Fat and chocolate create richness
More butter and melted chocolate produce a dense, rich brownie. Extra flour and aerated eggs move the texture towards cake.
Mix with intention
For a glossy top, briefly whisk sugar and eggs well, but fold in the flour only until it disappears.
- Fudgy: less flour and a shorter bake.
- Cakey: a little more flour and often a raising agent.
- Chewy: brown sugar and enough egg help.
Cut only after cooling
The centre continues to set as it cools. For neat squares, use a cool knife and wipe it between cuts.