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Johnny Cash's Blackout Brownies

Indulge in these rich, fudgy brownies packed with deep cocoa flavor and sweet hints of chocolate chips, perfect for family gatherings or a sweet treat.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Brownies, Chocolate, Easy Dessert, Johnny Cash
Servings: 12 pieces
Calories: 350kcal

Ingredients

Brownie Base Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter Rich and smooth, providing a buttery base.
  • 2 cups granulated sugar Sweet and simple, creating a delightful contrast to the cocoa.
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar Adds a deep sweetness with subtle undertones of caramel.
  • 4 large eggs Essential for binding the ingredients and creating a rich texture.
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract Enhances the chocolate flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
  • 1 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder The star ingredient that gives these brownies their rich, chocolate profile.
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour Provides structure to balance the fudginess.
  • 1 tbsp instant espresso powder Intensifies the chocolate flavor for an extra kick.
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon Adds warmth and depth.
  • 1 tsp salt Balances sweetness while enhancing overall flavor.
  • 1.5 cups semisweet chocolate chips Melts into gooey pockets of goodness throughout each brownie.

Instructions

Preparation

  • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat.
  • Stir in both the granulated and dark brown sugar into the melted butter, mixing until smooth and well combined.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well beaten before adding the next.
  • Stir in the vanilla extract, instant espresso powder, and ground cinnamon into the mixture, blending well.
  • Whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt until just combined.
  • Gently fold the semisweet chocolate chips into the brownie batter.
  • Pour the batter into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan, spreading it evenly.

Baking

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30–35 minutes.
  • The edges should be set, and a toothpick inserted should come out with just a few moist crumbs.

Cooling and Serving

  • Let the brownies cool completely in the pan to enhance the fudgy texture, then slice them into bold squares.

Notes

For added flavor, consider mixing in crushed walnuts or pecans, or sprinkling some sea salt on top before baking. You can swap some all-purpose flour with cocoa powder for a richer chocolate taste.