Baking has always been one of my favorite ways to unwind, and few treats bring as much joy as a perfectly fudgy brownie. Today, I’m excited to share my Chocolate Ganache Brownies recipe, a decadent dessert that combines a rich chocolate base with a silky ganache topping. From the moment the aroma of melting chocolate fills your kitchen, you’ll know that this recipe is something special. Every bite melts in your mouth, balancing deep chocolate flavor with a luxurious texture that feels both indulgent and comforting.

You will love this recipe because it’s not only incredibly rich and satisfying, but it also brings that homemade touch without requiring hours in the kitchen. These brownies are perfect for celebrations, casual gatherings, or simply a quiet afternoon treat with a cup of coffee. The chocolate ganache elevates the traditional brownie, making it elegant enough for a dinner party yet easy enough for a weekday dessert.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can add nuts for a crunchy texture, swirl in caramel or peanut butter for extra indulgence, or even top it with fresh berries for a fruity contrast. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just yourself, these brownies can adapt to any occasion.

This recipe is also affordable. You don’t need any fancy ingredients—just high-quality chocolate, a few basic pantry staples, and simple additions that you likely already have on hand. It’s a dessert that delivers a gourmet feel without a gourmet price.

Ingredients:

200g dark chocolate
150g unsalted butter
200g granulated sugar
3 large eggs
100g all-purpose flour
25g cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
Ganache topping:
- 100g dark chocolate
- 100ml heavy cream

How to Prepare This Recipe

Making these Chocolate Ganache Brownies is a rewarding process that doesn’t take much time or skill. By following each step carefully, you’ll end up with brownies that have the perfect balance of chewy edges, fudgy centers, and a glossy ganache finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

Prepare your baking pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Lightly grease the paper with butter or oil spray to prevent sticking.
Melt the chocolate and butter
Place 200g of chopped dark chocolate and 150g of butter in a heatproof bowl. Set it over a pot of simmering water, making sure the bowl does not touch the water. Stir occasionally until smooth and completely melted. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, heating in 20-second intervals and stirring in between. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before proceeding.
Mix in sugar and eggs
Whisk in the granulated sugar while the chocolate is still warm, ensuring it dissolves into the mixture. Then add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Mix until the batter looks shiny and slightly thick.
Add dry ingredients
Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Stir only until combined—overmixing can make the brownies dense rather than fudgy.
Incorporate vanilla
Stir in the vanilla extract, making sure the flavor is well distributed throughout the batter.
Bake the brownies
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Do not overbake, as the brownies will continue to cook slightly while cooling.
Cool before adding ganache
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial; if you pour the ganache over warm brownies, it will melt and lose its smooth finish.
Make the ganache
Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over 100g of chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for one minute, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
Top the brownies
Spread the ganache evenly over the cooled brownies with a spatula. Allow the ganache to set at room temperature for about 30 minutes or refrigerate for 15 minutes for a quicker finish.
Slice and serve
Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies from the pan. Cut into squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.

Quick and Easy

Despite their elegant look, these brownies come together in under an hour, with minimal effort. The ganache requires no special equipment, and the base can be mixed in just two bowls. This simplicity makes it possible to whip up a batch any time you crave chocolate.

Customizable

These brownies are easy to tailor to your taste. Fold in walnuts, pecans, or almonds for crunch. Add a swirl of peanut butter or caramel before baking for an extra layer of flavor. You could even use white chocolate ganache for a striking visual contrast.

Popular with Many People

Chocolate lovers of all ages adore these brownies. They’re perfect for birthday parties, office treats, or holiday dessert tables. Their rich flavor and fudgy texture never fail to impress, and the ganache topping makes them look bakery-worthy without much extra effort.

🍫 Chocolate Ganache Brownies – Rich, Gooey & Vegan-Friendly

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

These Chocolate Ganache Brownies are rich, fudgy, and topped with a silky layer of chocolate ganache. They are easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to elegant dinners.

Author: Lura Skye
Prep Time: 20
Cook Time: 30
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 16 1x

Instructions

Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Grease lightly.
Melt the dark chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water, or in the microwave in short intervals. Stir until smooth and let cool slightly.
Whisk in the sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition until the mixture is shiny and thick.
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold into the wet ingredients with a spatula, being careful not to overmix.
Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan before adding the ganache.
To make the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Pour it over the chopped dark chocolate and let sit for one minute. Whisk until smooth and glossy.
Spread the ganache evenly over the cooled brownies. Let it set at room temperature for 30 minutes, or refrigerate for 15 minutes.
Lift the brownies out using the parchment overhang. Slice with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for clean edges. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.

For added texture, fold in nuts such as walnuts or pecans before baking.

Top the ganache with a sprinkle of sea salt or coconut for variety.

FAQs

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, these brownies can be baked a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate if you prefer a firmer ganache topping.

How should I store the brownies?
Keep the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If refrigerated, they will last up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
You can substitute milk chocolate, but the brownies will be sweeter and less intense. If you do, consider reducing the sugar slightly to balance the flavor.

Do I need to use a double boiler for melting chocolate?
No, you can melt the chocolate and butter in the microwave instead. Use short bursts of 20 seconds, stirring each time until smooth.

Why is it important to cool the brownies before adding the ganache?
Cooling allows the ganache to set properly. If the brownies are too warm, the ganache will melt, lose its shine, and create a runny topping.

Can I add toppings besides ganache?
Yes, you can sprinkle chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even sea salt flakes on top of the ganache before it sets for added flavor and texture.

Are these brownies fudgy or cakey?
This recipe produces fudgy brownies with a dense texture, but you can bake them a few minutes longer if you prefer a firmer, more cake-like bite.