Fudgy Dark Chocolate Brownies with Crackly Crust

I love a fudgy dark chocolate brownie with a crackly crust. However, I’m well aware that the signature glossy top on a brownie is coveted by most. And let me set the record straight. I’m also a fan of the shiny top. It reminds me of the boxed Ghirardelli brownies I grew up eating. And I don’t say that in a condescending manner at all. I loved those boxed brownies (and boxed cake mixes!). They were my first introduction into baking as a kid. And, to be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever met a brownie I didn’t like. 

But, as I mentioned before, I’m partial to the crackly, meringue-like top. What can I say? I’m a fan of contrasting textures. The cracked top has a slight crisp and melts in your mouth which makes it the perfect match for the dense, chocolatey inside. And the crust stays crunchy even days after being baked. I can attest to this as I’ve been slowly grazing on the three batches of brownies I tested earlier this week. 

HOW TO ACHIEVE THE CRACKLY CRUST BROWNIE TOP

What’s the secret to my crackly brownie top? It’s all in the technique! When I developed this recipe, I borrowed the technique from the flourless chocolate cake that also has the same signature crackly crust top that I absolutely adore.

Except, unlike the flourless chocolate cake, you don’t need to separate the eggs and whisk the egg whites separately. I’m all about less dishes, less steps, and less fussy recipes.

So, how do you do it? In order to get the crackly crust, you must do three things: 

1. Melt the chopped chocolate and butter together. 
2. Whip the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy. 
3. Gently fold in the dry ingredients at the end.

Start by gently melting the chocolate and butter over a double boiler. Once melted, let cool slightly (~140°F) so you don’t cook the eggs.

Then, in an electric stand mixer, whisk the eggs and sugar together on the highest speed for about 8-10 minutes until the eggs and sugar are light and fluffy and turn a pale, pastel yellow color. It won’t quite reach a full “ribbon” stage, but it will be close and the eggs should greatly increase in volume.

Do I really need to whisk the eggs for that long? Yes! Whisking the eggs and sugar together will properly aerate the eggs and thus yield the meringue-like texture on top that we’re looking for. So don’t rush through this step!

Then, once the eggs are light and fluffy, add the melted butter and chocolate with the mixer on low and then gently fold in the dry ingredients by hand using a rubber spatula. You don’t want to deflate the eggs too much.

Now, I know what you might be thinking. Is this going to be too cakey? Rest assured because there’s plenty of dark chocolate in this recipe so you’ll still get that rich, decadent brownie center that we all love. 

Et voila! My fudgy dark chocolate brownies with a crackly crust top. My favorite part is cutting the brownies into squares and watching the top crack with every cut of the knife.

NOTES ABOUT THE BROWNIE RECIPE

• Use the spoon and level method. When measuring by volume using cups, I recommend you spoon your flour and cocoa powder straight into the measuring cup instead of scooping it out of the bag or container. This will ensure that the flour and cocoa powder aren’t packed into the cup. And since this recipe doesn’t call for a lot of dry ingredients, it’s important to have your ingredients measured accurately so you won’t end up with dry brownies. I’m all about those moist, fudgy brownie centers!
• Use Dutch-process cocoa powder. What’s the difference between dutch-process cocoa powder and regular unsweetened cocoa powder? Dutch-process cocoa powder is alkalized which neutralizes the acidity and gives it a smoother, mellow flavor. Alkalizing the cocoa also makes it a darker color. 
• Bake in the lower third of the oven. In order to help get that crackly crust, bake the brownies in the lower third part of the oven. This will ensure the crust doesn't set too quickly.
• Err on the side of underbaked. When it comes to brownies, I always err on the side of underbaked to ensure I get a moist and gooey center. I check by inserting a toothpick or cake tester. What I look for is a few fudgy crumbs on the toothpick. It shouldn’t come out completely clean like a cake. And it shouldn’t be wet with a batter consistency otherwise it’s not ready. Bake times will vary depending on your oven and which type of pan you bake the brownies in.
• Use a metal pan. I prefer to use the light colored, heavy-gauge metal pans to get even distribution of heat. Not to be confused with the dark coated metal nonstick pans that can sometimes get too hot and cook things too quickly. Metal pans are better conductors of heat than glass or ceramic baking pans. However, if you don't have a metal baking pan, then you can still use glass or ceramic. Just know that the baking times may vary and it may take longer to bake.

I hope you enjoy these brownies as much as I do! If you make them, be sure to tag me on Instagram @studiobaked. I’d love to see your beautiful brownies!