Imagine sinking your fork into a decadent dessert that perfectly balances rich chocolate and smooth vanilla flavors - a treat so irresistible that it will have everyone at your table begging for seconds! This American-style dessert is not just a recipe; it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that takes just 50 minutes to create.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: Serves 8
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan with butter or line with parchment paper.
- In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine and ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let the dessert cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut into 8 equal squares. Optional: dust with powdered sugar or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep your dessert tender and light.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test - if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, your dessert is perfectly baked.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the dessert cool completely before cutting to maintain its structure and prevent crumbling.
- Serving Suggestions: Elevate your dessert with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 85mg
