Discover the Ultimate Collection of Brownie Recipes: Your Guide to Perfect Chocolate Indulgence

Is there truly any chocolate dessert more universally adored than a brownie? For many, the answer is a resounding “NO!” Brownies hold a special place in our hearts, whether they’re classic fudgy squares, elaborately frosted, generously stuffed, transformed into delectable bite-sized morsels, or crisped into irresistible bark. When it comes to the delightful world of brownies, we are wholeheartedly committed!

Today, we invite you to embark on a sweet journey through an extraordinary collection of the most epic brownie recipes available. This is your ultimate destination for everything brownie-related – a treasure trove designed to satisfy every chocolate craving and inspire your next baking adventure. Get ready to explore a world of rich, decadent, and utterly irresistible chocolate brownies that promise to elevate your dessert game.

The #Choctoberfest Celebration: A Festival of Chocolate Delights

The timing for this incredible collection couldn’t be more perfect! This week, we are thrilled to be part of #Choctoberfest, an annual gathering of passionate food bloggers dedicated to flooding the internet with an abundance of all things chocolate. Imagine starting your week surrounded by the aroma and taste of cocoa – doesn’t that sound like a fantastic way to banish Monday blues?

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What is Choctoberfest?

#Choctoberfest is more than just an annual recipe-sharing event; it’s a global celebration of chocolate. Each year, food bloggers from around the world unite to create and share their most delicious and innovative chocolate recipes. This year, over 70 talented bloggers are collaborating for an entire week dedicated to chocolate cakes, pies, cookies, puddings, tarts, candies, and, of course, an endless array of brownies. You can easily follow along with this delectable festival by searching for the hashtag #Choctoberfest on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter, or by simply following any of the participating bloggers listed further down this page.

We are also incredibly grateful to our generous sponsors, whose support makes #Choctoberfest possible year after year. These amazing brands have come together to curate a spectacular prize pack valued at over $400! You’ll find a detailed list of what’s included in this incredible prize package, along with instructions on how to enter for your chance to win, at the end of this post.

Choosing Your Chocolate: The Heart of Every Brownie Recipe

Before we dive into the delicious brownie recipes, let’s talk about the single most important ingredient: chocolate. No matter how creative your brownie variation, the journey always begins and ends with high-quality chocolate. The three most commonly available and trusted chocolate brands in stores are Hershey, Nestle, and Ghirardelli.

All these brands offer excellent chocolate suitable for baking, and I’ve successfully used each of them at different times. However, understanding their subtle differences can help you make a more informed choice, perfectly tailored to your desired brownie recipe outcome. The type of chocolate you choose – whether dark, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate – also significantly impacts the flavor and texture of your finished brownies. For baking truly exceptional fudgy or chewy brownies, I highly recommend opting for dark or semi-sweet chocolate. Save the sweeter milk chocolate morsels for toppings, glazes, or incorporating into recipes where a milder chocolate flavor is desired.

Hershey, Nestle, and Ghirardelli Chocolates for Brownie Recipes

These “big three” chocolate makers all provide excellent baking chocolate, which you’ll typically find in the baking aisle, not the candy section. When it comes to crafting the perfect brownie recipe:

• Hershey’s baking chocolate often imparts subtle hints of coconut, which can add an intriguing layer of flavor to your brownies, especially if you enjoy tropical notes.
• Ghirardelli chocolate tends to have a slightly fruity essence, sometimes reminiscent of raisins. This can deepen the overall chocolate flavor profile and add complexity.
• Nestle’s baking chocolate frequently offers a delicate touch of hazelnut in its rich chocolate base. This makes it an ideal choice if you’re aiming for a nutty undertone in your brownies, even without adding actual nuts.

If your brownie recipe calls for or would benefit from any of these specific flavor directions, leveraging these chocolate brands accordingly can enhance the respective qualities in your final brownie, creating a truly harmonious and delightful experience.

Mastering the Art of Brownie Baking: Essential Tips for Perfection

Achieving the perfect brownie – whether you prefer it intensely fudgy, delightfully chewy, or wonderfully cakey – involves a few key techniques. Follow these simple preparation and baking tips to ensure your brownies turn out impeccably every time.

Brownie Preparation Tips

• Avoid Over-Beating: This is perhaps the most crucial rule for fudgy brownies. You are aiming for dense, rich brownies, not a light, airy cake. Over-beating the eggs and wet ingredients incorporates too much air, resulting in a cake-like texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined; a few lumps are perfectly acceptable.
• Sift Dry Ingredients: For a smoother batter and a more uniform texture, always take the extra minute to sift your dry ingredients like flour and cocoa powder. This removes clumps and ensures they are evenly distributed when mixed with the wet ingredients, leading to a perfectly consistent brownie.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and any dairy ingredients are at room temperature. This helps them emulsify better with the fats, creating a smoother batter and a more even bake.
• High-Altitude Adjustments: If you live at a high elevation above sea level, brownies can sometimes come out dry or crumbly due to reduced atmospheric pressure. Counteract this by adding an extra egg or two to your recipe. The additional moisture is essential to prevent your brownies from drying out and achieving that desired soft, chewy consistency.

Brownie Baking Tips

• Optimal Oven Placement: For even baking, always bake your brownies on a single rack positioned in the middle of your oven. If you’re baking two pans simultaneously, avoid stacking them on separate levels, as the steam from the lower pan can prevent the top pan from cooking evenly. It’s better to bake them one at a time or use two racks if your oven allows for ample space and even heat distribution.
• Mid-Bake Tap: About halfway through the baking process, gently tap your brownie pan on the oven rack or carefully remove it and tap it on a heat-proof surface. This helps release any trapped air bubbles, preventing your brownies from rising too much like a soufflé and instead encouraging that desirable dense, fudgy texture.
• Rapid Cooling for Texture: Once your brownies are out of the oven, speed up the cooling process for a superior texture. Place the hot brownie pan directly onto a separate baking pan filled with ice cubes. This rapid cooling helps the brownies set quickly and evenly, preventing a “cookie bottom” and ensuring a consistent, delicious texture throughout.
• Don’t Overbake: It’s better to slightly underbake brownies for a fudgier result. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter, and certainly not completely clean.

A Diverse World of Brownie Delights: Explore Our Epic Collection

Beyond the classic chocolate square, the world of brownies is incredibly expansive and creative. From time-honored recipes passed down through generations to innovative concoctions that push the boundaries of flavor, the options are virtually endless. Imagine adding crunchy nuts, creamy nut butters, vibrant flavored chips, or fluffy marshmallows. Spices like nutmeg or cinnamon can introduce warmth, while adventurous additions like bacon or a hint of booze can create truly unique experiences.

And that’s just the brownie base! Once baked, we enter the realm of frosting, where things can truly become divinely delicious. Prepare to be inspired by the versatility and endless possibilities of these beloved chocolate treats.

Beautifully Classic & Innovative Brownie Creations

Explore More Beautiful Brownie Recipes:

• Chocolate Ganache Brownies
• S’Mores Brownies
• Double Chocolate Caramel Brownies
• Old Fashioned Brownies
• Lunch Lady Brownies
• Mexican Chocolate Frosted Brownies
• Bourbon Pecan Brownies
• Mississippi Mud Brownies
• Triple Layer Frosted Brownies
• Frosted Peanut Butter Chip Brownies
• Bacon Salt Brownies
• Derby Pie Brownies
• Milk Stout Brownies
• Gluten Free & Egg Free Brownies
• Bailey’s Cheesecake Swirl Brownies

Indulgent Candy-Inspired Brownies

What could possibly make a delicious brownie even better? Adding more chocolate and candy, of course! A natural and incredibly popular direction for winning brownie recipes is to infuse them with the irresistible flavors and textures of your favorite candy bars. It just makes perfect sense – combining beloved chocolate treats with an already decadent brownie base elevates the experience to a new level of indulgence. Prepare to be delighted by these candy-inspired creations!

CANDY INSPIRED BROWNIES:

• Brownie Bites with Rolos
• Almond Joy Brownie Bites
• Frosted Chocolate Turtle Brownies
• Ultimate Butterfinger Brownies
• Dark Chocolate Toffee Brownies
• Fudgy Frosted Chocolate Mint Brownies
• Whoppers Brownies
• Gluten Free Andes Mint Brownies

Crispy, Chewy, and Perfectly Poppable: Brownie Barks, Brittles and Bites

While Huey Lewis famously declared, “It’s hip to be square,” not all brownies have to conform to the traditional square shape! In fact, some of my absolute favorite ways to enjoy these chocolate treats stray far from the basic cut. Take brownie bark, for instance, sometimes affectionately called brownie brittle. These crispy brownie delights, often studded with delightful additions like nuts or toffee, are a revelation. Here’s a little secret: brownie bark is my go-to guilty pleasure, perfectly paired with a glass of red wine. The combination of rich chocolate and a robust red is simply sensational.

The same goes for brownie bites. These perfectly poppable morsels are incredibly versatile and utterly delicious. Ideal for parties, lunchboxes, or simply satisfying a small sweet craving, brownie bites offer all the fudgy or chewy goodness of a larger brownie in a convenient, irresistible package. Get ready to explore these non-traditional, yet equally delightful, forms of your favorite chocolate dessert!

BROWNIE BARKS, BRITTLES and BITES:

• Easy Brownie Bark with Pistachios
• Salted Caramel Brownie Brittle
• Touchdown Turtle Brownie Bites
• Espresso Brownie Bites with Kahlua Frosting

Unexpected Delights: Brownies with Fruits and Vegetables

For anyone who claims they’d never put vegetables in brownies, I challenge you to try one of my frosted zucchini brownies! Incorporating vegetables like zucchini, pumpkin, or even carrots into baked goods is a secret weapon for achieving unsurpassed moisture and often a subtle depth of flavor. These ingredients magically disappear into the rich chocolate, leaving behind only an incredibly moist and tender brownie that will surprise even the pickiest eaters.

Of course, when it comes to fruits, additions like cherries, raspberries, and strawberries are a natural choice and a complete no-brainer. Their bright, tangy notes pair beautifully with the rich sweetness of chocolate, creating a harmonious flavor balance that is simply divine. These fruit and vegetable-enhanced brownies prove that deliciousness can indeed be healthy-ish, or at least a delightful surprise!

BROWNIES WITH FRUITS AND VEGGIES:

• The Very Best Zucchini Brownies
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Brownies
• Lemon Brownies
• Chocolate Cherry Brownies
• Dr. Pepper Chocolate Cherry Brownies
• Cherry Amaretto Frosted Brownies
• Strawberry Brownies
• Raspberry Swirl Cream Cheese Brownies
• Secret Ingredient (Black Bean) Brownies

Beyond the Pan: Brownie-Inspired Desserts

We love our brownies so much that we often take an already perfectly good dessert and elevate it further by incorporating brownies, making it even more outrageous and irresistible! Brownie-inspired desserts are a guaranteed fast track to anyone’s heart, transforming familiar treats into extraordinary culinary experiences. From decadent cakes to layered parfaits, these creations showcase the incredible versatility of brownies as a core component. Prepare for a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving “just one more bite.”

BROWNIE INSPIRED DESSERTS:

• Brownie Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Cake
• Super Chocolate Hot Fudge Brownie Cake
• Brownie Sandwich Cookies with Cookie Dough Frosting
• Oreo Brownie Poke Cake
• Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Cake

Equipping Your Kitchen for Brownie Success

Baking perfect homemade brownies, for the most part, is a wonderfully simple endeavor that doesn’t demand a vast array of fancy equipment. In many cases, you won’t even need an electric mixer (unless, of course, you’re intentionally aiming for that lighter, cakey texture we discussed earlier). A sturdy batter bowl, reliable wooden spoons or silicone spatulas, and accurate measuring cups and spoons will get you well on your way to brownie bliss.

However, when it comes to selecting your baking dishes, you’ll encounter a few thoughtful decisions. The ideal pan size depends on the desired thickness and density of your brownies. A smaller pan will yield thicker, fudgier brownies, while a larger one will produce thinner, chewier squares. And for those who, like me, live for the crispy edges of a brownie, an “All Edges Pan” is an absolute game-changer. This specialty pan ensures every single piece boasts that coveted chewy, caramelized edge, making it a favorite for edge-lovers everywhere!

Essential Kitchen Tools for Easier Brownie Making:

• Kitchenaid Mixer: Ideal for quickly creaming butter and sugar or making larger batches.
• Hand Mixer: A versatile and compact alternative for achieving smooth batters without over-mixing.
• 9×13 Pyrex Baking Dish: A classic, indispensable size for family-sized batches of brownies.
• 8×8 Baking Dish: Perfect for smaller batches or thicker, denser brownies.
• Rubber Spatulas: Essential for gently folding in ingredients and scraping down bowls, ensuring no delicious batter goes to waste.
• Wooden Spoons: Sturdy and effective for hand-mixing brownie batter without overworking it.
• Batter Bowl: A large bowl with a comfortable handle and pour spout for easy mixing and transfer.
• Dry Measuring Cups: For accurately measuring flour, cocoa, and sugar.
• Pyrex Measuring Cups: Clear glass cups for precise liquid measurements.
• Brownie “All Edges” Pan: The ultimate pan for those who cherish every crispy, chewy edge piece.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate measurement of smaller quantities of ingredients like leavening agents and extracts.
• Brownie Serving Spatula: Designed to easily lift and serve perfectly cut brownies.

^PIN this Collection before you go!^

Don’t Miss Out! The #Choctoberfest Giveaway & Participating Bloggers

We sincerely hope you’ve discovered a plethora of tempting brownie recipes that you’re eager to try. A huge thank you to my incredible foodie blogger friends for their fantastic contributions to this essential collection! Don’t forget to enter the exciting giveaway for a chance to win amazing prizes, and be sure to explore all the other delightful #Choctoberfest recipes shared by our talented community below!

The Ultimate #Choctoberfest Prize Pack (Worth Over $400!):

Enter for your chance to win this incredible prize package, thoughtfully assembled by our generous sponsors:

• Candy Gift Pack from blog host Triple Chocolate Kitchen: Includes an 180-pack of luxurious Lindt LINDOR Chocolate Truffles (featuring dark, milk, and white varieties). Triple Chocolate Kitchen proudly organizes #Choctoberfest and consistently shares fantastic chocolate recipes throughout the year.
• Chocolate and Cocoa Gift Pack from Divine Chocolate: A selection of high-quality fair trade chocolate bars, premium cocoa powder, and exclusive Divine Chocolate merchandise. Divine Chocolate’s baking line boasts three premium quality flavors, ranging from 55% to 100% cocoa, perfect for a wide variety of delicious desserts. Their chocolate products are crafted with 100% cocoa butter, are non-GMO, and Vegan Society Certified.
• $100 Nordic Ware Gift Card and 40 Pounds of Granulated Sugar from Imperial Sugar: Imperial Sugar is currently hosting their annual Scary Scramble, showcasing delicious fall-inspired recipes made with their high-quality sweeteners. Imperial Sugar has been a trusted kitchen staple for over 175 years!
• Collagen Fuel™ Drink Mix Gift Pack from Primal Kitchen: These innovative drink mixes are designed to support healthy hair, skin, and nails. Their chocolate version features organic, fair-trade cocoa and coconut milk powders, and is free from wheat, soy, or dairy ingredients.
• Cracker Gift Pack from Mary’s Gone Crackers: The lucky winner will receive a variety of delicious crackers, many of which pair wonderfully with chocolate (explore their recipe page for inspiring ideas!). Mary’s products are proudly vegan, cruelty-free, and organic.
• Fig Spread Gift Pack from Dalmatia Spreads: With delightful flavors such as sour cherry, plum, blackberry, and orange, you’ll discover that several of Dalmatia’s fig-based spreads are perfect for enhancing chocolate recipes. Use them as a luscious filling for crepes, serve warm over ice cream, or simply spread them onto toast. They even offer a special fig cocoa spread made with fair trade cocoa.
• Alkaline Water Pack from Perfect Hydration: Quench your thirst after indulging in all those delicious chocolate desserts with Perfect Hydration water. This 9.5+ pH alkaline water helps effectively restore and rebalance the body to optimal pH levels. This water undergoes a rigorous 9-stage filtration process, contains no added sodium, chlorine, or fluoride, and is thoughtfully packaged in recyclable BPA-free bottles.
• Kitchen Conversions Chart and Etsy Gift Card from Moonflower Mountain: The winner gets to choose the colors for this beautifully adorned flower conversion chart, which makes it effortlessly easy to double any recipe or convert measurements from cups to tablespoons.

This incredible prize pack is valued at over $400! The giveaway is open worldwide, except where prohibited by law. Entrants must be 18+ to enter (21+ in some locations). One lucky winner will be drawn randomly on October 20, 2019, and will be contacted via email. Please refer to the terms and conditions for complete details. You can enter the giveaway using the provided Rafflecopter link (ensure JavaScript is enabled for the widget to load).

Entries from spam or inactive accounts are invalid. #Choctoberfest bloggers, sponsors, and their immediate families/households are not eligible to win. This giveaway is not affiliated with or sponsored by Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Make sure you check out the participating bloggers to see #Choctoberfest recipes throughout the week:

Triple Chocolate Kitchen • 2 Cookin Mamas • A Day in the Life on the Farm • A Labour of Life • A Little Fish in the Kitchen • A Southern Fairytale • Amy’s Cooking Adventures • An Affair from the Heart • Bottom Left of the Mitten • Broken Teepee • Bunsen Burner Bakery • Champagne and Coconuts • Cindy’s Recipes and Writings • Cook with Renu • Cook’s Hideout • Cookaholic Wife • Crafty Cooking Mama • Daily Dish Recipes • Dixie Chik Cooks • Everyday Eileen • Fairyburger • First Timer Cook • Fix Me a Little Lunch • Frugal & Fit • Fun Happy Home • Get the Good Stuff! • Glenda Embree • Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks • How Was Your Day? • I Can Cook That • Join Us, Pull up a Chair • Karen’s Kitchen Stories • Kate’s Recipe Box • Kelly Lynn’s Sweets and Treats • Life & Medicine Blog • Life on Food • Long Distance Baking • Lynchburg Mama • Makes, Bakes and Decor • Making Miracles • Mama Needs Cake • Memories In The Kitchen • Our Good Life • Our Sutton Place • Palatable Pastime • Queenslee Appétit • Reviewz & Newz • Sarah Cooks the Books • Sarah’s Bake Studio • Seduction In The Kitchen • Shockingly Delicious • Simple Family Crazy Life • Simply Inspired Meals • Sneha’s Recipe • Style Island • Sumptuous Spoonfuls • Sweet Coralice • Sweet Dash of Sass • Take Two Tapas • That Recipe • The Awesome Muse • The Beard and The Baker • The Delicious Spoon • The Food Hunter’s Guide to Cuisine • The Freshman Cook • The Redhead Baker • The Schizo Chef • The Spiffy Cookie • The Urben Life • Trampling Rose • Turnips 2 Tangerines • Who Needs A Cape? • Wildflour’s Cottage Kitchen • Zesty South Indian Kitchen