Enjoy making Mary Berry’s brownies, known for their gooey center and crisp edges. This recipe is simple and suitable for bakers at any level. It takes about an hour to prepare and yields 16 squares.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to bake these delicious brownies step by step, along with some tips to help you make them just right.
What is Mary Berry Brownies?
Mary Berry Brownies are a classic British dessert, characterized by their fudgy texture and intense chocolate flavor. These brownies strike a perfect balance between cakey and chewy, making them a hit at any gathering.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizes everyday, easily accessible ingredients.
- Foolproof: Follows Mary Berry’s expert guidance, ensuring perfect results every time.
- Versatile: Easily customized with various add-ins and toppings.
- Quick Preparation: Takes less than 20 minutes to prepare before baking.
- Comforting Treat: Offers a comforting, chocolatey delight that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients Needed for Mary Berry Brownies
- Unsalted butter (200 grams), equivalent to approximately 7 ounces (0.44 pounds), melted for a smooth mixture.
- Fine sugar (250 grams), around 8.8 ounces (0.55 pounds), to sweeten and add texture.
- Plain flour (60 grams), about 2.1 ounces (0.13 pounds), sifted to prevent lumps.
- Cocoa powder (30 grams), roughly 1 ounce (0.06 pounds), for a deep chocolate flavor.
- Large eggs (4), at room temperature for even mixing.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon), for a hint of vanilla essence.
- Chocolate chips (150 grams), or 5.3 ounces (0.33 pounds), are optional for extra chocolatey bursts.
Useful Equipment
- Mixing bowls: For combining the ingredients.
- Whisk or electric mixer: To ensure a smooth batter.
- Baking tin (9×13 inches): Properly sized for even baking.
- Parchment paper: To line the baking tin for easy removal of the brownies.
- Cooling rack: To cool the brownies evenly after baking.
Instructions to Mary Berry Brownies
Step 1: Preparation
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures the oven is ready for immediate baking, which helps achieve a consistent texture.
- Prepare the Baking Tin: Line a 9×13 inch baking tin with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal of the brownies once baked.
Step 2: Mixing the Batter
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the plain flour and cocoa powder to avoid lumps and ensure an even distribution throughout the batter.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Eggs: Crack the eggs into the mixture one at a time, whisking well after each addition until the mixture is glossy and smooth.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold in the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, ensuring not to overmix as this can affect the fudginess of your brownies.
- Add Chocolate Chips: If using, fold in the chocolate chips for an extra burst of chocolatey goodness.
Step 3: Baking
- Pour into Baking Tin: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is slightly cracked and the edges look cooked but the center is still slightly soft.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before lifting out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Brownies?
Mary Berry Brownies are versatile and can be paired with various accompaniments to enhance their flavor.
Here are some great options:
- Fresh Cream: Drizzle lightly whipped cream over a warm brownie for a classic touch.
- Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Coffee: Complement the chocolatey richness with a cup of strong, black coffee.
- Fruit Compote: Top with a berry compote for a tangy twist.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking for added texture.
Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Brownies
Achieving perfect brownies every time is easier with these expert tips:
- Check Your Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is properly calibrated for even baking.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the ingredients just until combined to keep the brownies fudgy.
- Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor.
- Cool Before Cutting: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan to set properly before slicing.
- Line Your Pan: Always line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Variations of Mary Berry Brownies
Customize your brownies to suit your taste or occasion with these creative variations:
- Mint Chocolate: Add a few drops of mint extract to the batter for a refreshing flavor.
- Mocha Delight: Incorporate espresso powder to enhance the chocolate taste.
- Salted Caramel: Swirl in some salted caramel for a sweet and salty upgrade.
- Peanut Butter: Dot the top with peanut butter before baking for a gooey surprise.
- White Chocolate Chips: Stir in white chocolate chips for extra sweetness and texture.
How Do I Store Mary Berry Brownies Leftovers?
Proper storage of Mary Berry Brownies ensures they stay fresh and delicious for days.
Here’s how to keep them in top condition:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Refrigerate for Longevity: Keep them in the fridge for up to a week if you prefer them a bit firmer.
- Freeze for Future Treats: Wrap brownies individually in cling film and place them in a freezer bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Separate Layers: Use wax paper between layers of brownies in the container to prevent sticking.
- Keep Away from Moisture: Ensure the storage area is dry to avoid sogginess.
How Do I Reheat Mary Berry Brownies Leftovers?
Reheating brownies can bring back their freshly baked taste and texture. Follow these tips:
- Microwave Briefly: Heat a brownie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
- Oven Reheating: Warm brownies in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Avoid Overheating: Reheat only until just warm to maintain the texture.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy them warm for the best experience.
- Add Moisture: If they feel dry, add a damp paper towel in the microwave or a pan of water in the oven to introduce some moisture.
Nutrition Value (per serving, based on 16 servings)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Total Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Dietary Fiber: 2 g
- Sugars: 27 g
- Protein: 4 g
FAQS
Can I Use a Different Type of Sugar in Mary Berry Brownies?
Yes, you can use different types of sugar to make Mary Berry Brownies. While the recipe typically calls for fine sugar, you can substitute it with granulated sugar or light brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Just ensure that the sugar is well dissolved during the mixing process to maintain the smooth texture of the batter.
What is the Best Type of Chocolate to Use for Mary Berry Brownies?
The best type of chocolate for Mary Berry Brownies is high-quality dark chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 70%. This provides a rich, deep chocolate flavor that is essential for creating delicious brownies. You can use chocolate bars chopped into small pieces or high-quality chocolate chips.
How Can I Tell When the Brownies Are Perfectly Baked?
The brownies are perfectly baked when the edges start to pull away from the sides of the tin, and the center is set but still slightly soft. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, not completely clean. This ensures the brownies remain fudgy and moist.
Is it Necessary to Use Parchment Paper When Baking Mary Berry Brownies?
Yes, it is necessary to use parchment paper when baking Mary Berry Brownies. The parchment paper prevents the brownies from sticking to the pan and makes it easier to lift them out once cooled. It also allows for quick cleanup. Ensure the paper overhangs the sides of the pan to lift the brownies out easily.
Final Words
This step-by-step guide to making Mary Berry Brownies provides everything you need to know to bake these delightful treats successfully. With simple ingredients and clear instructions, you can enjoy these delicious brownies anytime. Experiment with the variations to keep things interesting, and remember the tips for storing and reheating to maintain their best quality. Happy baking!