Subtly Sweet Brownie Recipe

This subtly sweet Brownie Recipe is the one homemade dessert recipe you will be reaching for time after time. 

Perfect for baking a big batch (or two) with family at the holidays, these homemade brownies are a subtle sweet reprieve from the heavy sugar laden desserts you may be used to.

What makes this the best homemade brownie recipe is the use of cacao powder instead of chocolate chips. 

Once you’ve tasted these delicately sweetened brownies, you may feel inclined to keep this recipe your own little secret, which I completely understand. Everyone needs at least one secret recipe that will impress even the staunchest of food critics—family or friend.

The Best Brownie Recipe

The story behind this brownie recipe stems from my aversion to overly sweet desserts. Kids have a much higher tolerance for sugar than most adults do, while I’m nearly at the bottom of the spectrum… if there is a spectrum for sugar tolerance.

I could almost live without dessert, and I often don’t eat dessert at home and never when eating at a restaurant. However, there are times when I crave chocolate in some form or another.

Most of the time, I will have a few pieces of a Theo chocolate bar to satiate my lust for chocolate.

While I don’t like much sugar, I love soft, pillowy chocolate brownies or a delicious chocolate cake. You know the kind, where you can see little air bubbles in the baked batter. When you pull it apart and it melts in your mouth, that’s when you know you have the best homemade brownie recipe.

Brownie Recipe Ingredients

Of all the desserts, chocolate brownies are one of the most beloved. As I mentioned, what makes this brownie recipe different is the use of cacao powder instead of chocolate chips.

I like Volupta Organic Cacao Powder. Navitas Organic Cacao Powder is also very good.

You can also read about why cacao powder is a superfood.

The recipe still includes sugar, but, by removing the double sugar imparted from chocolate chips, these brownies take on a delicate sweetness.

Here is the list of ingredients you will need for this homemade brownie recipe:

• Flour, all purpose - Flour is the base of these brownies. Given I prefer cakey brownies, I use a little less flour than other recipes.
• Cacao powder, raw and unsweetened - Since we’re going for a subtle sweetness, use raw, unsweetened cacao powder for this brownie recipe. You can probably use unsweetened cocoa powder, but I have not tried that.
• Sugar, granulated white or cane - A little sugar will go a long way to impart the sweet flavor in this dessert. You can use granulated sugar or cane sugar, whichever you prefer.
• Butter, unsalted and softened - Do not make the mistake of using salted butter. This recipe will include a measured amount of salt to control the sodium level, so use unsalted butter instead. Soften the butter to make it easier to mix with the dry ingredients.
• Baking powder - Baking powder is the leavening agent to develop these cakier brownies.
• Baking soda - Include baking soda in this recipe to keep the brownies fluffier and less dense or chewy.
• Salt - To balance the sweetness, trust in using just a little salt.
• Vanilla extract - Bring out the flavor of both the cacao and sugar through the inclusion of vanilla extract. It’s potent, so use sparingly.
• Eggs - These brownies are not complete without the emulsifying catalyst of eggs to help mix the dry with the wet ingredients. You can use 2-3 eggs in this recipe.

Variations:

• Use chocolate chips or chocolate chunks as a topping to this brownie recipe.
• Exclude the baking powder and baking soda if you want chewy, dense brownies.
• Add blueberries for an infusion of natural sugar, plus the blueberry taste.

How to Make This Brownie Recipe

You can use stainless steel mixing bowls or these beautiful handthrown pottery mixing bowls from etuHome.

1. Add the flour, sugar, cacao powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt to a medium size mixing bowl. Stir to mix.

2. To the same mixing bowl, add the eggs, butter and vanilla extract. Mix to combine.

3. Pour the batter mixture into an 8x8 baking pan. I line my pan with parchment paper.

4. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Remove from the oven and use a toothpick to check if the brownies are done or if they need a few more minutes. Avoid over-baking.

5. Let the brownies sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

You can make this brownie recipe whenever you’re craving a subtly sweet dessert, at the holidays, a family gathering or anytime. A sweet dessert like brownies brings everyone together.  

• Dessert - Be it a weeknight or holiday, a brownie dessert completes the meal. At the holidays, use a gorgeous porcelain oval serving platter to treat guests to this sweet treat.

• Snack - In moderation, who says you can’t have brownies as a snack? After work or after school, grab one of these delicately sweet brownies.

How to Store Homemade Leftover Brownies

There are a few different ways to store homemade brownies. 

You can store leftover brownies at room temperature in a covered container, or plastic wrapped dish, for a week or so. Keep in mind an airtight container will keep them fresher longer.

You may also store homemade brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few weeks or the freezer for a few months.

Want more?

Check out some of the other recipes on Mornington Lane.