There’s nothing quite like a classic brownie – especially one that’s deeply chocolatey, chewy, and perfectly fudgy.

This brownie recipe is a must for any chocolate lover! These brownies are thick, fudgy, and packed with rich flavor, thanks to our Vanilla Bean Paste and Natural Espresso Coffee Artisan Flavor. Together, they elevate the chocolate flavor to a whole new level, creating a rich depth that makes these brownies hard to resist.

This recipe has everything a great brownie should – a crackly top, chewy edges, and a gooey center. Plus, it’s so easy to make, requiring just a few simple steps and minimal ingredients.

From melting the butter to that first slice through a perfectly fudgy square, this is a recipe anyone can master and enjoy.

Vanilla Bean Paste vs Vanilla Extract?

Vanilla Bean Paste brings something special to baked goods that vanilla extract alone just can’t match. Unlike vanilla extract, which is a thinner liquid (oftentimes made with alcohol), vanilla bean paste has a thicker consistency, almost like a syrup, and is made from whole Madagascar vanilla beans. This gives it a uniquely rich flavor and those beautiful little black specks from real vanilla beans that you can see in every bite.

When it comes to baking, the paste adds a deeper, more concentrated vanilla flavor that holds up better, especially in recipes with bold flavors like chocolate.

In these brownies, for example, our vanilla bean paste enhances the chocolate, giving it a warm, balanced depth that’s not as easy to achieve with vanilla extract alone. Vanilla extract brings flavor, too, but it’s more subtle and can sometimes get lost in richer bakes, or even bake off due to the percentage of alcohol in a store-bought vanilla extract.

With the paste, you’ll get a true vanilla bean experience & flavor unlike no other.

Fudgy Crackle Top Brownies

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons Amoretti® Natural Espresso Coffee Flavor
• 1 tablespoon Amoretti® Vanilla Bean Paste
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil (any oil will work, we used avocado)
• 1 and 1/3 cups granulated sugar, divided
• 2 large large eggs
• 1 large egg yolk
• 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips
• Flaky salt, optional

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 9x9-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper, allowing the parchment to hang over the sides for easy removal
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside. 
3. In a saucepan, combine the butter, oil, and 1/3 cup of the sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until butter is completely melted and sugar is disolved.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs and remaining cup of sugar. Whisk until well combined. 
5. Slowly, pour the warm butter mixture into the egg mixture, adding it very slowly while whisking constantly until completely combined. 
6. Add in the dry ingredients and chocolate chips and, using a siliconespatula, slowly stir until just combined. Be sure to not overmix.  
7. Once the ingredients are combined, scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. 
8. Bake for 27-30 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the top is shiny and slightly cracked. 
9. Place pan on a cooling rack and cool completely before slicing. 
10. OPTIONAL: When cut, top with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a sweet & salty flavor.

Tips for the Best Brownies:

• Minimal Mixing: Fold the ingredients gently to maintain a fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Quality Chocolate: Dark chocolate chips or chunks bring a bold, rich flavor that perfectly complements the vanilla.
• Let Them Cool: Cooling before slicing gives the brownies time to set for cleaner cuts and a perfect texture.

Optional Add-Ins:

Peppermint Brownies: add 1/2 a

 teaspoon of Amoretti® Peppermint Extract for a refreshing minty twist.

Salted Caramel Brownies: 

Use 1 tablespoon of Amoretti® Salted Caramel Artisan Flavor in place of the vanilla bean paste to create rich salted caramel brownies.

Hazelnut Chocolate Brownies:

Reduce the vanilla bean paste to 2 teaspoons and substitute the espresso coffee flavor for 1 tablespoon of with Amoretti® Hazelnut Praline Artisan Flavor to infuse your brownies with a delightful hazelnut taste. Add chopped hazelnuts for extra crunch.

Mocha Brownies: Reduce the vanilla bean paste to 2 teaspoons and add 1 & 1/2 tablespoons of

 Amoretti® Natural Espresso Coffee Flavor for an even stronger coffee flavor, perfect for mocha lovers.

Orange Chocolate Brownies: 

Substitute Amoretti® Natural Orange Artisan Flavor for the vanilla bean paste to give the brownies a bright, citrusy note that pairs beautifully with chocolate.