Chocolate & dulce de leche brownies

Chocolate and dulce de leche brownies - an irresistible delight

Have you ever thought about the perfect combination of intense chocolate and creamy caramel that melts in your mouth? This chocolate and dulce de leche brownies recipe is the answer to your dessert cravings. With a soft and gooey interior, complemented by a crunchy crust, these brownies can quickly become your favorite. Let’s start the culinary adventure!

Preparation time:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Baking time: 30-40 minutes
- Total time: 45-55 minutes
- Number of servings: 12-16

Ingredients:
- 300 g dark chocolate (you can also use milk chocolate for a sweeter taste)
- 300 g unsalted butter
- 5 large eggs
- 250 g sugar
- 220 g flour
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- A few tablespoons of dulce de leche (or caramel)
- Dried cranberries (optional, for added flavor and texture)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the pan:
Start by preparing the pan. Use a 20x30 cm pan, which you can line with parchment paper or grease with a little butter and sprinkle with flour. This step is essential to ensure that the brownies come out easily after baking.

2. Melting the chocolate:
In a heatproof bowl, place the chopped chocolate together with the butter. Set the bowl over a double boiler, making sure the bottom does not touch the water. Stir occasionally until the chocolate and butter are completely melted and combined. This melting method keeps the chocolate's flavor intact.

3. Beating the eggs:
In a large bowl, beat the 5 eggs with the sugar using a mixer on high speed. If you feel energetic, you can also use a whisk, but the mixer will make your job easier. Add the vanilla and almond extracts, continuing to mix.

4. Combining the ingredients:
When the chocolate has melted, pour the chocolate mixture in a thin stream over the egg cream, stirring gently to avoid curdling the eggs. Incorporate the flour mixed with salt, mixing at a lower speed for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is uniform.

5. Finishing the mixture:
Pour the obtained mixture into the prepared pan. Add a few tablespoons of dulce de leche on top and, using a stick or knife, create a marbled effect. Don’t worry if the dulce de leche sinks; the taste will still be delicious!

6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the pan in the oven and let it bake for 30-40 minutes. It is important to check the brownies 15 minutes after putting them in the oven: open the oven and quickly sprinkle the dried cranberries on top. They will remain in the center of the brownies, adding a note of acidity that balances the sweetness.

7. Checking for doneness:
The brownies are ready when the top crust has cracked, but the inside is still soft. Test with a toothpick – if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are perfect!

8. Cooling and serving:
Let the brownies cool in the pan, then cut them into squares. Enjoy each piece with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of ice cream. You can also add a caramel sauce for extra sweetness.

Practical tips:
- Choose the right chocolate: A high-quality chocolate will make a difference in the final taste of the brownies. Opt for chocolate with 70% cocoa content for an intense flavor.
- Add nuts: If you like nuts, add some pecans or regular nuts to the mixture for a crunchy texture.
- Vary the flavors: Instead of almond extract, you can use orange or rum extract to give an interesting twist to the recipe.
- Storage: The brownies keep well at room temperature for 3-4 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze individual pieces.

Nutritional benefits:
These brownies contain chocolate, which is rich in antioxidants and can help improve mood. The butter adds healthy fats, and whole flour (if you choose to use it) will provide extra fiber.

Delicious pairings:
These chocolate and dulce de leche brownies pair perfectly with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, bringing a wonderful contrast between warm and cold. Additionally, a flavorful coffee or black tea will perfectly complement this decadent dessert.

In conclusion, these chocolate and dulce de leche brownies are more than just a simple dessert; they are a culinary experience that brings joy and satisfaction. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, the result will always be something you will love. So, unleash your imagination and enjoy every bite!