Crackly Top Brownies

Name: Crackly Top Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, melted; 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour; 1 cup (90g) unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Highlighted under: Home Baking Collection

I absolutely love baking these Crackly Top Brownies, as they always bring a smile to my face. The process is simple yet rewarding, and who can resist the rich chocolate aroma wafting through the kitchen? The unique crackly top is not only visually appealing, but it also provides a delightful contrast to the fudgy center. Perfect for sharing or indulging in on my own, these brownies have been a staple in my dessert repertoire for years. I can't wait for you to try them!

Created by

Emily Carter

Last updated on 2026-02-10T16:21:35.802Z

When I first tried to make these Crackly Top Brownies, I was thrilled to discover the secret behind that shiny crust. It's all about the blending technique—involving vigorous mixing of the eggs and sugar until they become light and fluffy. This method traps air, creating the signature crack that forms beautifully during baking.

I also experimented with different types of chocolate and found that mixing dark and semi-sweet chocolate yields the best flavor combination. Trust me, once you make these, you'll have a hard time going back to any other brownie recipe!

Why You'll Love These Brownies
Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

Understanding the Ingredients

The core of these Crackly Top Brownies lies in the balance of fat and sugar. The melted unsalted butter not only adds richness but also helps create that signature crackly crust. Using granulated sugar is essential, as it dissolves easily and contributes to a glossy top. I recommend using high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for a bold chocolate flavor; this will set the foundation for that delicious fudgy interior.

Eggs play a crucial role in the structure of the brownies. They not only bind the ingredients together but also contribute to the rise. Be sure to bring your eggs to room temperature before incorporating them into the mixture; this allows for better emulsification, which results in a shinier batter and a denser texture. A quick tip: if you forget to set the eggs out early, you can submerge them in warm water for about 10 minutes.

Perfecting the Baking Process

When mixing the dry ingredients, sift together the flour and cocoa powder; this aerates the mixture and helps prevent any lumps in the batter. This step is key for achieving a smooth, uniform texture. Keep an eye on the mixture when combining the wet and dry ingredients—overmixing can lead to dense brownies instead of the desired fudgy and chewy texture. Aim for just combined, and don’t hesitate to use a spatula to scrape the sides of your bowl to ensure even mixing.

Baking the brownies is also an art. Check for doneness around the 25-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, that’s perfect! Leaving them in the oven too long will yield dry brownies. Once baked, it’s essential to let them cool in the pan; this helps set the structure and enhances the flavor as they continue to cook slightly from residual heat.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a perfect batch of brownies:

Brownie Ingredients

1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, melted
2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (90g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to achieve brownie perfection:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.

Blend Together

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing for a fudgy texture.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!

For best results, allow brownies to cool completely before slicing for neat edges.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle some sea salt on top of the brownies right before baking for enhanced flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These Crackly Top Brownies can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. The contrast between the rich chocolate brownie and cold ice cream is heavenly. You can also drizzle with a simple chocolate ganache or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation at gatherings. For a citrus twist, try pairing them with fresh strawberries or orange slices on the side.

For added extravagance, consider pairing your brownies with flavored whipped cream. A hint of orange zest in the whipped cream can elevate the brownie experience, complementing the chocolate beautifully. If you advance this dessert to a party setting, cut the brownies into bite-sized squares for easy sharing!

Storing and Freezing

To store the brownies, make sure they’re completely cooled before placing them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you prefer them warmed up, just pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.

For longer storage, you can freeze these brownies. Cut them into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight and warm them up when ready to serve. This way, you can have a delightful chocolate treat ready whenever a craving strikes!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chocolate chips instead of cocoa powder?

Yes, you can substitute cocoa powder with melted chocolate for a richer flavor, but adjust the butter accordingly.

→ How can I store the brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate to prolong freshness.

→ Can I add nuts to the brownies?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can be folded into the batter for added crunch and flavor.

→ What if I want to make them gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour.