Ingredients:

Dry Ingredients:

· 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour

· 1/2 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder (use a good quality cocoa powder for the best flavor)

· 1 tsp baking powder

· 1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

· 1/2 cup (120g) sugar (you can use brown sugar or coconut sugar for a different flavor)

· 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter (melted) or 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for a lighter version)

· 1/2 cup (120ml) milk (dairy or plant-based milk)

· 1 tsp vanilla extract

· 1 tbsp vinegar (white vinegar or apple cider vinegar)

Optional Add-ins:

· 1/4 cup (30g) chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

· 1/4 cup (30g) chopped walnuts or pecans

· 1/4 cup (30g) dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or cherries)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven:

· Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter.

2. Mix the dry ingredients:

· In a medium-data-sized bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the cocoa powder and baking powder are well-distributed, making the brownies light and fluffy.

3. Mix the wet ingredients:

· In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, melted butter (or oil), milk, vanilla extract, and vinegar. The vinegar reacts with the baking powder and helps the brownies rise.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients:

· Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until the batter is smooth and well combined. Don’t overmix, as this can make the brownies tough.

5. Add optional ingredients:

· Fold in chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or dried fruit (if using). These add-ins will give extra texture and flavor to your brownies.

6. Pour the batter into the pan:

· Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.

7. Bake the brownies:

· Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Keep an eye on them after 25 minutes, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.

8. Cool the brownies:

· Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

· After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Slice and serve:

· Once fully cooled, slice into squares or rectangles and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks:

1. Fudgy vs. cakey texture:

o For fudgier brownies, use less flour or more butter/oil. For a more cake-like texture, you can add a little extra flour or baking powder.

2. Sweetness:

o You can adjust the sugar according to your taste. If you prefer a less sweet brownie, you can reduce the sugar amount by 1-2 tablespoons. Using brown sugar or maple syrup will give a deeper flavor to the brownies.

3. Chocolate Chips:

o You can increase the amount of chocolate chips to make the brownies even more decadent. Swapping them for chunks of dark chocolate gives a richer, more intense flavor.

4. Vegan Option:

o To make this recipe fully vegan, simply substitute vegan butter or coconut oil for the regular butter and use plant-based milk.

5. Storage:

o Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.

o For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 week, or freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Wrap each brownie slice in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for easy storage.

Serving Suggestions:

· Serve your brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle them with chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat!

· For a lighter version, try serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of fruit syrup.

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.