Easy brownies

Brownies are uncontestedly the best comfort food out there. And for that reason, they should not require much time not effort to prepare, because the comfort is needed NOW!

I have tried and tested numerous recipes over the years, and to be frank, almost most of them are great. This one is still my favorite because it requires only one egg, not much flour and can quickly be made in one bowl before being sent in the oven. If you like chewy and crunchy brownies, this recipe is for you.

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Easy brownies

Makes 16 2” squares

ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter, melted

  • 3/4 to 1 cup packed brown sugar (the quantity depends on how much of a sweet tooth you are)

  • 1/4 tsp salt

  • 1 egg

  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional)

  • 3/4 cup flour

  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks

  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans


directions

  1. Preheat oven at 350.

  2. Line a 8” x 8” baking pan with parchment paper.

  3. In a bowl, mix butter, brown sugar and salt until combined.

  4. Add the egg, vanilla and almond extracts. Mix well.

  5. Sift in the flour and cocoa powder. Stir until incorporated. If not using an electric mixer, use a spatula for this step, it’ll be easier to mix.

  6. Fold in the chocolate chunks and pecan.

  7. Pour batter in the pan, spread it evenly into an even layer.

  8. Bake for 18 minutes.

Let cool a bit on a rack, slice and enjoy!

The cake should be soft and chewy. I prefer by far chocolate chunks to chips because they add some crunch to the dessert but you don’t have any or prefer melted chocolate, use chips. I also use dark chocolate but semi sweet will also do but personally, I find them too sweet. The pecans are there for more crunch and to add some nutty flavor as well.

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The resulting brownies are a bit thin but I like that!

It took less than half an hour from beginning to end, to make these brownies, and that’s perfect.

Enjoy!