The Most Divine Barefoot Contessa’s Outrageous Brownies Recipe
Chocolate lovers rejoice as these Barefoot Contessa outrageous brownies promise a decadent escape from ordinary desserts.
Rich, fudgy, and irresistibly dense, this legendary recipe captures the essence of indulgence.
Ina Garten’s approach brings together premium ingredients that elevate every single bite.
The combination of high-quality chocolate and a perfect balance of textures creates a brownie experience that surpasses all expectations.
Layers of intense chocolate flavor meld seamlessly with a delicate, slightly crisp exterior.
Each square delivers a luxurious moment of pure chocolate bliss that will make taste buds dance with excitement.
Grab your mixing bowl and get ready to bake a batch of brownies that will become an instant classic in your kitchen.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Calories: 495 kcal
Servings: 20
Outrageous Brownies Ingredient List
For The Chocolate Base:
Unsweetened Chocolate: Delivers intense, rich chocolate flavor without sweetness, creating deep brownie complexity.
Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Provides melty pockets and sweet chocolate bursts throughout the brownies.
Butter: Ensures richness, moisture, and contributes to the smooth, velvety texture.
For The Liquid and Sweet Components:
Eggs: Binds ingredients, adds structure, and creates a luscious, fudgy consistency.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a tender, glossy brownie surface.
Instant Coffee Granules: Enhances chocolate depth without prominent coffee taste.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out chocolate flavor and adds subtle aromatic complexity.
For The Dry and Textural Elements:
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the brownie ingredients.
Baking Powder: Ensures slight lift and prevents overly dense brownies.
Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies overall chocolate flavor.
Walnuts: Introduces delightful crunch and nutty undertones to complement chocolate.
Tools to Make Outrageous Brownies Stand Out
Large mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly and efficiently.
Heatproof bowl: Perfect for melting chocolate and butter over simmering water.
Baking sheet (30 x 45 x 2.5cm): Large, sturdy pan for creating these thick, decadent brownies.
Sifter: Helps blend dry ingredients and remove any lumps for a smooth batter.
Whisk or wooden spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients together.
Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
Toothpick: Helps check brownie doneness by testing the center.
Sharp knife: Needed for cutting brownies into clean, even squares.
Step-by-Step for Gooey Outrageous Brownies
Chocolate Heaven Brownie Adventure
Kitchen Setup Prepare your baking sanctuary with a large sheet pan and parchment paper for easy removal.
Chocolate Melting Magic Create a cozy double boiler environment by gently melting rich chocolate and butter until silky smooth, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Flavor Foundation Whisk together eggs, sugar, and coffee essence to create a luxurious base that will transform ordinary brownies into something extraordinary.
Dry Ingredient Ballet Softly fold flour, salt, and baking powder into the chocolate mixture, ensuring a light touch to maintain the brownies' incredible texture.
Nutty Chocolate Surprise Gently fold chopped walnuts and extra chocolate chips into the batter, creating pockets of delightful crunch and melty goodness.
Baking Perfection Place the pan in a preheated oven, allowing the brownies to bake until edges are slightly crisp and center remains gloriously fudgy.
Cooling and Cutting Let the brownies rest completely before slicing, creating beautiful squares that showcase layers of decadent chocolate and hidden treasures.
Tips, Add-Ins & Variations for Outrageous Brownies
Experiment with different chocolate varieties like dark, milk, or white chocolate chips to create unique flavor profiles and personalize your brownies.
Replace instant coffee granules with freshly brewed espresso or strong cold brew for a deeper, richer coffee undertone that enhances the chocolate's complexity.
Replace walnuts with pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts to add different textures and nutty dimensions to your brownie experience.
Sprinkle sea salt on top before baking, mix in dried cherries, or swirl in caramel sauce to elevate the brownie's taste and create a gourmet dessert.
Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising the brownie's rich, fudgy texture.
Serving Brownies Everyone Will Crave
Pair with Creamy Delights: Serve these rich brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience.
Elegant Coffee Companion: Complement the brownies with a freshly brewed espresso or a smooth cappuccino to enhance the subtle coffee notes baked into the chocolate.
Create Dessert Platter: Arrange the brownies on a beautiful serving board with fresh berries, mint leaves, and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a stunning presentation that impresses guests.
Gift with Love: Package individual brownies in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a homemade gift that shows you care, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because.
Leftovers? Here’s How to Store Outrageous Brownies
Refrigerate for Perfection: Store these decadent brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them moist and deliciously fudgy.
Freeze for Later Treats: Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months, ready for a quick chocolate fix.
Room Temperature Magic: Let refrigerated brownies sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore their soft, rich texture and enhance their deep chocolate flavor.
Smart Cutting Tip: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts to create clean, precise brownie squares without crumbling the delicate edges.
Ina Garten’s outrageous brownies combine intense chocolate flavor with rich, buttery goodness. Chocolate enthusiasts will find pure bliss in these classic, indulgent treats that promise to satisfy serious dessert cravings.
Preparation: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a 30 x 45 x 2.5 centimeters baking sheet with butter and flour, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
Chocolate Fusion: Create a double boiler to melt chocolate chips, unsweetened chocolate, and butter into a smooth, glossy mixture. Remove from heat and allow gentle cooling.
Flavor Foundation: Whisk eggs, coffee granules, vanilla extract, and sugar in a large mixing bowl until harmoniously blended, maintaining a light consistency.
Temperature Equilibration: Slowly incorporate the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, stirring gently until fully integrated and reaching room temperature.
Dry Ingredient Incorporation: Sift flour, baking powder, and salt, then delicately fold into the chocolate base, preserving an airy texture and preventing overmixing.
Mix-in Preparation: Dust walnuts and remaining chocolate chips with flour to prevent sinking, then gently fold into the batter, ensuring even distribution.
Baking Process: Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan, bake for 20 minutes, then tap the sheet against the oven rack to release air bubbles. Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooling and Setting: Remove from oven and cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least one hour to achieve optimal texture and facilitate clean cutting into 20 generous squares.
Notes
Prevent Chocolate Sinking: Coat nuts and chocolate chips with flour to ensure even distribution throughout the batter.
Master the Melting Technique: Use a double boiler for smooth, glossy chocolate without burning, stirring gently until perfectly combined.
Avoid Overmixing: Stir egg mixture lightly to maintain a delicate brownie texture and prevent tough, dense results.
Cooling is Crucial: Let brownies cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least an hour to achieve clean, precise cuts and optimal texture.
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.
Sophia Rivera
Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist
Expertise
Education
Austin Community College
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.