Brownies are a timeless dessert, beloved for their rich, fudgy texture and intense chocolate flavor. But what if you could take this classic treat to the next level?
Enter the loaded brownie—a decadent, over-the-top version packed with gooey chocolate chunks, crunchy nuts, melty caramel, and even a sprinkle of sea salt. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, family gatherings, or simply indulging your sweet tooth at home.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a dessert novice, these loaded brownies are surprisingly easy to make and will leave everyone begging for more.
Imagine biting into a warm brownie that’s bursting with layers of flavor and texture. The crispy edges, chewy center, and the delightful surprise of mix-ins create a dessert experience you won’t forget.
Best of all, you can customize these brownies to suit your preferences, making them as nutty, chocolatey, or gooey as you like!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This loaded brownie recipe combines the perfect balance of fudgy texture and rich chocolate flavor with exciting add-ins that elevate every bite. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and uses basic pantry staples along with your favorite extras.
Key reasons to try this recipe:
- Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, caramel, or even peanut butter cups.
- Fudgy and Moist: Achieves the ideal brownie texture without being cakey or dry.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Sweet, salty, crunchy, and gooey all at once.
- Great for Sharing: Makes a big batch that’s easy to portion for parties or gifting.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup caramel bits or soft caramel chews, chopped
- Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling on top
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Knife (for chopping caramel and nuts)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop. Once melted, stir in the sugar until combined well.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, aromatic flavor.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This ensures there are no lumps and helps create a smooth batter.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until combined; avoid overmixing to keep brownies fudgy.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and caramel bits gently, saving a handful to sprinkle on top before baking.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips, nuts, caramel bits, and a light pinch of sea salt flakes over the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing. This helps them set and makes cutting easier.
- Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy warm or at room temperature with your favorite glass of milk or scoop of ice cream!
Tips & Variations
“For the fudgiest brownies, be careful not to overbake. Remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.”
- Make it nut-free: Simply omit the nuts, or replace with additional chocolate chips or dried fruit like cherries.
- Peanut butter swirl: Dollop peanut butter on top of the batter and swirl gently with a knife before baking.
- Espresso kick: Add 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a mocha flavor.
- White chocolate version: Swap out semi-sweet chips with white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier bite.
- Vegan adaptation: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and vegan butter substitutes.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 brownie) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 55mg |
| Sodium | 120mg |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 25g |
| Protein | 4g |
Serving Suggestions
Loaded brownies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate the experience with a few simple add-ons:
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert.
- Top with whipped cream and fresh berries for a lighter, more refreshing option.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or milk to balance the sweetness and enhance the chocolate notes.
- Use as a base for brownie sundaes by layering with nuts, fruits, and sauces.
Conclusion
There’s something truly special about a loaded brownie that takes a simple chocolate treat to a whole new level. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of fudgy texture, rich chocolate, and exciting mix-ins like nuts and caramel that create more depth in every bite.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a birthday, or just because, these brownies are sure to impress friends and family alike.
With easy-to-follow steps and customizable options, this loaded brownie recipe is a must-try for any chocolate lover. Remember, the best part of baking is making the recipe your own—so don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite add-ins and toppings.
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe, Classic Vanilla Cupcakes, and Quick No-Bake Cheesecake. Happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Loaded Brownie Recipe
Description: Rich and fudgy brownies loaded with chocolate chips and nuts for extra texture and flavor. Perfect for a decadent dessert or snack.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup caramel bits
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch pan.
- Melt butter in a saucepan and remove from heat.
- Stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips, walnuts, and caramel bits.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool completely before cutting into squares.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 38 g
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