Classic Fudge Brownie Formulation

There are not many bakeries that can survive without a classic fudge brownie on the menu, and our pastry chef has a formulation that is sure to please. This is a chewy, dense fudge textured brownie with modest amounts of vanilla. This is the brownie formula that will ensure that your customers beg for more brownies! You can add nuts and frosting, but these are pure bliss with a light dusting of powdered sugar by themselves. The baker’s formulation is for a very dense fudge textured brownie. Follow the steps for cooling and cutting the brownies to have clean cut-edges on the brownies. There’s a simple version for the home baker following the professional formulation that is a little simpler to make with fewer steps.

Classic Fudge Brownie Formulation

yield 20 3-inch squares

Procedure:

• Sanitize all work surfaces, tools, and hands before handling raw flour and batter.
  Preheat oven to 350°F.Grease a half-sheet pan (18-in x 13-in x 1-in).
• Melt together unsweetened chocolate and unsalted butter in a double boiler. Remove from heat and maintain the temperature of the chocolate/butter mixture at 86 degrees F°.
• Meanwhile, combine whole eggs and sugar in a 5-quart mixer bowl. Using the paddle attachment, beat on low speed (Speed 1 on a Hobart mixer) for 1 minute. Stop the mixer and scrape down the bowl.
• Add the chocolate and butter mixture. Beat on low speed for 1 minute. Stop the mixer and scrape down the bowl. Stir in pure vanilla extract.
• Add sifted flour. Beat on low speed 1 minute. Stop the mixer and scrape down the bowl.
  Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and spread out evenly. Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes. A wooden pick inserted in the center will come out with moist crumbs (150°F).
• Sanitize all work surfaces, tools, and hands after handling raw flour and batter.
  Cool to room temperature. Double-wrap slab of brownies in a sheet pan with cling wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Using a long sharp chef’s knife, trim off 1/2-in from each long side of the slab. Cut the slab into twenty 3-in x 3-in brownies.

This is our chef’s favorite home baker’s version of a classic fudge brownie. She has used it for years! The secret is having the butter soft and not over-mixing during the creaming process. If you prefer a cake-like brownie, you may add one teaspoon of baking powder to your dry ingredients.

Home Baker’s Classic Fudge Brownies

1 cup butter
4 cups sugar
1 Tbsp. vanilla
8 eggs
2 cups Panhandle All-purpose Flour
1 1/2 cup dark cocoa powder
1 tsp. salt

Directions:

• Wash and sanitize all work surfaces, utensils, and hands before baking.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a half-sheet pan (18-in x 13-in x 1-in). Cream the butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a mixer with a paddle attachment.
• Add the flour, cocoa, and salt, mixing for 2 minutes. Pour into the prepared half-sheet pan and spread out evenly.
• Bake 40-45 minutes until a wooden pick inserted in the center will come out with moist crumbs (150°F). Wash and sanitize all work surfaces, utensils, and hands after baking.

The Baker’s Bottom Line for Food Safety:

Raw flour, baking mixes, batter, and dough are not ready-to-eat. Flour and eggs must be thoroughly cooked or baked before eating to prevent illness from potential bacteria in flour. Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces after mixing and handling batter and dough.