brownies in muffin pans.

Brownies in Muffin Pans: A Perfect Twist on a Classic Dessert

Who doesn’t love a rich, fudgy brownie? Whether it’s for a special occasion, a casual treat, or just a way to satisfy that chocolate craving, brownies are a classic go-to dessert. But what if you could take the same delicious brownies and turn them into an easy, portable version? Enter brownies baked in muffin pans! These individual-sized brownies are the perfect solution for those who want a more fun, customizable take on the classic dessert. Plus, they’re quick, easy, and ideal for parties, lunchboxes, or a snack on the go.

In this article, we’ll explore how to make brownies in muffin pans, along with some fun variations and tips to elevate this delicious treat.

Why Bake Brownies in Muffin Pans?

Baking brownies in muffin pans has some pretty great benefits:

1. Portion Control: Muffin pan brownies are pre-portioned, so there’s no need to cut and serve. This is especially great for parties, bake sales, or when you want a quick treat without the mess of slicing.
2. Faster Baking Time: Muffin-sized brownies cook faster than a traditional brownie pan, meaning you can enjoy your fudgy treat in less time.
3. Fun Presentation: Individual brownies are perfect for serving at gatherings. They can be topped, drizzled, or decorated, making them a fun dessert for any occasion.
4. Customization: You can get creative with different flavors, fillings, and toppings, making each muffin-sized brownie uniquely yours. Want some with gooey caramel, others with nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt? The choice is yours!

How to Make Brownies in Muffin Pans

Baking brownies in muffin pans is straightforward, and you can easily adapt your favorite brownie recipe to fit this method. Here’s a simple and classic recipe that you can follow for perfectly fudgy brownies in muffin pans.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Optional mix-ins (chocolate chips, chopped nuts, caramel, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. You can also use a silicone muffin pan for easy removal of the brownies.
2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to denser brownies.
4. Add Mix-ins: If you’re adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or any other mix-ins, fold them into the batter now. This is where you can get creative! Want to try a swirl of peanut butter or caramel? Go for it!
5. Scoop and Bake: Scoop the brownie batter into the muffin tin, filling each muffin cup about 2/3 full. If you want slightly taller brownies, you can fill them a little more, but be mindful that they will puff up during baking.
6. Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The baking time will vary slightly depending on your oven and how full you fill the cups.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the brownies cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes before removing them. After cooling completely, you can serve them as is, or top them with whipped cream, ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special treat.

Variations to Try with Brownies in Muffin Pans

Read more on next page