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Robert’s Absolute Best Brownies: Achieving Fudgy Perfection with a Signature Crackly Top

Welcome back to another delightful installment of our sweet Monday series! I’m genuinely thrilled to unveil this particular recipe, a true game-changer that promises to make your week infinitely better. What could be a more glorious start to a Monday than indulging in a rich, chocolatey confection? Today, we embark on a culinary journey with a recipe from the esteemed David Lebovitz, a tradition we uphold to ensure a touch of good fortune and, more importantly, consistent deliciousness in our baking adventures. Prepare yourself for a brownie experience that will redefine your expectations.

The Unforgettable Characteristics of Robert’s Absolute Best Brownies

Truth be told, I was not fully prepared for the sheer adoration these brownies would inspire! They are truly exceptional, setting a new benchmark that will be incredibly difficult to surpass. Every element we seek in the ultimate brownie is present here: that coveted crunchy, delicate top that shatters with satisfying crispness, yielding to an intensely fudgy, irresistibly gooey center. The interplay of textures is simply divine, creating a luxurious mouthfeel that’s deeply gratifying. Each bite is a harmonious blend of rich chocolate and sublime texture, making these brownies an absolute marvel. It’s no exaggeration when the name declares them “absolute best!”

The Illustrious Origin: From David Lebovitz to Robert Steinberg

The moment you hear a recipe is from David Lebovitz, you can be confident in its quality and craftsmanship. His culinary expertise is renowned, and his recipes consistently deliver exceptional results. This particular brownie recipe was initially shared by David Lebovitz on Leite’s Culinaria, a respected culinary platform, and is also featured in his cherished cookbook, “Ready for Dessert.” What makes this recipe even more special is its fascinating lineage. David Lebovitz received it from Robert Steinberg, an accomplished American physician who also happened to be a co-founder of the legendary Scharffen Berger Chocolate Company. Imagine a more perfect source for a truly decadent and expertly crafted chocolate treat! Steinberg’s deep understanding of chocolate shines through in every aspect of these brownies, from their profound flavor to their ideal texture.

Expert Tips for Crafting Your Perfect Fudgy Brownies

Baking brownies that boast a perfect crackly top and a rich, fudgy interior is an art, but one that’s easily mastered with a few key insights. These observations, gleaned from my own kitchen adventures with this remarkable recipe, will guide you toward brownie perfection:

Embrace the Crackly Top: The sheer delight of pulling these brownies from the oven is unmatched! The top develops an exquisite crackly texture, a delicate crust that is both visually stunning and audibly satisfying. This “golden gate to heaven,” as I affectionately call it, is a hallmark of a truly well-made brownie. It signifies proper aeration and sugar crystallization, creating that delightful contrast with the soft, molten interior. Achieving this top is a testament to the recipe’s balance and your diligent whisking.
The Promise of Gooey Fudginess: Beneath that alluring crackle lies an “ooey gooey fudgy heaven” that will absolutely melt in your mouth. The center is intensely chocolatey, moist, and wonderfully dense, a testament to the high-quality chocolate used and the precise baking time. This profound fudginess is what elevates these brownies from good to truly extraordinary, delivering a rich, indulgent experience that satisfies even the most fervent chocolate cravings.
The Crucial Cool-Down Period: Patience, my friends, is paramount here! It’s absolutely essential to allow these brownies to cool completely before attempting to cut them into neat squares. While the aroma might drive you to distraction, slicing warm brownies will often result in uneven, crumbly edges and a less defined texture. However, I won’t judge if you decide to sneak a warm, spoonful straight from the pan – just be careful not to burn your tongue! Allowing them to set fully ensures those picture-perfect, deliciously fudgy pieces.
Mastering the Whisking Technique: The original recipe calls for a vigorous whisking of the batter by hand, a step that’s vital for incorporating air and achieving the desired texture and crackly top. If you find yourself in a bustling kitchen, perhaps holding a little one like I often do, don’t hesitate to use a stand mixer. My trusty turquoise KitchenAid handled the task beautifully, transforming the batter into a smooth, glossy consistency that visibly pulled away from the sides of the bowl. This vigorous mixing helps dissolve the sugar completely, contributing to the brownies’ signature sheen and crust.
Personalize with Perfect Add-Ins: This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your creative additions. While I typically prefer my brownies without nuts, many bakers adore their inclusion. Feel free to fold in about ½ to 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans just before baking. Other wonderful additions could include chocolate chunks, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top, or even a touch of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor. The robust base of these brownies welcomes a variety of complementary flavors and textures.
The Legacy of a Chocolate Pioneer: Understanding the origins of this recipe adds to its allure. Robert Steinberg, the physician from whom David Lebovitz acquired this gem, was a co-founder of Scharffen Berger, a trailblazing American artisan chocolate company. His profound knowledge and passion for chocolate are intrinsically woven into this recipe, making it more than just a dessert – it’s a testament to the power of exceptional ingredients and expert craftsmanship. This provenance guarantees a truly superior chocolate experience.

Robert’s Absolute Best Brownies

Author:

Anna

Experience the pinnacle of brownie perfection with this recipe, featuring an irresistible fudgy center and a delicate, crunchy top. An instant classic, this recipe originates from David Lebovitz, discovered through Leite’s Culinaria, and is a highlight of our series. It promises an unforgettable chocolate experience.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes

Course
Dessert

Cuisine
American

Servings

16
bars

Calories

172
kcal

Ingredients

US Customary | Metric
Servings: 1x (16 bars)

6 tablespoons unsalted or salted butter cubed
8 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chopped (I used semisweet chocolate chips for a slightly sweeter profile)
¾ cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs at room temperature for better emulsification
¼ cup all-purpose flour

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
Prepare an 8″ x 8″ baking dish by carefully lining it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave a generous overhang on two opposite sides; these will act as convenient “handles” to easily lift the cooled brownies out of the pan. Lightly grease the parchment paper with butter or cooking spray to prevent any sticking. Set the prepared dish aside.
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the cubed butter and chopped bittersweet or semisweet chocolate. Place the saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously until both the butter and chocolate are fully melted and the mixture achieves a smooth, glossy consistency. Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat once combined to prevent scorching.
Add the granulated sugar to the warm chocolate mixture. Whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until the sugar is well incorporated and the mixture starts to look slightly grainy. This initial whisking helps create the desirable crackly top.
Incorporate the large eggs one at a time. After adding each egg, whisk thoroughly until it is fully integrated into the batter before adding the next. This gradual addition ensures proper emulsification, leading to a smooth and uniform batter.
Stir in the vanilla extract, whisking briefly to evenly distribute its aromatic flavor throughout the batter.
Sift the all-purpose flour directly over the chocolate mixture using a fine-mesh sieve. Gently fold the flour into the batter until just incorporated, being careful not to overmix. At this crucial point, whisk the batter vigorously for a full minute. If you prefer, transfer the batter to the bowl of a stand mixer and beat it on medium-high speed with the paddle attachment. Continue whisking until the batter becomes beautifully smooth, glossy, and noticeably thick, with no visible sugar graininess. It should start to pull away slightly from the sides of the saucepan or mixing bowl.
Pour the meticulously prepared brownie batter evenly into your lined baking dish. Transfer it to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes. The brownies are done when the edges appear set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. Crucially, do not overbake, as this will compromise the fudgy texture and result in dry brownies.
Once baked to perfection, remove the brownies from the oven and place the entire dish on a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely at room temperature before attempting to cut them. This is the most vital step for achieving clean, precise squares and ensuring that signature fudgy, dense texture.

Notes

For the absolute best results in terms of both texture and neatness, ensure your brownies are entirely cool before you begin cutting them into squares. Cutting them warm, while tempting, will yield a more crumbly and less defined consistency.
If you’re a fan of adding nuts to your brownies, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can easily fold in about ½ to 1 cup of your preferred chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) into the batter just before pouring it into the prepared baking dish.
The original recipe suggests baking these brownies in a 9-inch square pan. However, I achieved fantastic results using an 8-inch square dish, which often results in slightly thicker and even more luxurious brownies. If you opt for a 9-inch pan, keep an eye on the baking time as it might be a few minutes shorter.

Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations for Your Brownies

Robert’s Absolute Best Brownies are undeniably magnificent when enjoyed on their own, showcasing their profound chocolate flavor and exquisite texture. However, their versatility makes them an ideal base for numerous delightful accompaniments and creative variations. For an ultimate decadent treat, serve them slightly warm with a generous scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or a luxurious drizzle of homemade chocolate ganache. A delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before serving can dramatically elevate the chocolate notes, creating a sophisticated sweet-and-salty balance. Pair them with a side of fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, for a burst of refreshing tartness that beautifully complements the rich chocolate. For those feeling adventurous, consider folding in mini chocolate chips, chopped caramel bits, or even a swirl of hazelnut spread into the batter before baking. An adult twist could involve infusing the vanilla extract with a splash of high-quality coffee liqueur or a hint of orange zest for added complexity. Experiment and discover your favorite way to savor these truly exceptional brownies!

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Have you had the pleasure of trying this extraordinary brownie recipe? What are your thoughts on achieving that perfect crackly top and fudgy center? Share your favorite brownie recipes and baking experiences with us in the comments below!

xoxo,

Anna