Chocolate Brownies – The Ultimate Dessert Recipe For Two

When you are looking for a delicious dessert recipe for two, it is hard to beat this Chocolate Brownies recipe. You get all the goodness of traditional brownies but they taste even better.

They are lighter than a thick and dense fudge brownie. However, they aren’t quite as airy as a piece of cake.

Instead they have an in between texture and an amazing chocolate taste! And if you really want to make it an extra special dessert, add a chocolate ganache topping and your taste buds will be in heaven.

Just when you think that it can’t get any better, add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on top! Now you can see why it is the ultimate dessert recipe for two!

However, as much as you may be tempted to head to the grocery and pick up a box of brownie mix, do yourself a favor and don’t! It is so easy to make them with just a few basic ingredients.

In addition, nearly all of those boxes of brownie mix and many Homemade Brownie Recipes are designed to fill a 9 x 13 inch baking pan. As much as you may like dessert, that would make way too many brownies when celebrating a special occasion for two!

Instead, follow the simple instructions below to make the perfect brownies to share with your loved one!

How To Make Perfect Chocolate Brownies

So how do you make brownies that have the perfect texture? I am talking about ones that are right in between cake like and fudgy?

There are actually a few of different ways to get your brownies to have a slight airy texture, but still have a bit of chewiness to them.

1. More Flour

Brownies that are fudge like in the center have less flour those with the cake texture. Therefore if you want more fudgy brownies, use less flour.

The amount listed in the recipe below (and in the printable recipe card) will give you that in between texture.

2. Baking Powder

Most brownies that turn out fluffy and airy will have a leavening agent added to the ingredients. Most often it will be in the form of baking powder.

As you can see below, I don’t add any baking powder to my chocolate brownie recipe. Therefore they won’t rise as much during the baking process.

3. Mixing Technique

If you get brownies that are more like cake it could be a result of too much whisking. When you whisk the batter, you are allowing air to get inside the batter.

When that happens the brownies will become fluffy and have a cake-like interior. Therefore, if you want fudge like brownies you definitely don’t want to over mix the ingredients.

Instead when you add the dry ingredients fold them instead of whisking them into the wet ingredients.

Now that you know what it takes to make chocolate brownies that are cake like or fudgy, you will see that the recipe below incorporates the techniques to make a brownie that is somewhere in between the two styles.

Optional Chocolate Ganache Topping

Once the brownies are done, you have the option of topping them with an easy homemade ganache. Although you can eat the brownies without any topping, the ganache is an extra special treat that is perfect for a dessert recipe for two on special occasions.

And it couldn’t be easier to make! It requires only 2 ingredients that are mixed together to make the most delicious topping that you have ever had.

However there two important things to remember when making the topping.

1. Use semi sweet chocolate bars and not chocolate chips
2. Use room temperature heavy cream and not half and half, milk or any other milk substitute.

Follow those two tips and you will have the best tasting ganache to pour over your brownies. And remember, you can never go wrong with adding a scoop (or two) of vanilla bean ice cream on top!

Chocolate Brownies For Two

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

OPTIONAL CHOCOLATE GANACHE TOPPING INGREDIENTS

• 2 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped (not chocolate chips)
• ¼ cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature 

OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS FOR SERVING

• 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream

INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAKING CHOCOLATE BROWNIES

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). When making a dessert recipe for two it is best to use a 5 x 5 inch square baking dish (or a 9 x 5 loaf pan for thinner brownies). Then spray the pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Line the pan with parchment paper leaving an overhang on at least two sides for easy removal. Set the pan aside.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the cool melted butter and sugar together until well combined. Then add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the bowl and whisk until well incorporated.

In another bowl sift the flour, cocoa powder and salt. Then slowly fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture just until combined. It is important to not over mix the ingredients.

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Baking Time Required

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the chocolate brownies for 15 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few crumbs. The baking time will depend on what type of baking dish that you chose to use and the thickness of the batter.

Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Once completely cool, lift up on the parchment paper to remove the brownies from the pan.

Cut into desired size squares.

Optional Ganache Topping Instructions

Add the chocolate to a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the cream until just simmering (not boiling).

Pour the cream over the chocolate and wait 2-3 minutes or until the chocolate starts to soften. Slowly stir together until completely smooth.

Immediately pour the ganache over the cut chocolate brownies and spread it out evenly. Refrigerate for 15 minutes or until the ganache firms up before serving.

Serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on top for an extra special treat!

For more dessert recipes for two visit the Desserts Recipe Pages which is located under the Recipe Index tab at the top of this article.

Enjoy! Mary

Follow My Facebook Page For Great Recipes For Two! I Cook For Two Facebook Page

To receive FREE recipes delivered directly to your email, be sure to sign up for the iCookfortwo newsletter. A sign up form is located in the middle of this article. If you have any questions, comments, or want to submit an idea for a recipe for two, feel free to email at mary@icookfortwo.com