Description

A quick and indulgent fudgy brownie bar recipe topped with a rich melted chocolate ganache, designed as a fast 25-minute dinner hack for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons butter (for ganache)
Sea salt flakes (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and grease with butter or spray.
Melt 1 cup of butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until liquid. Set aside to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until combined. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Sift flour, cocoa powder, and salt into the wet mixture. Fold in with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-22 minutes until edges are set but the center is still slightly soft.
While brownies bake, heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just starts to simmer. Pour hot cream over chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and let sit for 2 minutes. Whisk slowly until smooth, then stir in 2 tablespoons of butter.
Pour warm ganache over baked brownies and spread evenly. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes if using.
Let brownies cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes to allow ganache to set before cutting.

Notes

Do not overbake; brownies continue to cook in the hot pan. For cleaner cuts, chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 380
Sugar: 35
Sodium: 120
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 13
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 2
Protein: 5

Keywords: brownie bars, dinner hack, quick dinner, fudgy brownies, chocolate ganache, easy dessert, weeknight dinner, 5pm dinner