Decadent Cake-Like Brownies

If you are feeling stressed on this historic Election Day, don’t suffer or take pharmaceuticals to help relieve that tension.  And if you’re going to stress eat, might as well go for things that may actually help.  These decadent cake-like brownies have the dark cocoa powder that studies have shown to raise the serotonin levels in the brain helping to calm the body. Hey, whatever works, right?  Add some walnuts and chocolate syrup for an even bigger mood booster!

Plate of stress-busting dark chocolate brownies, garnished with dark chocolate syrup, walnuts, and a sprig of mint.

There is something very comforting about a warm, gooey, decadent, chocolatey brownie that just improves your mood, relaxes, and soothes you.  These days, especially on this Election Day, a comforting treat that will whisk away some tension is a necessity, not an indulgent treat. 

WHAT DO I NEED FOR DECADENT CAKE-LIKE BROWNIES?

  • Butter
  • Sugar
  • Unsweetened dark cocoa powder
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla
  • Espresso powder
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Milk
  • Chopped nuts, chocolate syrup, and mint sprigs for garnish

VARIATIONS TO THIS RECIPE

  • Add even more chocolatey goodness with the addition of ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips.
  • Give the brownies a caramel flavor by stirring in 1 cup of toffee bits.
  • Chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, chopped chocolate-covered espresso beans all make for delicious add-ins

Plate of stress-busting dark chocolate brownies, garnished with dark chocolate syrup, walnuts, and a sprig of mint.

For more stress relieving desserts, here are a few more suggestions:

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DECADENT CAKE LIKE BROWNIES

If you are feeling stressed on this historic election day, don’t suffer or take pharmaceuticals to help relieve that tension.  These decadent cake-like brownies have the dark cocoa powder that studies have shown to help reduce stress levels.  Hey, whatever works, right?

  • Author: Millie from Eats By The Beach
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Total Time: 33 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 9 - 12 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

¾ cup butter, room temperature

1 ¼ cups granulated sugar

½ cup dark unsweetened cocoa powder

2 large eggs, room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon espresso powder

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon baking soda

1 cup milk

Chopped nuts for garnish

Dark chocolate syrup for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  

Grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cocoa powder and granulated sugar until smooth.

Whisk in the eggs, espresso powder, and vanilla.  Set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda.

Stir the dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture, alternately with the milk just until blended.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan.  Spread evenly into the corners of the pan.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the pan comes out clean.

Cool in the pan for 2 hours.

Cut the brownies into squares.

Serve with a sprinkle of chopped nuts and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Keywords: decadent cake-like brownies, brownie recipes, serotonin boosting foods, chocolate recipes, desserts