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Ingredients
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Brownie
To Serve
Method
Brownie
Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper leaving an overhang for lifting, and set a rack in the center of the oven.
Melt chocolate and butter
Place chopped bittersweet chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler) or microwave in 20-30 second bursts, stirring between, until smooth and fully melted. Remove from heat and let cool for 3–5 minutes.
Combine sugar and eggs
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and eggs until combined and slightly thickened (about 1–2 minutes by hand or 30–45 seconds with an electric mixer). Stir in the vanilla extract.
Dry ingredients
Sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, fine sea salt, and baking powder into a bowl. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture just until no streaks remain. Do not overmix. If using nuts, fold them in now.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 22–28 minutes — the edges should be set and a toothpick inserted near the center should come out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter) for fudgy brownies. For cakier brownies, bake a few minutes longer.
Cool and remove
Remove the pan from oven and set on a cooling rack. Cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes to set. Use the parchment overhang to lift the brownie out, then transfer to a cutting board and cool to room temperature before slicing for clean edges. For warm brownies, let cool 10–15 minutes only.
To Serve
Portioning: Cut the cooled brownie into 4 equal squares (for larger portions) or 9 smaller pieces if desired. If serving warm, cut after the 10–15 minute brief cool so pieces hold together.
Plate: Place one brownie square on each dessert plate. Top each with one scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Finishing touches: Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of warm chocolate sauce over the ice cream and brownie if using. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over each to enhance chocolate flavor (optional). Serve immediately.