We’ve all dreamed of baking brownies that steal the show and our Blue Ribbon Brownie Recipe delivers just that. Drawing from classic fair-winning traditions these fudgy delights boast a rich chocolatey center and a crackling top that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
We’re passionate about sharing foolproof recipes that make you feel like a pro in the kitchen. Join us as we guide you through creating these irresistible treats perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
As we dive into our Blue Ribbon Brownie Recipe, let’s gather the essential ingredients that create those irresistible, fudgy brownies with a crackling top and rich chocolatey center. We’ll list them in the order we typically use them during preparation, including precise measurements and any prep notes for foolproof results.
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Sifted to ensure a light texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: For the perfect sweetness balance.
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: High-quality, for that deep chocolate flavor we love.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: To add a slight lift without making the brownies cakey.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Fine sea salt, to enhance the chocolate notes.
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter: Melted and cooled, for a moist crumb.
- 2 large eggs: At room temperature, beaten lightly before adding.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: For aromatic depth that ties everything together.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Optional, but we recommend folding them in for extra gooey pockets.
This selection ensures our brownies stand out at any gathering, using straightforward, premium ingredients for consistent, award-worthy results.
Required Equipment
To bring our Blue Ribbon Brownie Recipe to life, we need the right tools to mix, bake, and perfect those rich chocolatey treats. With these essentials on hand, we’ll ensure a seamless process from start to finish, building on the ingredients we just outlined for foolproof results.
Here’s a curated list of the key equipment, organized by function for easy reference:
- Mixing Bowl: A large, sturdy bowl (at least 4 quarts) for combining dry ingredients like flour and cocoa with wet ones such as melted butter and eggs. We prefer glass or stainless steel for even mixing and easy cleanup.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: A set of dry measuring cups (1 cup, ½ cup, ⅓ cup, ¼ cup) and spoons (1 tablespoon, 1 teaspoon, etc.) to accurately measure out granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Precision here is crucial for that balanced sweetness and texture.
- Baking Pan: A 9×13 inch rectangular pan, ideally made of metal or glass, for even heat distribution and that signature crackling top on our brownies. Line it with parchment paper for effortless removal.
- Whisk or Spatula: A wire whisk for blending ingredients smoothly or a silicone spatula for folding in chocolate chips without deflating the batter—ensuring our brownies remain gooey and irresistible.
- Oven: A standard oven preheated to 350°F (177°C) for baking. We recommend using an oven thermometer to verify temperature accuracy, as it directly impacts the brownies’ rise and fudgy center.
- Cooling Rack: A wire rack to let the brownies cool evenly after baking, preventing sogginess and preserving that award-worthy texture.
By preparing these tools ahead, we set ourselves up for baking success with our Blue Ribbon Brownie Recipe.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our premium ingredients and essential tools, let’s walk through the steps of our Blue Ribbon Brownie Recipe to create brownies with a rich chocolatey center and crackling top. We’ll use precise techniques to ensure your baking turns out perfectly every time.
Prepare the Batter
First, we preheat our oven to 350°F (177°C) as mentioned in the equipment section to guarantee even baking. In a large mixing bowl, we start by combining the dry ingredients—sifted all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and fine sea salt—whisking them together until they’re evenly blended for a light, balanced texture.
Next, in a separate bowl, we handle the wet ingredients: melt the unsalted butter and let it cool slightly before whisking in the large eggs, pure vanilla extract, and optional semi-sweet chocolate chips. This mixture brings a glossy shine and deep flavor that promises gooey perfection.
We pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a whisk or spatula until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough brownies, so aim for a smooth, thick batter that hints at the fudgy delight to come. If desired, fold in extra chocolate chips for added bursts of melt-in-your-mouth goodness, ensuring our Blue Ribbon Brownie Recipe batter is ready for the pan.
Bake the Brownies
Transfer the prepared batter into the greased 9×13 inch baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula for uniform thickness and a golden crackling top. We slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs for that ideal fudgy consistency.
As the brownies bake, their aroma of rich chocolate will fill your kitchen, signaling mouthwatering results. Once done, we remove the pan from the oven and place it on the cooling rack to prevent overcooking, allowing the brownies to set while maintaining their signature chewy edges and irresistible, warm center.
Cool and Cut
Let the baked brownies cool in the pan on the cooling rack for at least 15 to 20 minutes to avoid crumbling, as this step locks in the moist texture we love in our Blue Ribbon Brownie Recipe. For cleaner cuts, we chill them in the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes if needed.
Once cooled, we use a sharp knife to slice the brownies into 12 to 16 squares—wiping the blade between cuts ensures neat edges and reveals the decadent layers. Now, savor the contrast of the crisp top against the soft, chocolatey interior, ready to serve and impress at any gathering.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To help you enjoy our Blue Ribbon Brownies at your convenience, we recommend these straightforward strategies for preparing them ahead of time. This approach ensures you maintain that irresistible chocolatey center and crackling top without compromising texture or flavor.
Preparing the Batter in Advance
If you’re short on time, we suggest making the batter up to 24 hours ahead. Follow the steps from our earlier instructions to mix the batter, then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let the batter sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before pouring it into your greased baking pan. This keeps the brownies foolproof and ensures even baking.
Baking and Storing Baked Brownies
For fully baked brownies, we advise cooling them completely on the rack as outlined before. Once cooled, cut them into squares and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage. Here’s a quick overview of storage options in the table below:
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips for Best Results |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 3 days | Keep in a cool, dry place to preserve the crisp top. |
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 week | Wrap individually in plastic wrap to prevent drying out. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Flash-freeze squares on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. |
Freezing and Thawing Tips
To freeze unbaked batter, prepare it as described, portion it into the baking pan, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as usual—add 5 minutes to the baking time to account for the chill. For baked brownies, thaw frozen squares at room temperature for 1-2 hours or in the refrigerator for several hours. We find that reheating in a 300°F (149°C) oven for 5-10 minutes restores that fresh-baked warmth and enhances the rich chocolatey experience. Always check for doneness to avoid overcooking.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve joined us on this baking adventure with our Blue Ribbon Brownie Recipe. It’s a simple way to create treats that wow everyone.
You’ll love how these brownies bring joy to any gathering and become your go-to favorite. Let’s bake more memories together and savor every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Blue Ribbon Brownie Recipe?
The Blue Ribbon Brownie Recipe is a foolproof guide to baking rich, chocolatey brownies with a crackling top and moist center. It’s designed for all skill levels, using simple ingredients to create show-stopping treats perfect for any occasion. This recipe emphasizes easy steps and premium results, making you feel like a pro baker.
What ingredients are needed for the Blue Ribbon Brownie Recipe?
You’ll need dry ingredients like sifted all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and fine sea salt for texture and flavor. Wet ingredients include melted unsalted butter, large eggs, pure vanilla extract, and optional semi-sweet chocolate chips for extra gooeyness. These straightforward, high-quality items ensure balanced sweetness and a light texture.
What equipment is required to make the brownies?
Essential tools include a large mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a 9×13 inch baking pan for even baking, a whisk or spatula for mixing, an oven preheated to 350°F (177°C), and a cooling rack. Preparing these in advance helps achieve perfect results with minimal hassle.
How do I prepare the brownie batter?
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Mix dry ingredients in one bowl, then combine wet ingredients (like melted butter, eggs, and vanilla) in another. Blend them together for a smooth, thick batter, pour into a greased 9×13 inch pan, and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick.
Can I make the Blue Ribbon Brownies ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking. For baked brownies, cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
How should I store the baked brownies?
Cool brownies completely on a rack before storing. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months—thaw at room temperature to maintain their crisp top and soft interior.