Go Back

Pantry-Adventure Brownies

These brownies are a playful twist on the classic treat, utilizing pantry staples like oats, coffee, and smoked salt to add unexpected textures and flavors. They feature crunchy edges, gooey centers, and a whisper of smoky salt, resulting in a rich, chocolatey final appearance with a satisfying fudgy texture. The baking process highlights the contrasting crunch and melt-in-your-mouth richness, making each bite a delightful surprise.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 9
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g dark chocolate preferably high cocoa percentage
  • 115 g unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 150 g brown sugar adds moisture and caramel notes
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 50 g cocoa powder natural, for deep chocolate flavor
  • 100 g rolled oats lightly toasted beforehand for flavor
  • a pinch flaky sea salt for sprinkling before baking

Equipment

  • Oven
  • 20cm (8-inch) square baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Heatproof bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Toothpick
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces and melt it together with the butter in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring until smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly—this helps prevent cooking the eggs later.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes light, slightly frothy, and fragrant—about 2 minutes. This introduces air and enhances the richness.
  4. Pour the slightly cooled melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, gently folding until fully combined—your batter will turn glossy and thick.
  5. Sift the cocoa powder into the batter to prevent lumps, then fold it in carefully, maintaining the batter’s smoothness. Add the toasted oats and a pinch of flaky sea salt, folding until evenly distributed.
  6. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles and to settle the batter.
  7. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top, which will create a savory contrast as it bakes and enhances the chocolate flavor.
  8. Bake the brownies in the oven for about 25-30 minutes. The edges should be set and slightly cracked, and a toothpick inserted into the center will come out with moist crumbs—never wet batter.
  9. Remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack and allow to cool completely—this helps the texture set and makes slicing easier.
  10. Once cooled, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment overhang, then slice into squares with a sharp serrated knife. Serve slightly warm for a gooey experience or chilled for a firmer bite.
  11. Enjoy your homemade pantry-styled brownies, marveling at the crunchy edges, fudgy centers, and the subtle smoky salt finish—each bite is a delightful surprise!

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts or a dash of espresso powder into the batter before baking. Cool completely before cutting for clean slices and optimal texture.