Prepare to embark on a decadent journey that will make your taste buds dance with pure chocolate ecstasy! These Gooey Brownie Cake Bars are not just a dessert – they're a life-changing experience that combines the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the irresistible allure of a chocolate cake. Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly balanced treat that's crispy on the edges and mind-blowingly gooey in the center, studded with melting chocolate chips that will make chocolate lovers weak in the knees!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter completely. Use 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even melting.
- Add granulated sugar to the melted butter and whisk thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly lighter in color.
- Crack the eggs into the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt to remove any lumps and ensure even distribution.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Fold in half of the chocolate chips into the batter, reserving the remaining chips for topping.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips across the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center should still look slightly underbaked for that classic gooey texture.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out and transfer to a wire rack.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into 12 equal bars. For clean cuts, use a sharp knife wiped with a warm, damp cloth between slices.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation and a smoother batter.
- Don't Overmix: Gently fold your dry ingredients into the wet mixture to keep the bars tender and avoid a tough texture.
- Oven Accuracy is Key: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your temperature is precise – this is crucial for achieving that perfect gooey center.
- Cooling Technique: Let the bars cool completely before cutting to help them set and make slicing easier.
- Storage Hack: These bars stay fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight container at room temperature, or can be frozen for up to a month for later enjoyment.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra indulgent experience, warm the bars slightly and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 330kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
