Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly golden, irresistibly gooey bar that combines the rich, nutty essence of brown butter with chunks of melted chocolate. These Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Bars are not just another dessert - they're a transformative culinary experience that will elevate your baking game from ordinary to extraordinary. With a crisp exterior, a soft and chewy center, and an explosion of deep, caramelized flavors, these bars are guaranteed to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chunks
Instructions
- Brown the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns a golden amber color and develops a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Transfer browned butter to a large mixing bowl and let it cool for 10-15 minutes until it reaches room temperature but remains liquid.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- Add brown sugar and granulated sugar to the cooled brown butter. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Crack the eggs into the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chunks, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Ensure the batter reaches all corners of the pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
- Cut into 16 even bars using a sharp knife. Serve at room temperature and store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Brown Butter Mastery: The key to these bars is patience when browning butter. Watch it carefully and swirl the pan to ensure even browning without burning.
- Temperature Matters: Let the browned butter cool to room temperature to prevent scrambling the eggs when mixing.
- Don't Overmix: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated to maintain a tender texture.
- Chocolate Chunk Selection: Use high-quality chocolate chunks for the best flavor and melting properties.
- Check for Doneness: The bars are ready when the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for clean, neat cuts and optimal texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 65mg
