Who can resist a classic chocolate brownie? And if you're firmly on team "cakey" brownie, let me try to sway you in the other direction. These Fudgy Valrhona Chocolate Brownies are intensely rich, unapologetically gooey, and finished with that irresistible shiny, crackled top. One bite might just change your mind.
What sets THIS brownie recipe apart (from the 247,000,000 million on the internet- nope, not an exaggeration- this is a true statement) is the chocolate, specifically Valrhona cocoa powder. In a nutshell, it's deeper, more chocolately, and intensely rich.
The rest of the ingredients are pretty classic- eggs, flour, vanilla, sugar, and butter. The method is pretty straightforward, too, as long as you commit to beating the eggs like you mean it, you will be successful.
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Valrhona: A chocolate for adults
Valrhona is a premium French chocolate brand known for its bold, complex cocoa flavor. It's also Dutch processed, which means it's been treated to reduce its natural acidity.
Using Valrhona unsweetened cocoa powder in brownies takes things to a whole new level—think deeper, darker, and smoother chocolate notes. It’s a splurge, yes, but absolutely worth it if you want bakery-quality results.
When shopping for Valrhona, I use Amazon. Like I said, it's a splurge, but if you bake often, it's a great way to experiment with a different chocolate flavor profile. As of this writing, an 8.8-ounce (250g) container on Amazon is about $21 (U.S.). By comparison, I bought the same container on Amazon in March 2024 for $14 and $12 in 2021. Inflation indeed!
Specialty retailers also sell it, so shop around for the best price. You can also substitute other Dutch-process cocoa powders such as Cacao Barry, Droste, or King Arthur varieties. Experiment, and see what you like.
Step-by-step instructions
Here is a quick overview of how to make fudgy Valrhona brownies.
Step 1. Heat the oven to 325°F. Melt the butter in a medium pan over low heat.
Step 2. Off the heat, add the sugar, salt, and cocoa and whisk. Then add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well between each.
Step 3. Stir in the vanilla.
Step 4. Using a spatula, fold in the flour.
Step 5. Add the chocolate chips and stir until they are well blended.
Step 6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake at 325°F for 25-32 minutes.
👩🍳Expert tips
- Shiny tops are achieved by dissolving the sugar well and beating the eggs into the warm butter and sugar mixture. So be like Michael Jackson, and just "Beat It".
- Don't overmix the batter when adding the flour. Stir until no flour streaks remain.
- Be sure to line your pan with parchment (and leave a bit of overhang so you can easily remove them from the pan).
- To avoid crumbly brownie slices when cutting, allow them to cool completely. Use the sharpest knife you have (not serrated), dip it in hot water, and gently cut into the brownies. Do not saw them- you are not a lumberjack!
Variations
There are a few variations to make these brownies extra special.
- Add nuts- Walnuts, almonds, or pistachios. Give them a quick toast first for extra flavor.
- Swirl in some nut butter. After pouring the batter into the pan, add a few dollops of creamy peanut butter (or other variety) and give it a swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect.
- Add a tablespoon of malted milk powder for nostalgic flavor.
- Mix in a ½ teaspoon of espresso powder (like I do in this chocolate tahini) for a more intense chocolate or mocha flavor.
- Instead of nuts or chips, and some mini marshmallows for a hot cocoa feel.
- Get extra fancy and use chopped ruby chocolate instead of chocolate chips, or melt the chocolate in a microwave and swirl it over the top. This would be perfect for Valentine's Day or a special occasion.
Serving suggestions
I love my brownies as is- straight from the pan, with the crumbs stuck to my face sort of vibe. My husband, however, needs ice cream on his desserts. Either way, you can't go wrong with these ideas.
- Serve warm with a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream.
- Release your inner child and serve it with a tall glass of milk or, dare I say it? Chocolate milk!
Jenn's Signature Serve
Warm Valrhona Brownie + Flaky Sea Salt Sprinkled On Top
Storage
These brownies get even fudgier overnight. Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature, up to 5 days in the fridge, or freeze them for up to 2 months (wrap individually to avoid freezer burn).
Frequently asked questions
Bake the brownies until just set and firm around the edges. You can test them by inserting a toothpick into the center. If you see moist crumbs (not wet), you are good to go.
Nope! You can substitute regular unsweetened natural cocoa powder (like Hershey's or Ghirardelli). Just note that the resulting flavor will be very different, but it will still yield a delicious brownie. For more affordable Dutch-processed cocoa powder, do a quick Google search to find the best deals, and experiment to see what you like at your price point.
Related recipes
Got a sweet tooth? These recipes are sure to hit the spot- just don't tell your dentist!
Did you make this recipe? I would love to hear about it! Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating with a comment right below the recipe card. If you snap a photo of your creation, don't forget to tag me on Instagram @brunchandbatter.
📖Recipe
Fudgy Valrhona Chocolate Brownies
Equipment
- medium pot
- 8 by 8 inch baking dish (light metal preferred)
- parchment paper optional
Ingredients
- 10 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup Valrhona cocoa powder (or other Dutch process cocoa powder) see post for details on Valrhona
- ½ teaspoon Kosher or fine sea salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup chopped bittersweet chocolate or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 325°F. Line an 8 by 8-inch (20x20 cm) pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to act as "handles". Alternatively, you can grease and flour the pan (or use baking spray).
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. When the butter has melted, remove from the heat and immediately add the sugar, salt, and cocoa powder. Whisk vigorously until combined (the mixture will look gritty/sandy). Let it stand for 2 minutes before adding the eggs.10 tablespoon unsalted butter, 1¼ cups granulated sugar, ¾ cup Valrhona cocoa powder (or other Dutch process cocoa powder), ½ teaspoon Kosher or fine sea salt
- Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking vigorously for at least 20 seconds after each addition. Stir in the vanilla, then fold in the flour until just combined (do not overmix).2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Fold in the chopped chocolate (or chips). Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top, or tap the pan on the counter.⅓ cup chopped bittersweet chocolate or chocolate chips
- Bake at 325℉ for 25-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with slightly moist crumbs). Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving. Release the brownies by lifting the brownies out of the pan using the parchment "handles". Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Please note the pan size (8x8 inches). Avoid baking them in a 9x9-inch pan (your brownies will be too thin). To double the recipe, use the sliders in the recipe card, and bake in a 9x13 baking pan (adjust baking time as needed).
- Shiny tops are achieved by dissolving the sugar well and beating the eggs into the warm butter and sugar mixture. So be like Michael Jackson, and just "Beat It".
- Don't overmix the batter when adding the flour. Stir until no flour streaks remain.
- Be sure to line your pan with parchment (and leave a bit of overhang so you can easily remove them from the pan).
- To avoid crumbly brownie slices when cutting, allow them to cool completely. Use the sharpest knife you have (not serrated), dip it in hot water, and gently cut into the brownies. Do not saw them- you are not a lumberjack!
Nutrition*
*Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. Nutrition information can vary depending on many factors, such as products used, measurements and substitutions, therefore it is recommended that you obtain nutritional calculations based on your own finished recipe.
Sophia Mitchell says
This chocolate is hands down the best. There is something about it that makes these brownies better than the rest. These brownies weren’t too sweet and sugary like some of the other brownies that I have made. Definitely a great recipe. The brownies were moist and soft but a gentle crisp on the top.
Jennifer says
Hi Sophia, Thank you so much for the kind words and the 5-star review! I’m thrilled to hear you enjoyed the recipe. Brownie love is the best love!