The Best Barefoot Contessa Outrageous Brownies Recipe Ever

Barefoot Contessa brownies represent the pinnacle of decadent chocolate desserts that transform ordinary baking into an extraordinary culinary experience.

These legendary treats redefine what a brownie can be with their intense, complex flavor profile.

Dense and wickedly rich, the recipe promises an unparalleled sensory journey through layers of chocolate intensity.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike marvel at the magical combination of ingredients that create such remarkable depth.

Each bite delivers a symphony of textures that dance between fudgy and slightly crisp edges.

Chocolate lovers will instantly recognize the superior quality and remarkable complexity woven into every square.

The secret lies in carefully selected ingredients and a technique that elevates a simple dessert into a memorable indulgence: prepare to be amazed.

Chef’s Tips for Barefoot Contessa Outrageous Brownies

• Choose Premium Chocolate: Select top-tier semisweet and unsweetened chocolate brands for maximum depth and richness of flavor.
• Prevent Egg Scrambling: Allow melted chocolate to cool slightly before mixing with eggs to maintain smooth, silky texture.
• Fold Gently: Mix ingredients with a light hand to preserve the brownies' signature fudgy consistency and tender crumb.
• Eliminate Air Pockets: Tap the baking pan midway through baking to release trapped air and create a dense, chewy brownie base.
• Master Clean Cutting: Chill brownies completely in the refrigerator before slicing to achieve crisp, picture-perfect squares without crumbling.

How to Store Barefoot Contessa Outrageous Brownies

• Freeze Strategically: Individually wrap brownies in plastic wrap, then nestle them in a freezer-safe container. Protect each decadent square from freezer burn and maintain their rich, fudgy texture for up to 3 months. Thaw slowly at room temperature for 1-2 hours to preserve their incredible moisture and taste.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Seal brownies in an airtight container to lock in freshness and prevent them from absorbing other food odors. Keep chilled for maximum enjoyment, ensuring they remain deliciously fudgy for a full week. Stack carefully to prevent crumbling or squishing the delicate edges.
• Counter Storage Caution: Avoid leaving brownies at room temperature for more than 2 days, as they can dry out quickly.

Fun Variations on Barefoot Contessa Outrageous Brownies

• Coffee Caramel Crunch: Replace coffee granules with salted caramel sauce, sprinkle crushed toffee bits on top before baking for extra texture and rich flavor complexity.
• Nutty Dark Chocolate Espresso: Swap walnuts with roasted pecans, use dark chocolate chips with 70% cocoa content, add instant espresso powder for deeper coffee notes and intense chocolate experience.
• Gluten-Free Chocolate Almond: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour, mix in sliced almonds instead of walnuts, use gluten-free chocolate chips to create a celiac-friendly version with nutty undertones.
• Mexican Chocolate Spice: Incorporate ground cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper into the batter, use Mexican chocolate chips for a warm, slightly spicy chocolate brownie that tingles the taste buds.

Closing Thoughts on Barefoot Contessa Outrageous Brownies

Barefoot Contessa’s signature brownie recipe promises chocolate paradise with rich, complex layers that seduce chocolate enthusiasts worldwide.

Signature ingredients like coffee granules and multiple chocolate types elevate these brownies beyond ordinary dessert expectations.

Luxurious walnuts provide satisfying crunch against silky chocolate backgrounds.

Precise baking techniques ensure perfect texture and intense flavor profiles.

Chocolate lovers can connect with gourmet baking magic by following these carefully crafted steps – share your delicious results, tag the recipe, and spread sweet inspiration across social networks.

Why Barefoot Contessa Outrageous Brownies Live Up to Their Name

• Decadent Chocolate Explosion: Packed with two types of chocolate (chocolate chips and unsweetened chocolate), these brownies deliver an intense, rich chocolate experience that will satisfy even the most serious chocolate lovers.
• Master Texture Magic: The recipe creates brownies with an incredible contrast between a crispy top layer and an incredibly fudgy, moist interior that melts in your mouth with each luxurious bite.
• Elevate with Coffee Twist: Adding coffee granules subtly enhances the chocolate flavor, creating a more complex and sophisticated taste profile that sets these brownies apart from ordinary recipes.
• Professional Baker's Technique: Using professional methods like melting chocolate over a water bath, sifting dry ingredients, and chilling before cutting ensures perfect texture and a bakery-quality result every single time.

All You Need for Barefoot Contessa Outrageous Brownies

• Unsweetened Chocolate: Rich base that provides deep chocolate flavor and helps create dense brownie texture.
• Chocolate Chips (Semisweet): Adds extra chocolate intensity and creates melty chocolate pockets throughout the brownies.

• Eggs: Provides structure and helps bind the brownie ingredients together.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the brownie's soft, tender texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall chocolate flavor with warm, complex notes.
• Coffee Granules: Intensifies and deepens the chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps create the perfect brownie consistency.
• Baking Powder: Helps brownies rise slightly and creates a lighter texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Walnuts: Adds crunchy texture and nutty flavor to complement the rich chocolate base.

Steps to Make Barefoot Contessa Outrageous Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab a large baking sheet. Generously coat the surface with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking. Set your oven to warm up at 350°F.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Base

• Chocolate chips
• Unsweetened chocolate
• Butter

Fill a medium bowl with water and place a heatproof bowl on top. Gently melt the chocolate and butter, stirring until silky smooth. Let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 3: Whisk Liquid Ingredients

• Eggs
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Instant coffee granules

Stir these ingredients gently until well blended. Avoid aggressive beating.

Step 4: Merge Chocolate and Liquid Mixtures

Pour the slightly cooled chocolate into the egg mixture. Stir until perfectly incorporated. Allow the batter to reach room temperature.

Step 5: Blend Dry Ingredients

Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Softly fold this mixture into the chocolate blend.

Step 6: Add Nutty Crunch

• Walnuts
• Remaining chocolate chips
• Extra flour

Fold this crunchy mixture into the brownie batter.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter to the prepared baking sheet. Spread evenly with a spatula. Slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then tap the sheet to release air bubbles. Continue baking for another 15 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 8: Chill and Slice

Allow brownies to cool completely. For the most decadent texture, refrigerate before cutting into generous squares. Serve and savor every rich, chocolatey bite!

Barefoot Contessa Outrageous Brownies Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 20 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s legendary Barefoot Contessa Outrageous Brownies deliver rich chocolate ecstasy with layers of intense flavor. Espresso-infused chocolate and premium ingredients create an irresistible dessert that elevates your baking game and delights chocolate enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 680g (1 pound + 12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
• 450g (1 pound) unsalted butter
• 170g unsweetened chocolate
• 6 extra-large eggs
• 360g chopped walnuts
• 450g (2 ¼ cups) sugar

Dry Ingredients:

• 160g (1 ¼ cups) all-purpose flour (plain flour)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

Flavor Enhancers:

• 3 tablespoons instant coffee granules
• 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 180°C (350°F). Generously coat a 30 x 45 x 2.5 centimeters (12 x 18 x 1-inch) baking sheet with butter and flour to prevent sticking.
2. Create a double boiler setup by placing a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Melt 450 grams () of chocolate chips, unsweetened chocolate, and butter together, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs, coffee granules, vanilla extract, and sugar. Gently stir the ingredients until they are well incorporated, avoiding excessive beating.
4. Gradually integrate the slightly cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, ensuring a thorough and even blend. Allow the combined mixture to reach room temperature.
5. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Delicately fold this dry ingredient mixture into the cooled chocolate base, maintaining a light and airy texture.
6. Coat walnuts and remaining chocolate chips with the reserved flour, preventing them from sinking to the bottom during baking. Carefully fold these mix-ins into the brownie batter.
7. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform thickness. Bake for 20 minutes, then firmly tap the baking sheet against the oven rack to release any trapped air bubbles.
8. Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean. Exercise caution to avoid overbaking, which can result in dry brownies.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely at room temperature. For optimal texture and easier cutting, refrigerate the pan for at least one hour before slicing into 20 generously sized squares.

Notes

• Chilling brownies in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes helps create clean, precise cut edges without crumbling or falling apart.
• Gently tapping the baking pan midway through baking releases trapped air bubbles, resulting in a dense and wonderfully chewy brownie texture.
• Mix ingredients carefully to maintain a light touch, avoiding overmixing which can transform the batter into a tough, heavy consistency.
• Allow melted chocolate to cool slightly before combining with eggs, preventing accidental egg scrambling during the mixing process.
• Select premium chocolate varieties like high-quality semisweet and unsweetened chocolate to elevate the overall depth and richness of flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 20
• Calories: 802
• Sugar: 56g
• Sodium: 235mg
• Fat: 56g
• Saturated Fat: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 147mg