Moist Double Chocolate Brownies with Crunchy Sea Salt Recipe on Food52 (2024)

FAQs

Why do you put salt on top of brownies? ›

The only thing that saves them from being chocolate overkill is the generous portion of salt in the batter, which cuts through the richness of the chocolate. But the real star is the flaked sea salt on top, a completely necessary component that adds the occasional crunch and pop of pure salty bliss.

Salt enhances the sweetness in your brownies. You might think that adding salt would make brownies, or any chocolate, salter, but it actually brings out the sweet quality in these types of desserts. Sprinkle it in the batter or add flaky sea salt to the top of the brownies after removing them from the oven.

As a general rule for sweet recipes, 1 tsp. kosher salt can be substituted with 2 tsp. soy sauce without adversely affecting the finished product. And don't worry—your baked goods won't taste like soy sauce, but they will have an undetectable note that will have people coming back for seconds.

Super Fudge Brownie Mix (Just add Water!)

For one box of brownie batter, about one teaspoon of salt should suffice. As another option, sprinkle sea salt flakes on top after the brownies come out of the oven. If salt isn't your thing, there are still many ways to elevate your boxed brownies.

There is not a specific ratio formula for home baking. This means that the salt in a recipe may require adjusting—for example, if a high proportion of salted butter is included. You can reduce the salt according to your taste, but if you leave it out completely, you'll likely find your cakes taste a little "flat."

Instead, we recommend non-iodized salt for a clean, pure taste that won't distract from the other flavors in your recipe. That said, feel free to use iodized salt if that's all you have — the effect won't be very noticeable, especially if you're baking a recipe with strong flavors.

Most brownie mixes—including our taste test winner, Ghirardelli Chocolate Supreme—require the baker to add oil, water, and eggs. Some of these box mixes recommend applesauce as a substitution for the oil to cut fat.

Baking recipes typically call for unsalted butter because the amount of salt in salted butter varies depending on the brand – there is no “industry standard.” For example, if you use one brand of salted butter in a recipe, and we use another, our baked goods could end up tasting very different from one other.

If you want to get a little more creative with your brownie mix hacks, add an extra egg to the batter. The extra protein will help thicken up the batter and make it fluffier, creating a more decadent, fudgy texture. You can also add the yolk by itself in addition to the 2 eggs a box brownie mix typically calls for.

What does adding milk instead of water do to brownies? ›

Brownie recipes traditionally call for water as it serves as a neutral liquid that hydrates the dry ingredients. However, using milk instead of water can impart a creamier texture and richer flavor to your brownies. The milk's fat content adds a smoothness that water cannot provide, resulting in a more indulgent treat.

Most brownie mixes call for water. While water does the job, you can add some extra flavor and moisture by mixing some of that water with something richer, like milk. If you want to swap it out completely, be prepared for a more chewy and fudge-like brownie from the extra fat.

Overmixing the ingredients can cause brownies to turn out tough or for a thin crust to form on top. Mix wet and dry ingredients just long enough to blend them, taking special care not to overbeat after the eggs are added.

Once the chocolate chip cookies are done baking, immediately sprinkle the flaky sea salt on top so that it sticks to the cookies. I also like to use a fine sea salt inside the cookie while baking. Why does sea salt taste so good on cookies? Sea salt intensifies the flavor of your baked goods, especially chocolate!

Use a flaked sea salt to finish desserts from cookies to mousse, crumble to sponge. A few flakes on top will prepare the mouth with a crackle of flavour even before the sweetness has hit. Be brave and use a smoked sea salt for extra mellow sweetness.