Classic American Brownie — Rich Cocoa Version Inspired by Alice Medrich
This classic brownie recipe swaps chocolate for high-quality cocoa powder (I used half Schmidt and half Valrhona) and adds a touch of coffee essence for depth. I adapted the original quantities for my 28×18 cm pan, slightly reduced the sugar, and kept it decadent and fudgy.
🍫 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter (82% fat) | 210 g |
| Cocoa powder (20% fat) | 120 g |
| Sugar | 300 g |
| Eggs (cold) | 3 |
| Vanilla extract (or vanilla sugar) | 1 teaspoon (or 1 packet) |
| Coffee extract (or instant coffee) | 1 teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour (type 550 or BL55) | 100 g |
| Chopped walnuts | 100 g |
| Pinch of salt | To taste |
🔪 Preparation Steps
- Melt butter and mix:
Melt butter gently over low heat without letting it get hot. Stir in sugar until combined. Add cocoa powder, vanilla and coffee extracts, and salt; mix well. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. - Add eggs:
Add eggs one at a time, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon after each until glossy and smooth. - Incorporate flour:
Fold in flour gently using a spatula, mixing until no streaks remain and batter pulls away from the bowl edges. - Add nuts:
Fold in chopped walnuts evenly. The batter will be thick and sticky. - Prepare pan and bake:
Grease a 28 x 18 cm pan or line with parchment paper. Spread batter evenly and smooth the top with the back of a spoon. - Bake:
Bake at 165°C (330°F) for about 35 minutes. Begin checking at 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center—done when it comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. - Cool and cut:
Remove from oven and cool completely before cutting into squares. The brownie will be about 3 cm thick.
💡 Tips & Notes
- Use quality cocoa for rich chocolate flavor.
- Cold eggs help achieve a dense fudgy texture.
- Coffee essence enhances chocolate depth but is optional.
- Do not overbake to maintain fudgy center.
🧾 Final Thoughts
This fudgy, cocoa-rich brownie balances intense flavor with a tender crumb. Perfect for any occasion and easy to make at home with straightforward ingredients.