Chocolate brownies are a classic treat that everyone loves, and when you add the legendary Gordon Ramsay to the mix, you know they’re going to be exceptional. Gordon Ramsay’s chocolate brownies are celebrated for their rich, fudgy texture, and intense chocolate flavor, making them a true standout in the world of brownie recipes. But what makes Ramsay’s brownies so special? Let’s break down the Gordon Ramsay chocolate brownies recipe, covering everything you need to know to recreate these indulgent treats at home.
What Makes Gordon Ramsay’s Chocolate Brownies Stand Out?
When it comes to brownies, Gordon Ramsay knows how to create a recipe that delivers on flavor, texture, and overall experience. His version of chocolate brownies features the perfect balance of moistness and richness. Ramsay uses dark chocolate to provide a deep and intense cocoa flavor, which sets his brownies apart from more typical recipes that often rely on cocoa powder.
These Gordon Ramsay chocolate brownies are fudgy in the middle with slightly crispy edges. The combination of melted dark chocolate and a sprinkling of extra chocolate chunks creates an indulgent experience with every bite. Ramsay’s attention to detail in both the ingredients and the baking process ensures that these brownies turn out just right every time.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of making these Gordon Ramsay chocolate brownies, ensuring you know exactly what to do for the best results.
Ingredients for Gordon Ramsay Chocolate Brownies
Before we get into the baking process, it’s important to gather the right ingredients for making Gordon Ramsay chocolate brownies. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
- Dark chocolate (245g): For the best flavor, use high-quality dark chocolate. Ramsay uses this for a deep, rich taste that elevates the brownie.
- Butter (200g): Adds richness and moisture to the brownies.
- Caster sugar (175g): This superfine sugar helps create a smoother texture. If you can’t find caster sugar, you can easily substitute with baker’s sugar or pulse regular sugar in a food processor.
- Light brown sugar (125g): Provides a slight caramel flavor and helps the brownies stay moist.
- Eggs (4 large): Eggs are essential for binding the ingredients together and contributing to the structure of the brownies.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds flavor depth and complements the chocolate.
- All-purpose flour (115g): Flour gives the brownies structure and helps achieve the right texture.
- Sea salt (a pinch): Balances out the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Dark chocolate chunks (100g, optional): Adding chocolate chunks halfway through baking creates extra gooey spots of chocolate that add a rich texture.
Now that we’ve got the ingredients covered, let’s move on to the preparation steps for Gordon Ramsay chocolate brownies.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Gordon Ramsay Chocolate Brownies
With all the ingredients ready, it’s time to start baking. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Gordon Ramsay chocolate brownies that are sure to impress.
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start by preparing your 9×13-inch baking pan. This size ensures you get thick, fudgy brownies. Grease the pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the brownies once they’re baked. Ramsay’s method ensures that the brownies won’t stick to the pan, making for a hassle-free baking experience.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter
The next step is to melt the dark chocolate and butter. This is a crucial part of the process, as it creates the rich chocolatey base for your brownies. Use a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of gently simmering water. Stir the chocolate and butter until they melt together into a smooth mixture.
Pro Tip: Make sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water to prevent overheating. Stirring the mixture occasionally will ensure that the chocolate melts evenly.
Step 3: Mix in the Sugars and Eggs
After the chocolate and butter are melted, remove the bowl from the heat. Add the caster sugar and light brown sugar to the mixture and whisk it together until it’s smooth. Then, whisk in the beaten eggs and vanilla extract. This will form the wet base of the brownie batter.
Step 4: Stir in the Flour and Salt
Now it’s time to add the dry ingredients. Sift together the flour and sea salt, then stir them into the wet ingredients with a wooden spoon. Mix until everything is fully combined. The batter should be thick and glossy at this point. This consistency is key to getting the right texture in your Gordon Ramsay chocolate brownies.
Pro Tip: Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this could lead to denser brownies. Stir just until everything is well incorporated.
Step 5: Bake the Brownies
Once the batter is ready, pour it into the prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake the brownies in a 350°F (175°C) preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes. Make sure to check the brownies after 30 minutes, as oven temperatures can vary. You want the edges to be cracked and the center to be soft but set.
At 20 minutes into baking, remove the brownies from the oven and add the chocolate chunks to the top of the batter. This will create pockets of melted chocolate throughout the brownies and give them a more indulgent texture. After adding the chocolate, return the pan to the oven to bake for the remaining time.
Step 6: Let the Brownies Cool
Once the brownies are finished baking, let them cool in the pan. After about 10 minutes, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the brownies to set and makes them easier to slice.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once your Gordon Ramsay chocolate brownies have cooled, it’s time to slice them. Use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles. You should aim for around 15-20 pieces depending on your desired size. For an extra touch, serve the brownies with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
Why Gordon Ramsay’s Chocolate Brownies Are So Popular
Gordon Ramsay’s chocolate brownies stand out because they hit all the right notes in terms of flavor, texture, and presentation. Here are the key elements that make these brownies a favorite among home bakers and dessert lovers alike:
- Intense chocolate flavor: The use of dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder gives the brownies a rich, decadent flavor that many brownie recipes lack. This makes them ideal for chocolate lovers looking for a deeply satisfying dessert.
- Perfect texture: The combination of melted chocolate and butter creates a fudgy, almost gooey center, while the outer edges maintain a slight crispness, offering a satisfying bite. The balance between chewy and cakey is spot-on.
- Chocolate chunks for extra indulgence: Ramsay’s method of adding chocolate chunks halfway through baking is a clever twist. These chunks melt into the brownies, creating pockets of gooey chocolate that make each bite extra indulgent.
- Simple yet effective ingredients: Ramsay’s recipe is refreshingly simple, relying on just a handful of core ingredients. There are no complicated techniques, making this a recipe that both beginners and seasoned bakers can follow with ease.
- Clear and easy instructions: The recipe is broken down into easy-to-follow steps, making it accessible for anyone looking to create the perfect brownie at home. Ramsay’s method removes the guesswork, ensuring that every batch turns out just right.
Potential Variations for Your Gordon Ramsay Chocolate Brownies
While Ramsay’s recipe is already fantastic on its own, there are a few ways you can make it your own. Here are some variations you can try if you want to experiment with different flavors or textures:
- Add nuts: For some crunch, try adding walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter. You can either chop them and mix them into the batter or sprinkle them on top before baking.
- Make it minty: If you love mint and chocolate, try adding a few drops of peppermint extract to the batter. You can also use mint chocolate chips or top the brownies with a mint chocolate glaze.
- Use milk or white chocolate: While dark chocolate is used in the original recipe, you can experiment with milk chocolate or white chocolate for a sweeter flavor profile. Just be mindful that the texture may change slightly depending on the type of chocolate you choose.
- Add a layer of caramel: For a richer, more decadent treat, consider adding a caramel layer to the middle of the brownies. You can make your own caramel sauce or use store-bought caramel for convenience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Gordon Ramsay’s Chocolate Brownies
Even though this recipe is straightforward, there are still a few things that could go wrong if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Gordon Ramsay chocolate brownies:
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing the batter after adding the flour can result in dense, tough brownies. Stir just until the ingredients are incorporated to avoid this issue.
- Not measuring accurately: Baking is all about precision. Since Gordon Ramsay chocolate brownies are made with gram-based measurements, it’s best to use a kitchen scale for accuracy. If you don’t have a scale, be sure to measure your ingredients correctly to get the right consistency.
- Underbaking or overbaking: The perfect brownie should be soft and fudgy in the middle, with a slightly crisp exterior. To achieve this, be careful not to overbake your brownies. Use a toothpick to check for doneness—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, your brownies are done.
- Skipping the cooling process: Let your brownies cool completely before slicing. If you cut them too soon, they may fall apart, and you won’t get those neat, clean edges that make them so appealing.
Tips for Perfecting Gordon Ramsay Chocolate Brownies
To ensure your Gordon Ramsay chocolate brownies turn out perfectly every time, here are some tips and tricks that can elevate your baking game:
- Use high-quality chocolate: The chocolate is the star ingredient in these brownies, so make sure to use premium dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content. The higher the quality, the richer the flavor of your brownies will be.
- Check the oven temperature: Different ovens can vary in temperature, so it’s important to check your oven’s accuracy. If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to invest in an oven thermometer to ensure that your brownies are baked at the correct temperature.
- Use a kitchen scale: Since Gordon Ramsay’s recipe uses grams for measurement, using a digital kitchen scale will give you more precise results. Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect brownie texture, especially for ingredients like chocolate and flour.
- Don’t skip the cooling period: Once baked, let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This allows the brownies to firm up, making them easier to cut without falling apart.
- Use a sharp knife for slicing: For neat, clean slices, use a sharp serrated knife. You can even dip the knife in warm water and wipe it dry between each slice to maintain clean edges.
- Resting time: While it’s tempting to dive into the brownies right away, letting them rest for a few hours or even overnight can enhance the flavor. The brownies will firm up further, and the chocolate flavor will intensify.
How to Store Gordon Ramsay Chocolate Brownies
If you happen to have leftovers (although that’s unlikely), storing your Gordon Ramsay chocolate brownies is simple:
- Room temperature: Place the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4-5 days.
- Refrigeration: If you live in a particularly warm climate, storing the brownies in the fridge may help them last longer—up to 1 week.
- Freezing: You can freeze brownies for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a resealable freezer bag. To serve, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds.
Why You Should Make These Brownies
Making Gordon Ramsay chocolate brownies is more than just baking a simple dessert; it’s about creating something memorable. Whether you’re looking to impress guests, surprise a loved one, or treat yourself to something special, these brownies are sure to deliver.
With Ramsay’s easy-to-follow recipe, even novice bakers can achieve a professional-level dessert with little effort. The rich chocolate flavor, fudgy texture, and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chunks make these brownies irresistible. Once you try them, you’ll be hooked.
By using quality ingredients, following the proper techniques, and allowing the brownies to cool and set, you’ll have a batch of Gordon Ramsay chocolate brownies that everyone will rave about. They are perfect for any occasion and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Final Thoughts on Gordon Ramsay Chocolate Brownies
There’s a reason Gordon Ramsay’s chocolate brownies are so highly regarded—they are, quite simply, one of the best brownie recipes out there. Perfectly fudgy, rich in flavor, and with just the right amount of sweetness, these brownies will satisfy any chocolate lover’s craving.
Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a party, or just a midweek treat, this Gordon Ramsay chocolate brownies recipe is sure to become your go-to brownie recipe. It’s a recipe that will never disappoint and is guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face.
So, get your apron on, gather your ingredients, and start baking. With this recipe, you’re not just making brownies—you’re making an unforgettable treat that everyone will love.
Gordon Ramsay Chocolate Brownies Recipe
Ingredients:
- 245g dark chocolate, broken into squares or roughly chopped
- 200g butter, diced, plus extra for greasing
- 175g caster sugar (superfine sugar or baker’s sugar)
- 125g light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 115g all-purpose flour
- Pinch of sea salt
- 100g dark chocolate, chopped into small chunks (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large heatproof bowl, add dark chocolate and butter. Place the bowl over a pan of gently simmering water (double boiler method), making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir occasionally until the mixture is melted and smooth.
- Remove the bowl from the heat. Whisk in the caster sugar and light brown sugar until fully combined.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing with a wooden spoon until well combined.
- Sift the flour and sea salt over the mixture and stir until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a rubber spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are cracked and the center is soft. For extra chocolate, add chocolate chunks halfway through baking (at the 20-minute mark), then return to the oven to finish baking.
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Notes:
- Dark chocolate: For the best results, use chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content.
- Chocolate chunks: Optional but recommended for an extra gooey, rich texture.
- Storage: Store brownies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – 1 Brownie):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 40mg
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 3g
Recipe Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British, Dessert
- Servings: 15-20 brownies
- Calories: 250 per brownie
- Yield: 15-20 brownies