Mary Berry, a British culinary icon known for her warm, approachable style of baking, has become synonymous with perfectly executed desserts. Among her most celebrated recipes is her Ultimate Chocolate Brownies. These brownies are a chocolate lover’s dream, offering a decadent balance between a rich, fudgy texture and the unmistakable depth of dark chocolate. What sets Mary Berry’s version apart from other brownie recipes is the exactness with which she combines the ingredients, creating an indulgent treat that isn’t overly sweet but has a deep, complex flavor profile. The beauty of her Ultimate Chocolate Brownies lies in their versatility: they can be enjoyed as a simple afternoon snack, a luxurious dessert, or even served as a base for layered cakes or trifle.
Mary’s recipe relies on simple, quality ingredients, yet the end result is nothing short of extraordinary. With a slightly crisp crust on the outside and a soft, gooey center, they have the perfect balance of textures. The way the chocolate and butter meld together, creating a dense yet moist brownie, makes them irresistible. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, these brownies are easy to make and offer a delightful, comforting indulgence that will surely impress anyone who takes a bite.
Mary Berry’s Ultimate Chocolate Brownies Recipe
Ingredients Needed
To make Mary Berry’s Ultimate Chocolate Brownies, you’ll need a straightforward list of ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your kitchen. The key to their success lies not only in the choice of ingredients but also in their proportions and the way they are mixed. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Butter (unsalted, 225g)
Butter provides richness and moisture, giving the brownies a fudgy texture. It’s essential to melt the butter before mixing it with the other ingredients to ensure a smooth batter.
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Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa, 200g)
The deep, slightly bitter flavor of dark chocolate is a cornerstone of this recipe. Mary Berry recommends using a high-quality dark chocolate for the best results. It’s melted with the butter to create a luxurious base.
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Caster Sugar (275g)
This fine sugar dissolves quickly, ensuring that the sweetness is evenly distributed. While the sugar adds sweetness, it doesn’t overpower the richness of the dark chocolate, giving the brownies the perfect balance.
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Eggs (3 large)
Eggs are crucial for binding the ingredients together and for providing structure. They help give the brownies their soft, fudgy texture. Be sure to use large eggs for consistency in the recipe.
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Plain Flour (100g)
Flour provides structure to the brownies but shouldn’t be over-mixed. A light hand with the flour is essential for keeping them moist and dense. Use plain flour (not self-raising) for the correct texture.
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Baking Powder (1 tsp)
A small amount of baking powder ensures the brownies rise slightly and don’t become too dense. It gives them just enough lift to maintain a gooey center while still being rich and dense.
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Vanilla Extract (1 tsp)
Vanilla extract adds a subtle depth of flavor, enhancing the overall taste without overpowering the chocolate. It’s a touch of elegance that makes these brownies even more irresistible.
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Pinch of Salt
A small amount of salt balances the sweetness and intensifies the flavor of the chocolate, preventing it from tasting flat.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need an array of complex baking tools to make Mary Berry’s Ultimate Chocolate Brownies. A few basic baking tools will do the job perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need:
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9-inch Square Baking Tin
A square baking tin of this size is perfect for ensuring the brownies bake evenly. You can line the tin with parchment paper to make removal easier and prevent sticking.
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Mixing Bowl
A large mixing bowl will be needed for combining your ingredients. Make sure it’s big enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably.
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Saucepan
A saucepan is necessary to melt the butter and dark chocolate together. It’s important to melt them slowly over low heat to avoid burning the chocolate.
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Whisk or Hand Mixer
To mix your eggs and sugar together, a whisk or electric hand mixer is ideal. It helps incorporate air into the mixture, ensuring a light texture. A hand mixer also helps break up any clumps in the sugar.
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Spatula or Spoon
You’ll need a spatula to fold in the dry ingredients like flour and baking powder. A spoon can also be useful for scraping down the sides of your bowl as you mix.
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Cooling Rack
Once baked, it’s important to allow the brownies to cool on a rack. This helps them set properly and prevents them from becoming soggy from residual heat in the tin.
Instructions To Make Mary Berry’s Ultimate Chocolate Brownies
Now that you have your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s walk through the process step-by-step to create these Ultimate Chocolate Brownies. The method is straightforward, but the results are a real treat. Here’s how you can make them:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease and line your 9-inch square baking tin with parchment paper.
- Melt the butter and dark chocolate: Place the butter and chopped dark chocolate into a saucepan. Heat gently over low heat, stirring frequently until the butter and chocolate have fully melted and combined into a smooth, glossy mixture. Remove from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Whisk the eggs and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and caster sugar together until the mixture is light, pale, and slightly frothy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric hand mixer.
- Add the melted chocolate mixture: Pour the slightly cooled chocolate-butter mixture into the egg-sugar mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until fully incorporated.
- Add the dry ingredients: Sift the plain flour and baking powder into the bowl with the wet mixture. Add a pinch of salt and stir everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a smooth batter but still dense.
- Pour the batter into the tin: Pour the brownie batter into your prepared tin, spreading it evenly with the back of the spoon or spatula.
- Bake the brownies: Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top has formed a crust but a skewer inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). The key to perfect brownies is underbaking slightly for that gooey texture.
- Cool and slice: Let the brownies cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, slice them into generous squares or rectangles.
Tips And Tricks
- Use good-quality chocolate: Since chocolate is the star ingredient, choose a high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or more). This will give the brownies a deep, rich flavor that really shines through.
- Don’t overmix: When you’re incorporating the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to denser brownies, and you want that perfect fudgy texture.
- Check for doneness early: Brownies continue to cook in the tin after they’ve been taken out of the oven, so it’s better to slightly underbake than overbake. Aim for a slightly wobbly center.
- Add extras: If you want to elevate the brownies, try adding chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), chocolate chunks, or even a swirl of peanut butter or caramel into the batter before baking.
- Store properly: These brownies keep well for up to 3-4 days if stored in an airtight container. For an extra treat, microwave them for 20-30 seconds before serving to make them even more gooey.
Mary Berry’s Ultimate Chocolate Brownies are the epitome of chocolate indulgence, offering a rich, fudgy texture that’s simply irresistible. With just a handful of basic ingredients and a straightforward method, these brownies have become a timeless favorite for bakers of all skill levels. The balance of dark chocolate and just the right amount of sweetness makes them the perfect dessert or snack for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, treating yourself, or baking with family, these brownies will never disappoint. Enjoy the satisfying pleasure of homemade brownies, and remember that even the simplest recipes can create extraordinary results!
Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Ultimate Chocolate Brownies
Mary Berry’s Ultimate Chocolate Brownies are a beloved classic, known for their rich, fudgy texture and indulgent chocolate flavor. However, as with many classic recipes, the beauty lies in their versatility. With just a few simple tweaks, you can take Mary Berry’s brownies to new heights, transforming them into a personalized treat that suits your tastes or seasonal ingredients. Here are some easy recipe variations to help you experiment while keeping that signature fudgy, melt-in-the-mouth quality intact.
1. Nutty Brownies
For those who love a bit of crunch, adding nuts to the brownies can add both texture and flavor. Chopped walnuts, hazelnuts, or pecans are all fantastic options. Simply fold in about 100g (3.5 oz) of your chosen nuts into the batter before baking. The nuts add a toasty, earthy contrast to the sweetness of the chocolate and can provide an extra layer of richness. Toasting the nuts beforehand enhances their flavor, giving the brownies a deeper, more aromatic undertone.
2. Fruit And Nut Brownies
For a fruity twist, you can combine the best of both worlds by adding dried fruits like cherries, cranberries, or raisins, paired with nuts. The tangy sweetness of the fruit balances beautifully with the deep chocolate, while the nuts lend that satisfying bite. For extra indulgence, you could also add a swirl of orange zest for a citrusy zing, or even a tablespoon of liqueur such as Grand Marnier or Amaretto to deepen the flavors.
3. Salted Caramel Brownies
Take the sweetness to the next level by incorporating salted caramel into the recipe. You can make a homemade caramel sauce by melting sugar, butter, and cream, then drizzling it over the brownie batter before baking. As the brownies bake, the caramel will melt into the chocolate, creating pockets of gooey sweetness. A pinch of sea salt sprinkled on top of the brownies before baking or after they’ve cooled adds a savory contrast, enhancing the rich chocolate flavor.
4. Mint Chocolate Brownies
Mint and chocolate are a timeless combination, and you can easily incorporate this into Mary Berry’s brownies. Add a few drops of mint extract to the batter or layer mint chocolate chunks in the middle of the brownie batter. This will create a refreshing, slightly cooling effect that complements the dense chocolatey base. You can also use mint-flavored chocolate (such as After Eight mints) for a more intense mint flavor, resulting in a dessert that feels both indulgent and fresh.
5. Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies
If you’re a fan of the peanut butter and chocolate pairing, then this variation is for you. Before baking, swirl a few dollops of creamy peanut butter into the brownie batter. As the brownies bake, the peanut butter will melt and create a luscious swirl of flavor throughout. This adds a delightful nuttiness that perfectly complements the sweetness of the chocolate. For an extra boost, you could also sprinkle some chopped salted peanuts on top before baking for a salty, crunchy contrast.
6. White Chocolate And Raspberry Brownies
For a fruitier and lighter variation, consider adding white chocolate and fresh raspberries to your brownies. The mild sweetness of white chocolate pairs beautifully with the tartness of raspberries. Fold the white chocolate chunks into the brownie batter, and gently scatter fresh raspberries on top just before baking. The fruit adds juiciness and a pop of color, making these brownies not only delicious but also visually appealing.
7. Vegan Chocolate Brownies
For those following a plant-based diet, Mary Berry’s brownies can easily be made vegan without sacrificing taste. Replace the eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water makes one egg replacement), and swap the butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil. You can also use non-dairy milk like almond milk or oat milk to keep the texture moist. Just make sure to use dairy-free chocolate to ensure the brownies are completely vegan-friendly.
Storing Leftovers
Brownies, especially ones as delicious as Mary Berry’s Ultimate Chocolate Brownies, rarely last long, but if you do find yourself with some leftover pieces, proper storage will help preserve their freshness and flavor.
1. Room Temperature Storage
For short-term storage (up to 3-4 days), you can keep the brownies at room temperature. Simply place them in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat. The key is ensuring the brownies remain sealed to maintain their moist, fudgy texture.
2. Refrigeration
If you want to extend the freshness of your brownies, you can store them in the fridge. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Refrigerating brownies can help them last for up to a week. Keep in mind that chilling brownies may make them slightly firmer, so you might want to let them come to room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying them.
3. Freezing Brownies
For long-term storage, freezing is a great option. Brownies freeze beautifully and can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. To freeze, first allow the brownies to cool completely. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for added protection. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours, or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their fudgy texture.
What To Eat With Mary Berry’s Ultimate Chocolate Brownies?
While Mary Berry’s brownies are an indulgent treat all on their own, pairing them with other foods and beverages can elevate the experience. Here are some ideas for what to enjoy alongside your brownies:
1. Ice Cream
Brownies and ice cream are a match made in heaven. The contrast between the warm, dense brownies and the cool, creamy ice cream creates a sensational taste experience. Vanilla, chocolate, or caramel ice cream works wonderfully, but for an extra treat, try pairing your brownies with salted caramel ice cream, or a rich, chocolatey scoop like cookies and cream or fudge ripple.
2. Whipped Cream Or Crème Fraîche
For a lighter option, top your brownies with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or crème fraîche. The airy creaminess will balance the richness of the brownies and add a slightly tangy note that contrasts beautifully with the sweet chocolate.
3. Fresh Berries
Fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries add a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the chocolate. The tangy sweetness of the berries offers a perfect contrast and helps to refresh the palate between bites. They also add a pop of color, making your dessert look even more appetizing.
4. Coffee Or Espresso
A cup of coffee or a shot of espresso pairs wonderfully with chocolate brownies. The bitterness of the coffee enhances the deep chocolate flavor of the brownies, creating a satisfying balance. Whether it’s a hot cappuccino or an iced Americano, coffee and chocolate are always a winning combo.
5. Milk
For a classic, comforting pairing, you can’t go wrong with a cold glass of milk. The smooth, creamy milk complements the richness of the brownies and makes for the ultimate nostalgic treat. Whether it’s regular cow’s milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk, it’s the perfect beverage to wash down that fudgy goodness.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s Ultimate Chocolate Brownies are an easy-to-make, versatile treat that serves as the perfect base for countless variations. From adding nuts and fruits to experimenting with decadent additions like salted caramel or peanut butter, the possibilities are endless. Storing leftovers is a breeze, with options for room temperature storage, refrigeration, or freezing to preserve their freshness. And when it comes to pairing, the right accompaniments-like ice cream, whipped cream, or coffee-can elevate the experience even further.
Whether you’re enjoying them warm with a scoop of ice cream, or nibbling on a chilled piece with a cup of coffee, these brownies are guaranteed to be a hit. So, the next time you bake up a batch, don’t hesitate to get creative and make them your own. Happy baking, and even happier eating!
FAQs
What Makes Mary Berry’s Ultimate Chocolate Brownies Recipe Different From Other Brownie Recipes?
Mary Berry’s ultimate chocolate brownies are known for their perfect balance of fudgy and cakey texture, thanks to the combination of melted butter, dark chocolate, and just the right amount of flour. The addition of cocoa powder enhances the chocolate flavor, making these brownies rich and indulgent. The recipe also calls for both eggs and a little bit of vanilla extract, adding depth and moisture to the final product.
Can I Substitute Ingredients In Mary Berry’s Ultimate Chocolate Brownies Recipe?
Yes, you can make substitutions depending on your preferences or dietary needs. For example, you can use dark chocolate chips instead of the baking chocolate if preferred, or swap butter with margarine. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend. You can also adjust the sugar, but be careful as it may impact the texture and sweetness of the brownies.
How Do I Achieve The Perfect Texture In Mary Berry’s Ultimate Chocolate Brownies?
To get the perfect texture, it’s important to not overmix the batter after adding the flour, as this can make the brownies dense. Make sure to mix the wet ingredients thoroughly before adding the dry ingredients. Another key tip is to bake the brownies for the right amount of time-too long, and they can become dry; too short, and they will be undercooked. The brownies are done when the edges are set, but the middle still looks slightly soft.
