Indulge in Decadence with Chocolate Crunch Brownies
Dark, fudgy, and loaded with chunks of chocolate crunch, our Chocolate Crunch Brownies are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. Akin to a marriage between a fudge brownie and a classic chocolate crunch bar, this recipe brings together the best of both worlds into one indulgent dessert.
In this recipe article, I will guide you every step of the way through the simple and straightforward process of making these scrumptious brownies. Even the most amateur baker can create something unforgettable with this easy-to-follow recipe.
Whether you’re looking for a last-minute treat for a family gathering or a homemade gift idea for your loved ones, these gooey delicious chocolate crunch brownies will do just the trick. So let’s get to baking and make your kitchen aromatic with the smell of fresh-out-the-oven brownies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Have you ever craved a mouth-watering brownie that satisfies your chocolate cravings while offering a delightful crunch? Look no further because I’ve got the perfect recipe for you: Chocolate Crunch Brownies! Trust me; you don’t want to miss out on this delectable treat.
What makes this recipe so special is the combination of gooey and fudgy brownies with the perfect crunch topping. The killer crunch comes from a mixture of butter, sugar, and flour with a generous amount of milk chocolate chips to give it that extra oomph.
These Chocolate Crunch Brownies also offer the flexibility to cater to everyone’s taste buds. Do you love peanut butter? Add some peanut butter to the mix to make Peanut Butter Crunch Brownies. Add some cinnamon toast crunch or rice krispies for an extra crunchy texture. Feeling adventurous? Try adding marshmallow fluff or Mexican chocolate for an exciting twist.
Not only is this recipe tasty, but it’s also easy to make. With simple instructions, anyone can whip up these fudgy brownies in no time. Plus, it’s an excellent activity to do with friends, family or as a fun way to spend some alone time.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a brownie recipe that will delight your taste buds and give you that satisfying crunch, then Chocolate Crunch Brownies are perfect for you! Make sure it’s on your must-try list because trust me; once you try it, there’s no going back!
Ingredient List
Now that we are ready to bake, let’s dive into the ingredient list. These chocolate crunch brownies will call for:
For the Brownie Mix:
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups of sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup of baking cocoa
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 12 ounce bag of milk chocolate chips
For the Peanut Butter Topping:
- 1 cup of creamy or chunky peanut butter
- 3/4 cup of powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, softened
For the Chocolate Crunch:
- 2 cups of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, crushed
- 1/2 cup of HERSHEY’S chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon of oil or water (to thin out chocolate if necessary)
By preparing these ingredients beforehand, we can ensure a smooth and successful baking experience.
The Recipe How-To
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 2 cups of sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Then, add in 4 large eggs one at a time, stirring after each addition. Next up, add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
In a separate mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of plain flour and 3/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. Mix them thoroughly and then add into the butter-sugar mixture in batches, making sure to mix well between each addition. The resulting batter should be smooth and glossy.
Adding Crunch
To make these brownies really special, we’re going to add our secret weapon: Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch! You’ll need a bag of your favorite crunchy chocolate cereal (like Cinnamon Toast Crunch or Rice Krispies), some creamy peanut butter, and some marshmallow fluff.
In a small mixing bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of peanut butter with 1/2 cup of marshmallow fluff until smooth. Then, fold in 2 cups of the crunchy cereal until fully coated. This is your Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch topping.
Spread half of your brownie batter in a greased 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan. Then spoon dollops of the Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch mixture over the top of the batter. Gently spread the rest of the brownie batter over the top to cover completely.
Baking and Cooling
Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares.
Additional Toppings
If you’re looking for an added crunch or more toppings then try adding chopped nuts or HERSHEY’S milk chocolate chips on top! It’ll give your brownies another layer of texture and flavor.
These Chocolate Crunch Brownies are fudgy on the inside with a killer crunch on top, making it a perfect snack for any chocolate lover out there!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the wonderful things about cooking is that it allows you the flexibility to get creative and experiment with different ingredients. Here are a few substitution and variation ideas to try with this Chocolate Crunch Brownies Recipe.
1. Peanut Butter Crunch Brownies: Adding peanut butter to the mix is a sure way to enhance the flavors of chocolate in these classic brownies. Drizzle some warmed peanut butter on top for an added crunch.
2. Mexican Chocolate Crunch Brownies: Spice up your brownies recipe by adding some cinnamon, nutmeg, or chili powder to make a delicious and unique Mexican chocolate version of these crunchy delights.
3. Marshmallow Brownies: For a gooey, mouth-watering twist, add marshmallow fluff or mini marshmallows to your batter before baking. You can also sprinkle some rice krispies over the top of the mix for an extra crispy texture.
4. Fudge Brownies: To make these brownies even richer and more indulgent, replace the cocoa powder with melted chocolate and add extra butter or oil for a fudgier texture.
5. Gluten-Free or Vegan Options: If you are gluten intolerant or follow a vegan diet, this recipe can be adapted to your needs. Replace the regular flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour, and use coconut oil instead of butter. Substitute eggs with flax eggs or apple sauce for the vegan option.
Experimenting with different flavors and ingredients in this recipe can be both fun and rewarding. Get creative in the kitchen, and make these brownies truly unique!
Serving and Pairing
Congratulations on baking a batch of irresistible chocolate crunch brownies that are sure to drive the chocolate lovers in your life crazy! But, before indulging in these brownies, it’s essential to consider how to serve and pair them. These brownies are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of beverages or enjoyed alone.
One way to up the ante is by pairing them with milk or coffee. The cocoa powder and chocolate chips provide enough bitterness. So we recommend having a sugary drink such as milk to balance out that bitterness, assuring an enjoyable taste.
For a fun party setup try adding caramel sauce, fudge, sea salt, cream cheese frosting or even chopped nuts to your brownies for more complexity. In addition, try serving the warm squares fresh from the oven and provide ways for everyone to top their own treat – this will surely bring a smile in everyone’s face.
If you’re looking to make an extravagant dessert spread, alongside our suggested pairings on this recipe article section; try several different types of chocolates as well. For instance Mexican or dark chocolate provides a slight bitterness that can complement the sweetness of the brownie.
Overall, these fudgy chocolate crunch brownies are sweet and crispy enough to be paired with either hot coffee, cold milk or other drinks while still retaining its taste profile. The possibilities for serving and pairing are endless!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you have made these scrumptious chocolate crunch brownies, you may want to store them for later use, or perhaps reheat them to enjoy their decadent gooey deliciousness.
Making these brownies ahead of time is a great way to save yourself some hassle when planning a party or any event. The good news is that Chocolate Crunch Brownies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap for up to 3 days without losing their crunchy texture or chewy consistency.
To freeze the brownies, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container, then freeze for up to two months. When it’s time to enjoy them again, simply thaw the frozen brownies overnight on the countertop, and they will be as fresh as the day they were baked.
Reheating these brownies doesn’t require too much effort either! Just pop them into the microwave and heat for 10-15 seconds or until they become warm and gooey again. They can also be reheated in the oven by preheating it to 275°F (135°C) and placing the brownies on a baking sheet for 10 minutes.
However, make sure not to leave them in the oven for too long as overdoing it may lead to dry and hard texture – not at all what you’re aiming for! Always check your oven regularly while reheating food so that it doesn’t go astray.
Now that you know how easy it is to store and reheat your Chocolate Crunch Brownies, there’s no need to worry about making them in advance or eating all of them at once!
Tips for Perfect Results
Baking brownies can be tricky, but follow these tips for perfect results every time you make these chocolate crunch brownies.
1. Use good quality chocolate
The star ingredient of these brownies is clearly the chocolate. So, use a good quality chocolate that you love to eat. The better the quality of the chocolate, the better the end result will be.
2. Sift dry ingredients
When it comes to baking, sifting the dry ingredients is key to a uniform mixture that blends evenly. You don’t want big clumps of flour or cocoa powder in your brownie batter.
3. Room temperature butter and eggs
Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before adding them to the mixing bowl. Room temperature butter is easier to work with and creates an emulsified mix with sugar while room temperature eggs bond well with butter and other ingredients.
4. Don’t overmix
When it comes time to mix everything together, be careful not to overdo it or you will lose the fluffy texture that these brownies should have. You only need to mix until well-combined.
5. Add extra crunch
The extra crunch on top of these already chocolatey brownies adds a satisfying, even more decadent texture to these treats. Mix the peanut butter topping or crunchy cereal into your batter for added texture that elevates this classic dessert.
6. Test for doneness
Always test with a toothpick or cake tester through the center of your brownie batch if done by inserting it into the mixture until it reaches halfway through and pulling it out slowly checking if there’s any raw batter or uncooked crumbs sticking onto them.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be on your way to making perfect, gooey delicious chocolate crunch brownies every time!
FAQ
As with any recipe, there are always questions that may arise. Below are some frequently asked questions and answers to help ensure that your chocolate crunch brownies turn out perfectly. So, let’s get started!
What is the secret to moist brownies?
If you want to take your brownie game up a notch, try swapping out water for milk in your recipe. Not only does milk have a higher fat content, but it also adds more flavor to your batter. The end result? Brownies that are even more moist, gooey, and undeniably delicious. So next time you’re whipping up a batch of brownies, consider making the switch to milk. Your taste buds will thank you.
What is brownie crunch?
Indulge in the delightful and heavenly taste of Crispy Brownie Crunch that combines the rich chocolatey essence of a brownie with a satisfyingly crisp texture. Made with HERSHEY’S Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips and HERSHEY’S Cocoa, every bite is bursting with flavor. You can savor them on their own or pair them with a creamy dip, or sprinkle them on top of your sundaes for added decadence. It’s no exaggeration to say that this dessert is as close to perfection as it gets.
Why don’t my brownies have a crackly top?
Getting the perfect, crinkly top brownies can be a bit of a challenge but I have a helpful tip for you! Before adding the eggs into the batter, take some time to whip them up separately. Once they are adequately whipped, add them into the batter and mix until it is JUST combined. It is essential to under-mix the batter once the eggs are added to get the perfect results you are looking for. Give it a try and impress your taste buds with these delicious brownies!
What are the three types of brownies?
When it comes to brownies, there are three main textures: cakey, fudgy, and chewy. Cakey brownies are fluffy and moist, while fudgy brownies are dense and gooey with a fudge-like texture. Chewy brownies offer a bit of both worlds, giving a satisfyingly chewy and moist experience without the denseness of fudgy brownies.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Chocolate Crunch Brownies Recipe is a perfect dessert for those who enjoy a sweet and nutty treat. This recipe is easy to make and tastes delicious with its crunchy texture and gooey chocolate center. The recipe is very flexible, allowing for substitutions and variations to suit different preferences.
Using high-quality ingredients, such as HERSHEY’S cocoa powder and milk chocolate chips, can add a depth of flavor to the dish that is unmatched by lower quality substitutes. Additionally, adding toppings such as peanut butter, cinnamon toast crunch or marshmallow fluff can elevate the recipe even further.
One great thing about this recipe is that it can be easily stored and reheated for later enjoyment. This makes it ideal for busy households or entertaining guests on short notice.
So what are you waiting for? Give this Chocolate Crunch Brownies Recipe a try and treat your taste buds to a sweet and indulgent experience. Whether you’re sharing it with family, friends or enjoying it solo, these brownies are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Chocolate Crunch Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces unsalted butter
- 14 ounces golden caster sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 ounces plain flour
- 1 1/2 ounces cocoa powder
- 12 ounces chocolate (either chips or a bar broken into small pieces)
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a small pan and pour into a large mixing bowl. Add the sugar and eggs, mixing well. Sift the flour and cocoa powder together and then stir. Stir in the chocolate chunks.(I'd use Green and Black Organic chocolate here).
- Line a square tin (9-inch) with parchment paper and grease. Pour the brownie mixture in and smooth over.
- Bake for 30- 35 minutes in a 180°C/350°F oven.
- Remove from oven and cut into 2-inch squares. Using a palette knife, transfer from the tin onto a cooling rack. This helps the brownies from over carry over cooking and becoming a little dry.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
None found
Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.