Skip to main content

Ultimate Fudgy Brownies

The key to really moist, fudgy brownies is not to overmix the batter. For extra decadence, lightly frost them with softened chocolate ganache (page 108) and sprinkle with extra toasted nuts on top. These treats are for serious chocolate lovers.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 24 (2-inch) bars

Ingredients

6 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 cup unsalted butter or nonhydrogenated butter substitute
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups light agave nectar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup sprouted spelt flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly oil a 9- by 13-inch baking pan with canola oil spray.

    Step 2

    In a glass bowl, combine the chocolate and butter. Microwave on high setting for 2 minutes. Immediately remove from the microwave and stir until the chocolate is completely melted. In a large bowl, lightly beat the eggs with a wire whisk. Add the agave nectar and vanilla extract. Stir in the melted chocolate mixture. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt over the chocolate mixture. Gently fold the ingredients, just until the flour is incorporated. Gently fold in the pecans. Be sure not to overmix; the mixture will be lumpy.

    Step 3

    Pour into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes, or until just set. Do not overbake, or the brownies will lose their fudginess. Let cool in the pan before cutting into bars.

Reprinted with permission from Baking with Agave Nectar: Over 100 Recipes Using Nature's Ultimate Sweetener by Ania Catalano. Copyright © 2008 by Ania Catalano; photography © 2008 by Lara Hata. Published by Celestial Arts, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc., New York. Ania Catalano is a graduate of the Natural Gourmet School of Cooking in New York and the owner of the Gourmet Whole Foods Catering and Cooking School in Milford, Connecticut.
Read More
This isn’t competing with a brownie. It’s in a class of its own.
A few clever changes take classic Rice Krispies Treats to soaring new heights.
Canned pumpkin, you shouldn’t have!
Crisp, buttery shell. Soft, flaky center. Cry!
Fall dreams are made of this. Who are we to disagree?
Enchiladas meet pumpkin in this cozy weeknight dinner.
Canned purée delivers rich body and deep flavor, without the nonna-level cook time.
Brussels sprouts are better with a crunchy Parmesan skirt.