Black woman

Brownie: a soft, rich, and irresistible delight

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Brownie is one of those desserts that enjoys immense popularity due to its moist texture and intense chocolate flavor. This simple yet refined recipe perfectly combines the aroma of cocoa with the sweetness of sugar, resulting in a cake that brings smiles to the faces of those who savor it. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, the brownie will not disappoint.

Necessary ingredients:
- 5 large eggs
- 350 g sugar
- 200 g flour
- 4 tablespoons high-quality cocoa powder
- 150 g butter (preferably 80% fat)
- 50 ml oil
- 200 ml milk
- 1 tablespoon rum essence
- 1 packet baking powder
- 100 g dark chocolate (for glazing)
- A pinch of salt

The history of the brownie
The brownie has its origins in chocolate cake recipes but gained worldwide popularity due to its simplicity of preparation and rich flavor. It is a dessert that has managed to retain its charm over the decades, becoming a favorite in home kitchens. It is said that the brownie was inspired by chocolate cakes from America, bringing a modern touch to traditional dessert recipes.

Steps for a perfect brownie

1. Preparing the base mixture
In a saucepan, bring the milk, butter, oil, and sugar together with the cocoa to a boil. Stir continuously to ensure the ingredients are well combined. It is essential not to let the mixture boil too hard, just enough to melt the ingredients and create a homogeneous mixture. Once you have a smooth cream, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the rum essence for extra flavor.

2. Separating the eggs
Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Make sure the bowls you are working with are clean to achieve a stable foam.

3. Beating the egg whites
Beat the egg whites together with a pinch of salt until you achieve a firm foam, similar to that used for meringue. This step is crucial for giving the cake a fluffy texture.

4. Mixing the yolks
Add the yolks to the cooled cocoa mixture in a thin stream, stirring continuously to avoid cooking the eggs. This technique will help maintain a fine texture.

5. Incorporating the flour
Sift the flour together with the baking powder and gradually incorporate it into the cocoa mixture, stirring gently to prevent lumps from forming.

6. Mixing the egg whites
Finally, add a spoonful of the beaten egg whites and mix with a spatula, using gentle up-and-down motions. This step will help retain the air in the foam, making the brownie fluffy.

7. Baking
Pour the mixture into a baking pan lined with parchment paper (a 25x35 cm pan is ideal, but a slightly smaller pan will make the cake taller). Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the cake for 40-45 minutes. Check if it is baked by doing the toothpick test - if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

8. Cooling and portioning
Let the brownie cool completely in the pan, then carefully remove it and cut it into squares or rectangles.

9. Glazing
For the glaze, take the 12 tablespoons from the cocoa mixture you saved and add the broken chocolate pieces. Heat them over low heat, stirring constantly until the chocolate melts. Once the glaze has cooled slightly, spread it evenly over the portioned cake. This glaze will add richness and an attractive appearance to your brownie.

Practical tips
- Use high-quality cocoa to achieve an intense and authentic flavor. Dark cocoa adds a deep chocolate note, but you can experiment with different types of cocoa based on your preferences.
- Ensure that the ingredients are at room temperature before using them for better homogenization.
- If you want to make a fruit version, add some nuts or chocolate pieces to the mixture for added texture.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use another type of oil?
Yes, you can use sunflower oil or coconut oil for a different flavor. Olive oil is not recommended as its flavor may negatively affect the dessert.

2. How can I make the brownie less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar by up to 100 g and use chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage to compensate for the sweetness.

3. Is it possible to replace the eggs?
For a vegan version, you can use banana puree or applesauce instead of eggs, but the texture and flavor will be different.

Pairings and serving
The brownie is delicious served plain, but you can add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a pleasant contrast. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, as well as with a sweet wine for a complete culinary experience.

Nutritional benefits
Although the brownie is a dessert, its ingredients also offer nutritional benefits. Cocoa is rich in antioxidants, and eggs provide essential proteins and vitamins. However, moderate consumption is recommended, considering the sugar and calorie content.

Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this brownie will bring a touch of joy in every bite. Don’t forget to enjoy each step of the preparation and let your creativity shine!