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Homemade Fudgy Brownie Bars with Smoked Sea Salt

These homemade brownie bars are rich, fudgy, and topped with a sprinkle of smoky sea salt that elevates their deep chocolate flavor. The recipe involves melting butter and cocoa, mixing in eggs and sugar, and folding in flour and chocolate chips before baking to achieve a crackly top and gooey center. The final result is a decadent, chewy treat with a shiny, textured crust and a melt-in-your-mouth interior.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 16
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter preferably salted for extra flavor
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder high-quality for rich flavor
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • pinch sea salt for sprinkling on top

Equipment

  • 9-inch square baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Saucepan
  • whisk
  • Spatula
  • Toothpick or cake tester

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line your 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. Melt the butter gently in a saucepan over low heat until it’s just melted and begins to shimmer, then remove from heat.
  3. Stir the cocoa powder into the melted butter until the mixture is smooth, shiny, and fragrant, with no lumps remaining.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and eggs until the mixture is pale, slightly frothy, and well combined, about 2 minutes.
  5. Pour the warm chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, stirring constantly to create a silky, consistent batter, then add vanilla extract.
  6. Sift the flour and a pinch of sea salt into the wet ingredients, then gently fold until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the batter tender.
  7. Stir in the chocolate chips evenly, ensuring they are distributed throughout the thick batter.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula for an even surface.
  9. Sprinkle a small pinch of flaky sea salt over the top, then bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, until the edges are set and cracked, but the center still feels soft when gently pressed.
  10. Remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes, allowing the center to set and develop that glossy, crackled surface.
  11. Lift the brownies out using the parchment overhang, then cut into squares or rectangles. Optionally, sprinkle a little more sea salt on top for extra flavor.
  12. Enjoy these rich, fudgy brownie bars at room temperature or warmed slightly for an extra gooey treat.

Notes

For an extra depth of smoky flavor, try using smoked sea salt on top before baking. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage. Reheat briefly in the microwave for that freshly baked gooeyness.