Quick and Easy Homemade Fudge Brownies

Finding time to bake can seem nearly impossible during a busy day. However, with this quick and easy brownie recipe, you can whip up a delicious treat in no time. 

A delicious treat to have with an afternoon cup of tea and a quick and easy dessert after a meal.

Ingredient List:

1/2 cup (1 stick) margarine

1 cup sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 squares (2 ounces) unsweetened chocolate

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

Optional Add-ins:

1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). 

Grease an 8x8x2 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a medium saucepan, melt the margarine and chocolate over medium-low heat. 

Remove the melted chocolate and butter from the heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.

With a wooden spoon gently beat in the flour and nuts or chocolate chunks if using.

Spread the brownie batter into the prepared pan using a rubber spatula.

Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. 

Do not overcook; the brownies should be soft in the middle but set on the edges with a crinkly top. Since ovens can vary, check the brownies at the minimum bake time to prevent overcooking.

Let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing them into squares. This wait time helps them set and makes them easier to cut.

Cut them into 24 squares.

Note: You can substitute 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder for the chocolate if you prefer.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your brownies as they are, or dust the tops with powdered sugar, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and drizzle with caramel sauce. 

To customize the brownies further, try adding espresso powder or a dash of cinnamon to the batter or substituting the vanilla extract with almond extract.

Storage Suggestions:

Store the brownies at room temperature in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. 

You can also freeze these brownies for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature.

Teas to Serve with Fudge Brownies

For pairing tea with brownies, you typically want a tea that complements the rich, chocolatey flavor without overpowering it. Here are a few good options:

1. Black Tea: A robust black tea, like an Assam or English Breakfast, can stand up well to the dense, sweet flavors of brownies. 

2. Chai: The spices in chai, such as cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, can contrast the sweetness of brownies.

3. Mint Tea: Many people love the flavors of chocolate and mint together. Try these brownies with warm mint tea, or enjoy them on a hot summer day with iced peppermint tea.

4. Earl Grey: The citrusy notes of bergamot in Earl Grey tea provide a nice aromatic contrast to the deep chocolate flavors.