Homemade Chocolate Brownies

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate Mixture

• Action: Start by preparing a double boiler. Place a heatproof bowl on top of a pot of simmering water (ensure the bowl doesn’t touch the water). Add the following to the bowl:
  • 1 cup of chocolate (chopped into smaller pieces if necessary)
  • 75g butter (cut into smaller pieces for quicker melting)
  • ½ cup powdered sugar (helps sweeten the mixture)
• Instructions:
  • Stir constantly with a spatula or spoon until the chocolate and butter are completely melted and smooth.
  • Once the mixture is fully melted and smooth, remove the bowl from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Action: In a separate bowl, sift together the dry ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (for extra chocolate flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (this will help the brownies rise)

• Combine the dry ingredients into the melted chocolate mixture:

  • Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients into the chocolate-butter mixture. Stir well to ensure that everything is evenly incorporated.

• Add wet ingredients:

  • ½ cup hot milk: The milk will help to thin out the batter and make it smoother.
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla essence: For added flavor, mix it into the batter.

• Instructions:

  • Stir until you achieve a smooth and consistent batter with no lumps. Make sure the wet and dry ingredients are fully combined.

Step 3: Prepare and Bake the Brownie

• Action: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

• Prepare the baking tin:

  • Grease a baking tin (about 8x8 inches) with butter, or line it with parchment paper to prevent the brownies from sticking.

• Pour the batter into the prepared tin:

  • Use a spatula or spoon to spread the batter evenly across the tin. Smooth the top to ensure it cooks evenly.

• Bake the brownies:

  • Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
  • After 30 minutes, check the brownies by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean (with just a few moist crumbs), the brownies are done. If it’s still wet, bake for a few more minutes.

• Cool the brownies:

  • Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the tin on a wire rack.

Step 4: Whisk the Whipping Cream

• Action: While the brownies are cooling, prepare the whipped cream:
  • In a clean bowl, add 1 cup of heavy whipping cream.
  • Start whisking the cream using an electric mixer or hand whisk at medium speed. Whisk for about 5 minutes until it thickens.
• Add sugar:
  • Once soft peaks begin to form, add 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar.
  • Continue whisking until the cream reaches medium peaks, which means the whipped cream will form soft peaks that slowly fold back when you lift the whisk.
• Tip: Be careful not to over-whisk the cream, as it could turn into butter.

Step 5: Spread the Whipped Cream

• Action: Once the brownies have cooled completely, gently spread the whipped cream over the top using a spatula.

  • Tip: Be careful not to press down too hard, as this could disturb the texture of the brownies.

• Instructions:

  • Spread the cream evenly over the entire surface of the brownies, ensuring a smooth, even layer.

Step 6: Drizzle the Chocolate Sauce

• Action: In a separate heatproof bowl, combine:

  • ½ cup chocolate, chopped or in chips
  • ½ cup hot milk (this helps melt the chocolate smoothly)

• Melt the chocolate:

  • Place the bowl over simmering water or microwave in 20-second intervals until the chocolate melts smoothly.
  • Stir until you achieve a silky consistency.

• Drizzle the chocolate:

  • Using a spoon or a small piping bag, drizzle the melted chocolate sauce evenly over the whipped cream layer on the brownies.
  • You can create a decorative pattern or simply cover the surface.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• Action: For added decoration and flavor:

  • Sprinkle cocoa powder lightly over the top, or use grated chocolate for texture.
  • Let the chocolate sauce set for a few minutes.

• Serve and enjoy:

  • Slice the brownies into squares and serve. Enjoy the rich, creamy texture and the perfect balance of chocolate and whipped cream.