Fudgy Dark Chocolate Brownies with 72% Ghirardelli

Prep: 15 minCook: 50 min16 browniesmediumAmerican
Fudgy Dark Chocolate Brownies with 72% Ghirardelli

Rich, intensely chocolatey brownies made with premium 72% dark chocolate for deep, sophisticated flavor. The combination of melted chocolate in the batter plus chopped chocolate pieces creates the perfect fudgy texture with pockets of melted chocolate throughout. These decadent squares strike the ideal balance between dense and tender, making them perfect for chocolate lovers who crave that bakery-quality brownie experience at home.

Ingredients

Yield: 16 brownies
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
    salted butter1:1Reduce added salt by half if using salted butter

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  • 10 squares 72% Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate
  • 1 ¼ cups sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
    salted butter1:1Reduce added salt by half if using salted butter

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  • ¾ cup flour
    gluten-free flour blend1:1Use 1:1 baking flour blend for gluten-free versiongluten-free

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  • 4 squares 72% Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Squares, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit

  2. 2

    Melt the chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water

  3. 3

    Remove bowl from heat and stir in sugar, vanilla and eggs

  4. 4

    Stir together cocoa powder, salt, and flour in a separate bowl

  5. 5

    Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients

  6. 6

    Chop remaining chocolate squares and gently stir into brownie batter

  7. 7

    Pour into greased 8x8 baking dish and bake for 47-55 minutes for glass dish or 23-27 minutes for metal dish

  8. 8

    Check with toothpick until it comes out clean

  9. 9

    Let cool and serve with dusting of powdered sugar

Tips

Tip 1

Use a toothpick to test doneness - it should come out with just a few moist crumbs for perfectly fudgy brownies

Tip 2

Room temperature eggs incorporate more easily and create a smoother batter texture

Tip 3

Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cuts

Good to Know

Storage

Store covered at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week

Make Ahead

Can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored covered at room temperature

Serve With

Best served at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar

Common Mistakes

Watch

Avoid overbaking to prevent dry brownies - they continue cooking slightly after removal

Watch

Don't overmix once flour is added to prevent tough texture

Substitutions

Gluten-Free Swaps

all-purpose flour
gluten-free flour blend1:1Use 1:1 baking flour blend for gluten-free versiongluten-free

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General Alternatives

72% dark chocolate
60-85% dark chocolate1:1Use any high-quality dark chocolate within this range for similar results

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unsalted butter
salted butter1:1Reduce added salt by half if using salted butter

4

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use different percentage dark chocolate?

Yes, any dark chocolate between 60-85% works well. Higher percentages will be more intense and less sweet.

How do I know when brownies are done?

Insert a toothpick in the center - it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.

Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, wrap individual pieces or whole pan tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.