These Chocolate Ganache Gooey Brownies are the ultimate indulgence for any chocolate lover. Featuring a perfectly crackly top, rich fudgy center, and a luxurious peanut butter chocolate ganache topping, these brownies strike the perfect balance between decadence and comfort. The addition of flaky sea salt enhances the deep chocolate flavor and creates an irresistible sweet-salty combination.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• These brownies deliver the perfect texture – crisp on top and wonderfully gooey in the center
• The peanut butter chocolate ganache adds an extra layer of indulgence that elevates them beyond ordinary brownies
• They’re surprisingly straightforward to make with simple ingredients you likely have on hand
• The recipe is easily adaptable to different chocolate types based on your sweetness preference
• These brownies are impressive enough for special occasions but simple enough for everyday cravings

Ingredients

• Chocolate: Use sweet dark chocolate for a balanced flavor, though milk or semi-sweet chocolate works wonderfully depending on your preference. High-quality chocolate will shine in this recipe.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: Opt for a smooth, creamy variety for the ganache. Natural peanut butter works too, but may require additional mixing to incorporate properly.
• Plain White Flour: All-purpose flour provides the structure. For a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can be substituted.
• White Caster Sugar: This fine sugar dissolves easily for a smoother texture. Regular granulated sugar can be used if caster sugar isn’t available.
• Salt: Regular table salt works in the batter, while flaky sea salt makes the perfect finishing touch.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and moisture. Using unsalted allows you to control the salt content.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor. Pure vanilla extract offers the best flavor.
• Soy Milk: Creates the perfect moisture balance. Almond, oat, or regular dairy milk can be substituted.
• Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder intensifies the chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa will provide a deeper color and smoother flavor.

Variations

Extra Decadent Version

Transform these brownies into an even more luxurious treat by adding a layer of caramel between the brownie base and ganache topping. Simply drizzle store-bought caramel sauce or homemade caramel over the cooled brownies before adding the ganache layer.

Nutty Delight

Add texture and flavor by incorporating chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts into the brownie batter. You could also sprinkle nuts on top of the ganache before it sets for an attractive finish and extra crunch.

Mint Chocolate Sensation

Create a refreshing twist by adding 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the brownie batter. For the ganache topping, omit the peanut butter and add a drop of peppermint extract to the melted chocolate instead, creating a delightful mint chocolate combination.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Tray and Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C/356°F. Line your baking tray with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends up the sides for easy removal later. Lightly grease the sides with a small amount of butter. For this recipe, a smaller 15cm tray creates thicker brownies; with larger trays, consider increasing the ingredients proportionally to maintain the perfect thickness.

Step 2: Create the Brownie Batter

Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Once melted, add the soy milk, sugar, and vanilla extract, stirring to combine. Add a portion of the chocolate and remove from heat, continuing to stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. In a separate large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Pour the wet chocolate mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold everything together until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking tray, spreading it evenly to the corners. Bake for exactly 20 minutes – this precise timing is crucial for achieving that perfect balance of a crackly top while maintaining a gooey center. The brownies will appear slightly underdone in the center, but this is exactly what creates their fudgy texture. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before adding the ganache.

Step 4: Create and Add the Ganache

Once the brownies are completely cool, prepare the chocolate peanut butter ganache. Melt the remaining chocolate in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once melted, remove from heat and immediately mix in the creamy peanut butter until fully incorporated and smooth. Pour this luscious ganache over the cooled brownies, spreading it evenly to create a smooth top layer. Refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the ganache to set properly.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

After the ganache has set, sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt to enhance the flavors. Carefully remove the brownies from the pan using the parchment paper overhang, and place on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, cut into squares or rectangles of your desired size. Clean the knife between cuts for the neatest presentation.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• For the cleanest cuts, refrigerate the brownies after the ganache has set, then use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between slices
• Don’t overmix the brownie batter – this can create a tougher texture instead of the desired fudginess
• The 20-minute baking time is crucial – even a few minutes too long can take these from gooey to cakey
• Allow the brownies to cool completely before adding the ganache to prevent it from melting or becoming grainy
• For a more intense chocolate flavor, use a darker chocolate with 70% cocoa content
• If your ganache seems too thick, add a teaspoon of neutral oil to achieve a smoother consistency

How to Serve

These Chocolate Ganache Gooey Brownies are absolutely divine served slightly chilled, allowing the ganache to maintain its silky texture while the brownie beneath remains fudgy. For an extra special dessert, warm an individual brownie for 10-15 seconds in the microwave and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

These brownies pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk, hot coffee, or even a dessert wine like port. For a sophisticated dessert plating, place a brownie square on a plate, add a quenelle of whipped cream alongside, and garnish with fresh berries and a light dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar.

Make Ahead

These brownies are perfect for making ahead as they actually improve with a little time. The brownie base can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Add the ganache up to 24 hours before serving.

For longer storage, the completed brownies (with ganache) can be refrigerated for up to 5 days in an airtight container with layers separated by parchment paper. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months – simply wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.

For special occasions, prepare these a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld together, resulting in an even more intensely delicious brownie experience.

FAQs

Can I make these brownies without peanut butter?

Absolutely! The peanut butter adds a wonderful flavor to the ganache, but you can omit it for a classic chocolate ganache. Alternatively, substitute with other nut butters like almond or cashew butter, or try cookie butter for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.

Why did my ganache separate or become grainy?

This typically happens when chocolate is overheated or if moisture is introduced. Make sure to melt the chocolate over very low heat, remove it from heat before it’s completely melted, and continue stirring off the heat. Also ensure your utensils are completely dry when working with chocolate.

Can I use a different milk instead of soy milk?

Yes, you can substitute any type of milk – almond, oat, coconut, or regular dairy milk all work well. Each will impart a slightly different flavor to the brownies, but the texture will remain similar.

How do I know when the brownies are properly baked?

After 20 minutes, the brownies should have developed a shiny, crackly top but will still seem slightly underdone in the center when tested with a toothpick. This is perfect! They will continue to set as they cool while maintaining that desirable gooey texture.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Ganache Gooey Brownies represent chocolate decadence at its finest. With their perfect balance of textures – the crackly top, fudgy center, and smooth ganache – they’re bound to become your new go-to brownie recipe. The peanut butter adds a subtle nutty dimension that complements the rich chocolate beautifully, while the flaky salt finish elevates the entire experience. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these brownies deliver an unforgettable chocolate experience that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

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