit undisturbed until it turns light brown, 7-10 minutes.

  3. Remove the lid and carefully monitor the caramel until it turns a dark amber color, taking care still not to stir the caramel.

  4. Once the desired color has been achieved, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully pour in a splash of the heavy cream and rapidly stir with a wooden spoon as the caramel bubbles away. When the bubbles begin to die down, repeat the process 1-3 more times, alternating between adding a splash of heavy cream and stirring to temper and incorporate. When the mixture no longer bubbles, add in the rest of the heavy cream and stir.

  5. Return the pan to stove, this time on low heat, and allow the caramel to simmer until it reaches a temperature between 225-235โ„‰. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating throughout.

  6. Pour the caramel into a large, heatproof bowl to help cool more rapidly and set aside.

For the Brownies

  1. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the powdered sugar and melted butter for 2-3 minutes, until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the eggs, vanilla extract, and melted dark chocolate until evenly incorporated.

  2. Fold in the all-purpose flour and salt, then add the chocolate chips and two-thirds of the chopped pecans and gently fold to combine.

  3. Pour half of the brownie batter into a prepared 8×8 baking sheet and spread evenly into a single layer. Pour between 200g-225g of caramel over the brownie batter and spread into an even layer, leaving about 1-inch of room from the edges. Spread the remaining brownie batter overtop the caramel into an even layer. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few wet crumbs.

  4. Allow the brownies to fully cool in the pan before removing. Drizzle as much caramel sauce overtop as you like, followed by the rest of the chopped pecans. For best results, stick the pecans along the caramel so they adhere better. Cut into desired slices and serve.

Dessert

Filed Under: Brownies

S’mores Brownies

June 10, 2025 by Abigail Leave a Comment

Homemade chocolate sauce dripping down the side of a s'mores brownie.

Your new favorite treat for this fall! Three decadent layers of honey graham crackers, supremely fudgy chocolate brownies, and toasted marshmallows finished with homemade chocolate sauce and graham cracker crumbs. Share with family and friends for a campfire experience indoors!

Homemade chocolate sauce dripping down the side of a s'mores brownie.

For those inclement weather days that are unsupportive of roasting marshmallows over an open fire, these s’mores brownies make a terrifically tasty substitute.

These festively-autumnal treats actually utilize my Fudgy Chocolate Brownies for maximum chocolate flavor and intensity, of which perfectly matches the sweetness from the graham crackers and the caramel notes from the toasted marshmallows.

And to Hank Hill’s abundant disappointment, you don’t need any propane-powered firepits or butane torches to achieve stunning results. Just use your oven’s broiler setting (or bake between 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit) for 1-2 minutes and watch the marshmallows transform from pillowy soft to crispy golden brown.

See what people are saying

“They were a resounding success!…We didn’t have the willpower to wait until they fully cooled, so they were falling apart, but they were so delicious!” – Real feedback from recipe testers.

What Are S’mores Brownies?

S’mores brownies bake on a sweet foundation of honey graham crackers, then brownie batter is scooped and spread into an even layer overtop and fully baked before being topped with marshmallows, chocolate sauce, and graham cracker crumbs. Unlike regular s’mores, these brownies are much neater to eat by hand while still satisfying your campfire cravings.

A group of three s'mores brownies.

Reasons Why Chocolate Lovers Make This Recipe

  • Visually stunning — these s’mores brownies are the embodiment of drama, especially when drizzled with chocolate sauce and flecked with graham cracker crumbs. If you are looking to wow a crowd, then this recipe is for you.
  • Texturally satisfying — the crunch of the graham crackers, the fudgy centers of the chocolate brownies, finished with the gooey chew of toasted marshmallows–these brownies really are a journey of themselves.
  • Perfect for s’mores season — no campfire required to enjoy gooey gobfuls of toasted marshmallows and fudgy, intensely chocolaty brownies.
A tray of s'mores brownies with chocolate drizzle and graham cracker crumbs.

Ingredients and Variations

While this recipe might seem complicated, it’s actually surprisingly simple to put together and is perfect for beginner bakers who want to explore twists on classic desserts. A few notes on some ingredients:

Ingredients for s'mores brownies.

Honey graham crackers — the foundation for all s’mores. Use enough graham crackers to completely cover the bottom of the pan so that no large gaps remain. If done correctly, each brownie should be supported by the crackers enough so that the brownies can be eaten neatly by hand– that’s the fun of regular s’mores, after all! Reserve half of a cracker to crumble overtop the marshmallow layer, if desired.

Melted butter — butter adds fat and fudginess to recipes, and using hot melted butter helps dissolve the sugar enough to generate those flaky, crackly brownie tops everyone knows and loves.

Powdered sugar — I always use powdered sugar in brownie recipes for its superfine texture that more readily dissolves in hot butter, as noted above.

Premium dark chocolate — adding real chocolate helps create fudgier brownies, and using dark chocolate intensifies both chocolate and peanut butter elements.

Jumbo marshmallows — to maintain balance between the other layers in these brownies, cut marshmallows in half or thirds and arrange them so that they completely cove the brownies. If you don’t have large marshmallows, you can substitute with any other size, but they’re smaller size might lend to being more unruly when trying to position them, and you will obviously need a larger quantity to cover the surface area of the brownies.

Tips for Success

  1. Structurally-sound layers are key to the success of this recipe. Ensure the graham cracker layers have no gaps in between, that the brownies are baked all the way through, and that the marshmallows melt evenly across the tops. Maintaining this structural integrity guarantees a satisfying bite each and every time.
  2. While not required, utilizing the chocolate sauce adds another chocolate element to this dish while also giving something for the graham cracker crumbs to adhere to, rather than making a crumbly mess between bites.
  3. When broiling the marshmallows, do NOT walk away from your oven. Check on them every 30-60 seconds, as marshmallows go from white to burned in a moment.
Macro shot of a gooey s'mores brownie.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

If topped with chocolate sauce, keep these brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. However, without chocolate sauce, these brownies will keep in either an airtight container or resealable bag on the counter for 5-7 days.

If the brownies have been refrigerated, allow for them to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. If they have been on the counter, then they can be eaten as-is. I don’t recommend microwaving these brownies as I do with my other brownie recipes, as the graham crackers tend to get a bit soggy and the marshmallow balloon and then collapse.

S’mores Brownies

Your new favorite treat for this fall! Three decadent layers of honey graham crackers, supremely fudgy chocolate brownies, and toasted marshmallows finished with homemade chocolate sauce and graham cracker crumbs. Share with family and friends for a campfire experience indoors!

  • honey graham crackers
  • 150 grams butter, melted
  • 250 grams confectioner's sugar
  • 2 whole eggs, chilled
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 60 grams vegetable oil
  • 4.5 ounces premium dark chocolate, melted
  • 120 grams all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 200 grams semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • jumbo marshmallows, cut into halves or thirds
  • chocolate sauce and graham cracker crumbs, for garnish (optional)
  1. Preheat oven to 350 โ„‰. Lightly grease an 8×8" metal baking pan with nonstick cooking spray, line with parchment paper, then lightly grease the parchment as well. Set aside

  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar and stir to help the sugar dissolve. Add the vanilla extract, eggs, oil, and melted chocolate and mix until combined.

  3. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt, and gently fold in until no raw flour is visible. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.

  4. Pour the batter to the prepared baking pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few wet crumbs. Allow the brownies to fully cool in the pan on a wire cooling rack before cutting into slices.

Filed Under: Brownies

Espresso Brownies

June 8, 2025 by Abigail Leave a Comment

A gooey batch of espresso brownies.

For the coffee lover in your life, especially if that’s you! Rich, fudgy brownies full of chocolaty sweetness expertly balanced with an effervescent espresso taste. Now you can have your coffee fix any time of day, especially at night!

A gooey batch of espresso brownies.

For most, the day starts like this: your feet hit the floor, and a few moments later, you are brewing a fresh pot of coffee. And as the kitchen slowly fills with that heavenly, comforting aroma, you start to anticipate that first warm, intense sip.

Now take the beauty and sanctity of this morning ritual and infuse it into your late nights, all while still being able to fall asleep. Sounds too good to be true? With these brownies, it isn’t.

These espresso brownies combine the rich, fudgy decadence you desire from a brownie, and interlaces it with all that is cozy and comforting about your morning coffee.

For another chocolate and coffee combination, check out my Chocolate Irish Coffee for another amazing dessert!

Fudgy centers of espresso brownies.

Why Chocolate Lovers Make This Recipe

Mocha magnificence — people can’t ever get enough mocha, with mocha coffee drinks rounding out the top five most popular around the world. So if you need a change from snacking on chocolate-covered espresso beans, then these brownies are the answer!

Coffee and dessert — if you didn’t necessarily want a full caffeine jolt at the end of your day, then reach for one of these brownies instead! You’ll get your coffee fix, and probably fall asleep even sooner than predicted with a fully belly! ๐Ÿ˜‰

One-bowl recipe — as with all of my brownies on this site, you only need one mixing bowl and a rubber spatula to make this recipe a reality.Ingredients and Variations

Ingredients and Variations

These espresso brownies don’t require any special ingredients to be delicious! Some notes on a few key elements:

Ingredients for espresso brownies.

Premium chocolate — For the best chocolate flavor and the most amazingly fudgy center, melt down one of your favorite chocolate bars and it to the batter.

Powdered sugar — I find that powdered sugar readily dissolves in sugar better than other varieties for those crackly tops.

Whole eggs — the egg whites provide structure to the brownies while the fat from the yolks lend to the rich, fudgy texture.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips — incorporating chocolate chips into brownie batter gives some textural variety in this fudgy chocolate brownie. You can also substitute chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunch that still complements the espresso flavor.

Tips for Success

  1. For those amazingly crackly tops, make sure that the sugar dissolves in the hot butter; you can tell it’s done when the sugar transforms to a smooth, homogenous mixture.
  2. Allow for the brownies to fully cool before removing them from the pan cutting into them. Doing so prematurely can result in the brownies not having fully set, making for a messy situation.
  3. If you find that your brownies are still under-baked after the allotted cooling time, for food safety reasons, do NOT put the entire batch into the oven to bake again. Instead, you can microwave individual portions to your desired level of doneness, so long as you eat the brownie right away. Oh, darn…
  4. Do not overmix the batter, otherwise the gluten in the flour will develop and you will have tough, dense brownies. During mixing, gently fold all of the ingredients together until just combined.
  5. I recommend using the specified amount of espresso powder in this recipe. Any less, and the espresso flavor won’t come through. Any more, and it will feel like you’re eating your next cup of coffee. Oof.
Espresso brownies next to a bowl full of fresh espresso beans.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store brownies in an airtight container in a cool dry place for 5-7 days.

These brownies are fudgy enough to be eaten as-is, but if you want that straight-from-the-oven feel, pop a brownie in the microwave and heat for 15-30 seconds, or until it is heated to your liking.

Espresso Brownies

For the coffee lover in your life, especially if that's you! Rich, fudgy brownies full of chocolaty sweetness expertly balanced with an effervescent espresso taste. Now you can have your coffee fix any time of day, especially at night!

  • mixing bowl
  • rubber spatula
  • small microwave-safe bowl
  • sifter
  • 8×8 brownie pan
  • sheet parchment paper
  • 227 grams butter, melted
  • 215 grams confectioner's sugar
  • 2 whole eggs
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 4 ounces premium dark chocolate, chopped
  • 135 grams all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons espresso powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 200 grams semi-sweet chocolate chips
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 โ„‰. In a large mixing bowl, add the powdered sugar and pour the melted butter overtop. Stir to dissolve the sugar for 1 minute.

  2. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, melt the chopped dark chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted. Pour into the mixing bowl along with the vanilla extract, whole eggs, and egg yolk, and stir until combined.

  3. Sift in the flour, espresso powder, baking powder, and salt, and gently fold in until just combined–do not overmix! Gently fold in the chocolate chips.

  4. Grease and line an 8×8 brownie pan with nonstick cooking spray, then lightly spray the parchment paper. Scrape the brownie batter into the pan and spread into a smooth, even layer. Bake for 30-35 minutes; the center will still jiggle, but a toothpick will only have a few wet crumbs. Allow the brownies to fully cool in the pan on a wire cooling rack, then lift out of the pan by the parchment paper and cut into desired serving sizes.

Filed Under: Brownies

Peanut Butter Brownies

May 28, 2025 by Abigail Leave a Comment

A close up of two peanut butter brownies.

My fudgiest brownie recipe yet! Gooey, chocolaty brownies swirled with creamy peanut butter and speckled with roasted peanuts for a crunchy contrast. Even those who don’t like peanut butter make an exception for these brownies due to their amazing balance of flavors and irresistible texture!

A close up of two peanut butter brownies.

These brownies know they are good. The batter has a near-constant heavenly aroma of chocolate, and the peanut butter swirls become a work of art in their own right. They bake to the perfect consistency after only thirty minutes, and photograph so effortlessly from all angles. Whether you’re looking for that shimmering gooiness on the sides or the intricate swirl patterns on top, these will certainly grab people’s attention!

Gooey, fudgy centers of peanut butter brownies.

Why Chocolate Lovers Make This Recipe

  • Classic pairing — just ask Reese’s on how timelessly popular chocolate and peanut butter go together. Plus, you get all of the gratification that you get from a peanut butter cup with this recipe, but with more intense flavors.
  • Elevated brownies — when was the last time you actually saw or were offered peanut butter brownies, either at someone’s house, at a restaurant, or in a bakery? This has always been curious to me, but all the more excuse to make these and share with the world!
  • Fulfilling treat — it’s actually really special when you find a dessert that is perfectly-portioned; one that is rich, decadent, and satisfying with every bite, and is already over just before it becomes too heavy.

Ingredients

Brownies are notoriously no-fuss, and this recipe is no exception. Some notes on a few key ingredients:

Ingredients for peanut butter brownies.

Melted butter — butter adds fat and fudginess to recipes, and using hot melted butter helps dissolve the sugar enough to generate those flaky, crackly brownie tops everyone knows and loves.

Powdered sugar — I always use powdered sugar in brownie recipes for its superfine texture that more readily dissolves in hot butter, as noted above.

Premium dark chocolate — adding real chocolate helps create fudgier brownies, and using dark chocolate intensifies both chocolate and peanut butter elements.

Creamy peanut butter — the star of this dish. Use Jif, Skippy, or your favorite commercial peanut butter. Natural or organic peanut butter will NOT work in this recipe, as it will cause the batter to split.

Chopped peanuts — adding peanuts to the batter accomplishes two things: it adds even more peanut butter flavor to the brownies, while also giving some textural interest so as to not overwhelm the palate with rich, chocolaty goodness.

Tips for Success

  1. Dissolving the butter and powdered sugar at the beginning helps create those coveted crackly tops, so don’t skip this step!
  2. Organic or all-natural peanut butter won’t work in this recipe due to problems with separation. Instead, use a more processed peanut butter like Jif so the batter stays homogenous throughout baking. And using creamy peanut butter preserves the gooey, smooth finish of the original recipe. However, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you want a far more crunchy peanut butter brownie.
  3. If you find that these brownies are just too fudgy or gooey for your liking, you can also add more flour a tablespoon at a time to the batter until it thickens to your liking.
  4. When creating peanut butter swirls, use singular, deliberate strokes to preserve the aesthetic element after baking. Too many swirls or overcorrecting smudges will result in a blurred, muddied appearance–but will still be just as tasty!
  5. As with any brownie recipe, use all of the willpower you can muster and allow for the brownies to cool completely in the pan before removing. Brownies continue to cook and set as they cool, so you won’t know the final texture until 60-90 minutes after being removed from the oven.
  6. I have found that using a warmed chef’s knife or a plastic knife work best when slicing brownies. If you opt for a chef’s knife, run it under hot water, wipe it dry, then cut into the brownies straight down, then remove the knife by moving it straight back up (as opposed to out, which causes the brownies to smear). Remove any brownie remnants from the knife and repeat until all brownies have been cut.
Peanut butter swirled into brownie batter.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store brownies in an airtight container in a cool dry place for 5-7 days.

These brownies are fudgy enough to be eaten as-is, but if you want that straight-from-the-oven feel, pop a brownie in the microwave and heat for 15-30 seconds, or until it is heated to your liking.

A tower of peanut butter brownies on a plate with a glass of milk.

Peanut Butter Brownies

My fudgiest brownie recipe yet! Gooey, chocolaty brownies swirled with creamy peanut butter and speckled with roasted peanuts for a crunchy contrast. Even those who don't like peanut butter make an exception for these brownies due to their amazing balance of flavors and irresistible texture!

  • 8×8 brownie pan
  • sheet parchment paper
  • mixing bowl
  • rubber spatula
  • microwave-safe bowl
  • teaspoon
  • offset spatula or butter knife
  • 227 grams butter, melted
  • 225 grams powdered sugar
  • 2 whole eggs
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 5 ounces premium dark chocolate, chopped
  • 110 grams all-purpose flour
  • 55 grams Dutch-processed cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 100 grams creamy peanut butter
  • 55 grams roasted peanuts, chopped
  • 50 grams semi-sweet chocolate chips
  1. Preheat the oven to 350โ„‰. Pour the sugar into a mixing bowl and drizzle the melted butter overtop. Stir for 1-2 minutes to help the sugar dissolve. Stream in the vanilla extract, eggs, and egg yolk, and stir until combined.

  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted. Add the chocolate to the wet ingredients and stir.

  3. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt and fold together until no raw flour remains visible. Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped peanuts until evenly distributed. Pour the batter into a prepared baking pan and smooth into a single layer with the rubber spatula.

  4. Using a teaspoon, drop dollops of peanut butter around the pan. Insert the tip of an offset spatula or butter knife to gently twist and swirl the peanut butter and chocolate batter together. Keep it to 1 swirl; overengineering creates a muddled look, so keep your strokes minimal and intentional.

  5. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few wet crumbs. Allow the brownies to fully cool in the pan on a wire cooling rack, then remove from the pan and cut into squares.

Dessert

Filed Under: Brownies

Triple Chocolate Brownie Brittle

March 6, 2025 by Abigail Leave a Comment

Stacked pieces of triple chocolate brownie brittle.

Add this recipe to your nightly routine. Thin and crispy brownies laced with gooey chocolate chips make for an intense chocolate flavor that will satisfy all afternoon and late-night cravings.

Stacked pieces of triple chocolate brownie brittle.

Tonight marks the third time this week that I find myself with my face flat against the kitchen counter.

Too much to drink? No.

Engaged in a highly-charged romantic encounter? Unfortunately, no (but the night remains young!). ๐Ÿ˜‰

Instead, I’m keenly gauging the thickness of tonight’s brownie brittle batter–the initial working title for Dr. Seuss’ Butter Battle Book, in case you didn’t hear– so that it achieves luscious uniformity for that satisfying crunch.

The cocoa flavor is intense from the start, thanks to using real dark chocolate, followed by the silky texture of the chocolate chips, and finished with the sweetness of the powdered sugar.

So go ahead, cancel your plans for tonight so you can bake this recipe instead. Believe me, your friends will be the ones dealing with FOMO once you send them pictures about how your night went. If it’s anything like mine, you are in for a real treat.

Close up of chocolate chips on brownie brittle.

What is Brownie Brittle?

Sheila Mains created brownie brittle after her sheer love for the crispy edges around her family’s brownie recipe. Brownie brittle forms when brownie batter is spread thinly, baked, and often topped with various ingredients like nuts or chocolate chips. This recipe maximizes pure, uncut chocolate flavor with premium dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips.

Spreading brownie brittle batter into a thin layer on a baking sheet.

Why Chocolate Lovers Make This Recipe:

As mentioned earlier, I am already on my third batch this week because this recipe is…

  • Addictive — you might think that you’re only going to make one batch. From personal experience, I wish you the best of luck with that.
  • Made from scratch — this recipe takes only a few more minutes than a boxed brownie mix, but with double the aroma and flavor.
  • Versatile — snag a piece of brownie brittle when that 2pm chocolate craving hits, or indulge in a decadent midnight snack.
  • Customizable — add nuts, dried fruit, toffee bits, or other delicious toppings in addition to the chocolate chips for even more deliciousness.

Ingredients

Labeled ingredients for brownie brittle.

Melted salted butter — this recipe uses butter instead of oil so that the end product isn’t too gooey, while still adding flavor and a touch of salt. Definitely melt the butter to help dissolve the powdered sugar for a flakier result.

Powdered sugar — powdered sugar more readily dissolves than granulated sugar when combined with a hot liquid, resulting in a more textured top.

Egg whites — brownie brittle only uses egg whites to maintain the that signature crispy texture. While using egg yolks will undoubtedly make this recipe no less fudgy and delicious, the brownies will come out too chewy and resemble super thin, regular brownies.

Vanilla extract — naturally flavors and sweetens the batter without needing excess sugar.

Premium dark chocolate — amps up the chocolate flavor and fills the house with a heavenly aroma. You’re welcome. ๐Ÿ˜‰

All-purpose flour — AP flour has the perfect amount of gluten to hold the brownies together without creating a cakey or tough texture.

Dutch-processed cocoa powder — I always prefer to use Dutch-processed cocoa powder whenever possible for its deeper flavor, but you can substitute with unsweetened cocoa powder. If you do use unsweetened cocoa powder, be sure to use baking soda instead of baking powder, otherwise the two won’t chemically react and give proper rise to the brownies.

Baking powder — helps give rise to the brownies for a toothsome bite when paired with Dutch-processed cocoa powder.

Salt — salt naturally enhances the cocoa flavor and counteracts any bitterness from the dark chocolate.

Espresso powder (optional) — while not strictly necessary, a slight kiss of espresso powder creates a layer of depth when added to chocolate.

Milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips — use high-quality chocolate chips, like Kirkland Signature, Guittard, or Ghirardelli chips for the best flavor results. Alternatively, you can top brownie brittle with any of your favorite ingredients. Feel free to add nuts, dried fruit, toffee bits, sprinkles, or other toppings to make this recipe your very own.

Tips for Success

  1. Use an offset spatula to spread the batter in as thin of a layer as possible. The thinner the batter, the crispier the brittle’s texture. Aim for a thickness between 1/8-1/4″ (3-6mm).
  2. If your brownie brittle comes out thicker, don’t despair, as thicker brittle just means a chewier bite. ๐Ÿ™‚ Plus, after a day or two, age and air exposure will naturally create a crispier texture.
  3. As mentioned above, try to use a different brand of chocolate chips than Nestle Tollhouse, as I I find that Nestle chips have too much of a wax coating that I find overpower whatever recipe they are in. Instead, Kirkland Signature chocolate chips, Ghirardelli and Guittard are all delicious substitutes!
  4. As difficult as it is (and I speak from my own personal agony), try to let the brittle cool completely before you break apart into smaller pieces. Any earlier, and the brownies will crumble rather than break apart because they are still too warm.
Flaky triple chocolate brownie brittle.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover brownie brittle in either an airtight container or resealable bag. Keep in a cool, dry place for 5-7 days.

Homemade Brownie Brittle

Add this recipe to your nightly routine. Thin and crispy brownies laced with gooey chocolate chips make for an intense chocolate flavor that will satisfy all afternoon and late-night cravings.

  • large baking sheet
  • sheet parchment paper
  • offset spatula
  • microwave-safe bowls
  • 100 grams salted butter, melted
  • 180 grams confectioners sugar
  • 2 egg whites
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 4.5 ounces premium dark chocolate, chopped
  • 80 grams all-purpose flour
  • 35 grams Dutch-processed cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon espresso powder ((optional))
  • 250 grams semi-sweet chocolate chips
  1. Preheat oven to 325โ„‰. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter completely, then whisk in the powdered sugar to help dissolve. Add the egg whites and vanilla extract and whisk until smooth.

  2. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, completely melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring with a rubber spatula in between to ensure even heating. Scrape the melted chocolate into the bowl of wet ingredients and fold in with the rubber spatula until incorporated.

  3. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, espresso powder, and salt and fold until combined. Do NOT overmix!

  4. Lightly grease a parchment-lined baking tray with cooking spray and scrape the batter into the center of the tray. Use an offset spatula to spread the batter into a single layer,1/4-1/2" thick. (Note: spread to 1/4" for crispy, and 1/2" for chewy). Bake for 25-30 minutes.

  5. Remove from the oven and generously cover with chocolate chips. Press the chips into the brownies with the palms of your hands, then transfer the tray to a wire rack to cool completely. Once completely cooled, break the brittle into pieces as desired.

Snack
brownie brittle, brownie recipe, brownies

Filed Under: Brownies

Fudgy Chocolate Brownies

October 12, 2024 by Abigail Leave a Comment

A tower of fudgy chocolate brownies.

Here’s a recipe you can make tonight! These outrageously fudgy chocolate brownies use real melted dark chocolate and chocolate chips to create brownies with shiny, flaky tops with rich, silky, centers.

A tower of fudgy chocolate brownies.

Brownies are my dessert of choice for those sudden, intense, often late-night chocolate cravings. They require minimal dishes (because who really wants to clean up after 9pm?), require almost no brain power (again, perfect for when you are drained and questioning every life decision from the past 5 years), and just need to curl up on the couch with a few mouthfuls of gooey chocolate.

These brownies were specifically crafted so that they would turn out as gooey as possible with the use of butter, oil, and egg yolks for a texture reminiscent of creamy ganache. Don’t believe me? See for yourself.

Gooey cross section of fudgy brownies.

See what people are saying

“This is my dream brownie. A masterpiece. Perfection.” – Top comment from real recipe testers.

Fudgy Versus Chewy Versus Cakey Brownies

Typically, brownie lovers fall into three categories: either you live for the supreme rich, gooey centers of fudgy brownies, or you love a shorter crumb that perfectly dunks into a cold glass of milk, or you fall somewhere in between! The good news: there is no right, wrong, or “best” way to enjoy brownies.

And hey, if fudgy brownies aren’t you thing, I’m currently testing a classically cakey brownie recipe– stay tuned. ๐Ÿ˜‰

But no matter which siren song calls to you, every brownie should have those eye-catching, signature flaky tops that crackle with every bite.

Chocolate brownie with crackly tops.

Why Chocolate Lovers Make This Recipe

  • Ready in no time — as mentioned above, this recipe is great to make whenever your chocolate cravings are suddenly through. the. roof. Heck, it’s 8:30pm at the time of this writing, and I’m just about to pop into the kitchen to make a batch for tonight’s movie night!
  • Pure chocolate flavor — No peanut butter, no caramel, no marshmallow…this recipe is for those who just need that pure, uncut cocoa fix via premium dark chocolate, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, and chocolate chips.
  • Great for all occasions — make a batch just for yourself, or pop them in the oven just before heading out to a birthday party or school function. The applications are limitless!
  • Crave-worthy hot or cooled— while I often struggle to wait long enough for them to cool before diving in fork-first, these brownies are every bit as good at room temperature due to their gooey, fudgy centers.

Ingredients

This recipe utilizes several key ingredients and techniques to achieve the fudgiest, chocolaty texture possible. Some key ingredients include:

Labeled fudgy brownie ingredients.

Premium chocolate — Melt down your favorite chocolate bar, like Ghirardelli or Lindt, to help create a fudgy center with out-of-this-world chocolate flavor.

Confectioner’s Sugar — the aim in every batch of brownies is to achieve those signature flaky tops, and you can achieve these results every time simply by heating a liquid fat like butter or oil and letting the sugar dissolve. Confectioner’s sugar is super fine and therefore dissolves brilliantly in melted butter.

Whole eggs — the egg whites provide structure to the brownies while the fat from the yolks lend to the rich, fudgy texture.

Neutral-flavored oil — a staple in boxed brownie recipes, using a fat that remains in a liquid state even when cooled is the key to those moist, rich centers.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips — the third component in this “triple chocolate recipe,” incorporating chocolate chips provides textural variety, as they don’t fully melt during the baking process. This helps prevent palette fatigue, allowing you to eat however many your soul demands tonight. ๐Ÿ˜‰

Tips for Success

  1. Allow for the brownies to fully cool before cutting into them so you can best judge their final consistency.
  2. If you find that your brownies are still under-baked after the allotted cooling time, for food safety reasons, do NOT put the entire batch into the oven to bake again. Instead, you can microwave individual portions to your desired level of doneness, so long as you eat the brownie right away. Oh, darn…
  3. Do not overmix the batter, otherwise the brownies will turn out tough instead of gooey and chewy. During mixing, gently fold all of the ingredients together until just combined.
A gooey, fudgy chocolate brownie on a plate.

Storage and reheating instructions

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for 5-7 days.

While these brownies are delicious as-is, I highly recommend treating yourself by gently warming leftovers in the microwave for ~15 seconds to reproduce that fresh-from-the-oven warmth and decadence.

Fudgy Chocolate Brownies

Here's a recipe you can make tonight! These outrageously fudgy chocolate brownies use real melted dark chocolate and chocolate chips to create brownies with shiny, flaky tops with rich, silky, centers.

  • 8×8" metal brownie pan
  • sheet parchment paper
  • microwave-safe bowls
  • fork
  • medium mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • rubber spatula
  • chef's knife
  • sheet of paper towels
  • 5 ounces premium dark chocolate
  • 150 grams butter
  • 250 grams confectioners sugar
  • 2 whole eggs, chilled
  • 60 grams vegetable or avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 80 grams all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 200 grams semi-sweet chocolate chips
  1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease an 8×8" metal baking pan with a few drops of oil. Line with a sheet of parchment paper.

  2. Chop the chocolate and add to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted. Set aside.

  3. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then pour into a mixing bowl. Sprinkle in the powdered sugar a bit at a time, whisking in between until dissolved. Repeat until half of the sugar has been added; set the remainder aside.

  4. Add both eggs, vanilla extract, melted chocolate, and avocado oil and whisk to combine. Pour in remaining sugar and whisk; the batter will have some small lumps, but this is okay.

  5. Switch to a rubber spatula and fold in the flour and salt until just combined. Next, fold in the chocolate chips. Do NOT overmix.

  6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, thoroughly scraping down the inside of the bowl to get as much batter out as possible. Smooth out the mixture with the rubber spatula to make an even layer. Bake for 40 minutes, depending on your oven temperature and desired level of doneness.

  7. Allow to fully cool in the pan, 60-90 minutes, then grab either end of the parchment paper and lift to remove the brownies. Cut into 9 squares. Serve either on their own or with a scoop of your favorite ice cream!

Dessert
brownie recipe, brownies, chocolate brownies, fudgy brownies

Filed Under: Brownies

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