Decadent Chocolate Mascarpone Brownies with Ganache
Indulge in these rich, fudgy brownies that bring together the irresistible flavors of deep, dark chocolate and creamy mascarpone cheese. Each bite is a heavenly experience, enhanced by a luxurious ganache that perfectly complements the moist brownie base. Ideal for special occasions or simply a decadent treat for yourself, these brownies showcase high-quality ingredients to elevate your dessert game. With guidance from the Cookworks Show on Food Network Canada, this recipe promises to take you on a journey to Brownie Heaven. Prepare to impress your family and friends with each sublime bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
1 cup (melted)
best-quality semisweet chocolate
3 ounces (finely chopped)
white sugar
1 cup (sifted)
cocoa powder
1/2 cup (sifted)
mascarpone cheese
1/2 cup (softened)
large eggs
3 (at room temperature)
pure vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (none)
all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
best-quality semisweet chocolate
6 ounces (finely chopped)
whipping cream
6 tablespoons (none)
unsalted butter
3 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and butter an 8-inch square glass cake pan.
2
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the unsalted butter until it reaches just below boiling. Remove from heat.
3
Place the finely chopped semisweet chocolate in a mixing bowl and pour the hot melted butter over it. Let it stand for 30 seconds, then stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
4
Sift in the white sugar and cocoa powder directly into the chocolate mixture for a lump-free batter.
5
Add the softened mascarpone cheese and mix using a wooden spoon until well combined. Incorporate the room temperature eggs one at a time, followed by the pure vanilla extract, and mix until the batter is smooth and glossy.
6
Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and salt using a spatula, being careful not to overmix.
7
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly to ensure even baking.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
9
Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 to 15 minutes.
10
While the brownies cool, prepare the ganache. Place the remaining finely chopped semisweet chocolate in a mixing bowl.
11
In a saucepan, heat the whipping cream and the remaining unsalted butter until just below boiling, then pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for 30 seconds before stirring until it becomes a smooth ganache.
12
Spread the warm ganache over the cooled brownies for a shiny, decadent finish. Allow the ganache to set; for quicker results, place the brownies in the refrigerator until the ganache firms up.
13
Once the ganache is set, slice the brownies for serving. They can be stored at room temperature but will remain delightfully rich and indulgent. Enjoy your decadent treat!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Decadent Chocolate Mascarpone Brownies with Ganache.
What is the main flavor profile of these brownies?
These brownies feature deep, dark chocolate and creamy mascarpone cheese topped with a rich ganache.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (160°C).
What type of baking pan should I use?
An 8-inch square glass cake pan is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prepare the baking pan?
You should butter the 8-inch square glass cake pan before pouring in the batter.
How should the butter be melted for the batter?
Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until it is just below boiling.
How do I melt the chocolate for the brownie base?
Pour hot melted butter over finely chopped semisweet chocolate, let it stand for 30 seconds, then stir until smooth.
Why should I sift the white sugar and cocoa powder?
Sifting these ingredients directly into the chocolate mixture ensures a lump-free batter.
What is the secret ingredient for the creamy texture in these brownies?
Softened mascarpone cheese is added to the batter to provide a rich and creamy texture.
What temperature should the eggs be when adding them to the batter?
The eggs should be at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
How should the eggs be added?
Incorporate the room temperature eggs one at a time, mixing until the batter is smooth and glossy.
What type of vanilla extract is used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract.
How should the flour and salt be added to the mixture?
Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and salt using a spatula, being careful not to overmix.
How long do the brownies need to bake?
Bake the brownies for 45 to 50 minutes in the preheated oven.
How do I test if the brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
How long should the brownies cool before adding the ganache?
Let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 to 15 minutes.
What ingredients are needed for the ganache?
The ganache requires finely chopped semisweet chocolate, whipping cream, and unsalted butter.
How is the ganache prepared?
Heat whipping cream and butter until just below boiling, pour over chopped chocolate, let sit for 30 seconds, and stir until smooth.
When should I apply the ganache to the brownies?
Spread the warm ganache over the brownies once they have cooled slightly (after 10-15 minutes).
How can I make the ganache set faster?
You can place the brownies in the refrigerator until the ganache firms up.
How should these brownies be stored?
They can be stored at room temperature.
What type of chocolate is recommended for the best results?
The recipe suggests using best-quality semisweet chocolate.
What is the role of the Cookworks Show in this recipe?
The recipe is inspired by guidance from the Cookworks Show on Food Network Canada.
How many grams of chocolate are used in total?
The recipe uses 3 ounces for the batter and 6 ounces for the ganache, totaling 9 ounces of chocolate.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is folded into the batter.
What is the texture of the finished brownie?
The brownies are described as rich, fudgy, and moist.
Can I use a wooden spoon for mixing?
Yes, a wooden spoon is recommended for mixing the mascarpone and eggs into the chocolate mixture.
How much cocoa powder is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sifted cocoa powder.
How much mascarpone cheese is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of softened mascarpone cheese.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are a total of 12 ingredients listed for the brownies and the ganache combined.