Bitter chocolate brownie with caramelized nuts

Brownie with dark chocolate and caramelized nuts

When it comes to desserts, few recipes are as beloved as the brownie with dark chocolate and caramelized nuts. This decadent cake combines the richness of dark chocolate with the crunchiness of caramelized nuts, creating an unforgettable experience for the senses. The slightly bitter base perfectly complements the sweet glaze, and each bite transports you to a cloud of delight. It's simple to prepare, but the result will surely impress any guest. Let's explore each step of the process together!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

*For the base:*
- 4 eggs
- 1 bar of dark chocolate (85% cocoa mass)
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 100 ml of milk
- 1 package of butter (approx. 200g)
- A pinch of salt
- 250 g of nuts (ground, but not too fine)
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 1 packet of baking powder
- A pinch of baking soda

*For the caramel:*
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 50 g of butter
- 100 ml of milk
- 150 g of nuts (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch

A bit of history

The brownie is a cake that has gained popularity over time, appreciated for its moist and rich texture. Its origins are not very clear, but it is believed to have appeared in America during the time when chocolate began to be widely used in confectioneries. With each generation, the recipe has evolved, and today there are countless variations that include various ingredients, from nuts to fruits. This version with dark chocolate and caramelized nuts combines tradition with innovation, offering a distinct touch.

Step by step: Preparing the brownie

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure you have all the ingredients at room temperature. This helps with better homogenization of the mixture. Measure and prepare all the ingredients to facilitate the cooking process.

2. Preparing the base:
- In a saucepan, add the butter, chopped dark chocolate, and the 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Place the saucepan over low heat and stir constantly until everything melts and becomes a homogeneous mixture.
- Heat 100 ml of milk and dilute the chocolate mixture with it. Let it cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt, gradually adding the 4 tablespoons of sugar. Continue mixing until you achieve a firm, glossy foam.
- Add the egg yolks to the cooled chocolate mixture, stirring gently.
- Incorporate the ground nuts, flour, baking powder, and baking soda into the chocolate mixture.
- Finally, add the beaten egg whites, mixing with a wooden spatula, with gentle up-and-down motions to keep the air in the egg whites.

3. Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
- Line a baking tray (26/32 cm) with parchment paper and pour the brownie mixture into the tray, smoothing the surface.
- Bake the brownie for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Preparing the caramel

1. In a small saucepan, add the 2 tablespoons of sugar and stir constantly over medium heat until the sugar completely melts and turns golden.
2. In another container, heat 100 ml of milk and add the butter, stirring until melted.
3. Add the hot milk to the saucepan with melted sugar, stirring continuously to avoid the formation of sugar crystals.
4. Add the chopped nuts and cornstarch, stirring until the caramel becomes homogeneous.

Assembling the cake

1. After the brownie has completely cooled, pour the caramel with nuts over the brownie base. Spread it evenly with a spatula to achieve a uniform layer.
2. Let the cake cool completely before cutting it into squares.

Serving suggestions

The brownie with dark chocolate and caramelized nuts is delicious served plain, but you can add a scoop of sour cream or vanilla ice cream next to each slice for a refreshing contrast. Also, a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea will pair perfectly with this cake, enhancing the intense flavors of the chocolate.

Possible variations

If you want to experiment, you can add white chocolate chips or even a few drops of vanilla essence to the brownie mixture. You can also replace the nuts with hazelnuts or almonds for a different texture.

Nutritional information

This brownie is rich in antioxidants due to the dark chocolate, also providing a good source of protein from the eggs and nuts. Each serving contains approximately 300 calories, making it an indulgent yet flavorful choice.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
- You can use milk chocolate, but the result will be sweeter and less intense in flavor. Adjust the amount of sugar according to your preferences.

2. How can I keep the cake fresh longer?
- Store the brownie in an airtight container at room temperature, but no more than 3-4 days. You can freeze it to enjoy later.

3. Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, you can replace the flour with a gluten-free version, such as almond flour or rice flour.

This recipe for brownie with dark chocolate and caramelized nuts is not only delicious but also offers an opportunity to enjoy cooking. So, don't hesitate to venture into the kitchen and create a dessert that will delight everyone. Enjoy!