Indulging in the world of desserts often leads us to discover new and exciting flavors. Among these, Mexican brownies stand out as a unique treat that merges the rich history of Mexican cuisine with the familiar comforting taste of brownies. This delightful fusion creates a dessert that tantalizes your taste buds with both sweetness and a hint of spice.
Why We Love This Mexican Brownies Recipe
Mexican brownies are not your average dessert. The inclusion of unique spices and flavors elevates them beyond the traditional chocolate experience. These brownies combine rich chocolate with the warmth of cinnamon and a gentle kick from cayenne, offering an unexpected twist that lingers long after each bite.
Moreover, they are incredibly easy to make, requiring simple ingredients that you probably already have at home. The recipe is forgiving and allows for adjustments, meaning you can experiment and make it your own. Whether you prefer mellowing the spices or enhancing them, the choice is yours.
If you love the idea of indulging in a dessert that is both comforting yet exciting, these Mexican brownies will surely become your go-to recipe. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unique treat!
Ingredients about Mexican Brownies
To create your delightful Mexican brownies, you’ll need a selection of basic yet essential ingredients. Below is a comprehensive list of what you’ll require, making sure you’re well-prepared before starting.
- Nonstick cooking spray or oil, for greasing the pan
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- Flaky sea salt, for garnish
Make sure to have all these items ready. The fresher the ingredients, the better your brownies will taste!
How to Make Mexican Brownies Directions
Making these Mexican brownies is straightforward and truly rewarding. Here’s how you can create this delicious dessert step by step:
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by heating your oven to 350°F. Preparing the baking pan is essential; spray an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray or oil. For added security, line the pan with parchment paper and give it another light spray.
Prepare Your Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, take the flour, cocoa powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Use a whisk to blend these dry ingredients together until they’re well combined.
Melt the Chocolate and Butter: In a small saucepan, over medium-low heat, melt the unsalted butter and semisweet chocolate chips. Stir continuously to create a smooth mixture, then remove the saucepan from the heat.
Combine Sugars and Flavorings: Mix in the granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, and vanilla extract into your melted butter and chocolate mixture. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
Incorporate the Eggs: Add the two large eggs and the additional egg yolk, stirring until fully combined. You want to see a glossy sheen appear in your mixture.
Merge Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour your chocolaty wet mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Gently fold the two mixtures together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want your brownies to remain fudgy and rich.
Bake Your Brownies: Transfer the batter to your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Place the pan in the oven and bake for approximately 32 to 36 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and check if a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
Cool and Garnish: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt on top. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before carefully transferring them to a cutting board where you can slice them into squares.
And just like that, you’ve successfully crafted a batch of tantalizing Mexican brownies!
How to Serve Mexican Brownies
Serving these Mexican brownies is an experience in itself. Their rich texture and unique flavor profile make them ideal for various occasions.
You can serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The cold ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, fudgy brownie, creating an exquisite treat that everyone will enjoy. Drizzle a bit of chocolate or caramel sauce over the top for an added touch of sweetness.
If you prefer a decadent presentation, you may choose to dust the brownies with powdered sugar right before serving, highlighting their luxurious texture.
For gatherings, stack the brownies on a beautiful serving platter and accompany them with fresh berries or a fruit salad for a refreshing side. This not only elevates their appearance but also offers a balance of flavors that enhances the overall dessert experience.
Lastly, don’t forget to serve these brownies with a cup of coffee or a warm beverage. The combination of chocolatey goodness and a comforting drink is harder to resist!
Expert Tips: Mexican Brownies
Creating perfect Mexican brownies can be incredibly rewarding, and a few expert tips can help you achieve that elusive perfection:
Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality semisweet chocolate chips and cocoa powder. The flavor of your brownies significantly depends on the quality of the ingredients.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re not a fan of heat, reduce the cayenne pepper to a pinch or leave it out entirely. However, a small amount adds character and depth to the flavor.
Do Not Overmix: When folding the wet and dry ingredients together, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture.
Test for Doneness: Don’t solely rely on the baking time. The toothpick test is crucial; your brownies should be set but not overcooked. A few moist crumbs clinging to the toothpick indicate they are baked to perfection.
Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings like chopped nuts, fresh fruit, or even a drizzle of honey for a twist.
Following these tips will help you make the ultimate batch of Mexican brownies that are delicious and impressive!
How to Store Mexican Brownies
Storing your Mexican brownies properly ensures that they stay fresh and delicious for longer. Here are some straightforward steps to do just that:
Let Them Cool: After you’ve cut your brownies into squares, allow them to cool completely at room temperature.
Use an Airtight Container: Transfer the brownies into an airtight container. If you want to keep them stacked, place parchment paper in between layers to prevent sticking.
Refrigeration: If you want to extend their shelf life, consider refrigerating the brownies for up to a week. Just remember that cold brownies have a different consistency and flavor than freshly baked ones.
Freezing for Later: If you want to store them for even longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them up in a microwave for a few seconds.
Variation of Mexican Brownies
While the traditional Mexican brownies are delicious on their own, experimenting with variations can lead to delightful surprises. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
Nutty Addition: Fold in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the brownie batter for added crunch and flavor.
Chili Chocolate: For those looking for a more intense flavor, add a dash of chili powder along with the cayenne for a more robust heat.
Swirled Cream Cheese: Create a cream cheese swirl by mixing cream cheese with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract. Pour half your brownie batter into the pan, add the cream cheese mixture, and then pour the remaining brownie batter on top before baking.
Minty Fresh: Include a few drops of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
Dulce de Leche: Drizzle some dulce de leche into the batter or on top of the brownies for a sweet caramel touch that complements the chocolate perfectly.
These variations will keep your brownie-making creative and ensure there’s always something new to try!
FAQs
What are Mexican brownies?
Mexican brownies are a delightful treat that combines traditional brownie ingredients with the warm flavors of cinnamon and a hint of cayenne pepper. They provide a unique twist on the classic chocolate brownie.
How do I store Mexican brownies?
To store Mexican brownies, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
Can I adjust the spice level in Mexican brownies?
Absolutely! You can modify the amount of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to reduce or omit the spices.
Mexican Brownies
Equipment
- 8-inch square baking pan
- Mixing Bowls:
- Saucepan
- Whisk
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
Optional Garnish
- flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick spray or oil, then line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
- In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter and chocolate chips, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat.
- Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract to the melted chocolate mixture. Stir until fully incorporated.
- Beat in the eggs and egg yolk one at a time, stirring until the mixture becomes glossy.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold together until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 32–36 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. Let cool completely before slicing into squares.