8 New Tricks For Baking Next-Level Brownies

Let’s be honest here, people. Brownies don’t need any embellishment. After all, rich, fudgy squares of chocolate are pretty irresistible on their own. But let’s just say, for argument's sake, that you wanted to serve brownies topped with a little something extra, or make a batch that packs some extra nutrition and, dare we say, even more flavour. There are plenty of ways to do all of these things.

Here are eight easy, mouthwatering ideas to try. You know, just in case you feel like making the most mindblowing dessert ever.

Photograph courtesy of Bakerita

Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Like your brownies extra fudgy and dense? Almond flour has a rich, buttery texture that lends extra moisture to your batter, says Rachel of Bakerita. Plus, it has the bonus of making brownies higher in protein and lower in carbs, so they almost count as healthy. Almost. Substitute almond flour for all-purpose white flour in your go-to brownie recipe using a 1:1 ratio, or whip up Rachel's almond flour-based brownie recipe pictured above.

Photograph courtesy of PATRICK SATTLEY

Poke a few holes in your just-baked brownies.

Why? Because that way, you can pour a delicious sauce over the top and it’ll seep all the way through the brownies, making them extra flavourful and moist. Jen of Carlsbad Cravings uses this technique and then adds caramel sauce. But a creamy peanut butter sauce, chocolate drizzle or raspberry jam would be delicious, too.

Photograph courtesy of Texanerin

Fold in some fruit.

Want to make rich, fudgy brownies even more decadent? Add some sweet, juicy fruit to the batter. Jammy fruits like cherries, blackberries, or raspberries complement chocolate particularly well, making the final product taste even better. These whole grain brownies from Erin of the Texanerin use plump, sweet cherries, but you could sub in an equal amount of any fruit you like.

Photograph courtesy of Joyful Healthy Eats

Add some crushed candy.

Here’s a crazy easy way to make your brownies look like they came from a fancy bakery: add some candy. Mini peanut butter cups, crushed M&Ms, or even chopped up candy bars all work. But the minty flavour and pop of colour from crushed peppermint candies, à la Joyful Healthy Eats, might just be the best of all.

Photograph courtesy of Inquiring chef

Make brownie-cookie hybrids.

When you can’t decide between brownies or chocolate chip cookies, make these mouthwatering treats developed by Jess and Frank of the Inquiring Chef. They’ll please just about everyone, and they’re surprisingly easy to make. Just fill the bottom of a cupcake tin with cookie dough, top with brownie batter and bake.

Photograph courtesy of Plated Cravings

Add your leftover coffee.

If you’re a fan of mocha lattes, you’ll go crazy for coffee brownies. For a bold taste, add the leftovers from your morning brew—or even a few spoonfuls of instant espresso powder—to your favourite brownie batter. Looking for a more subtle flavour? Do like Julia of Plated Cravings and use cold brew concentrate instead. Since cold brew is more smooth than bitter, you won’t taste the coffee outright. It’ll just make the chocolate taste even better.

Photograph courtesy of Paleo Running Mama

Sneak in some sweet potato.

Take a look at these mouthwatering brownies from Michele of Paleo Running Momma. Wanna know what makes them so moist and fudgy? Nope, it’s not a kilo of butter. It’s mashed, baked sweet potato. Try it. There’s no way you won’t love it.

Photograph courtesy of Foodie Crush

Finish them with a cheesecake swirl.

For brownies with a slightly tangy flavour, try swirling creamy mascarpone cheese on top of your brownie batter before baking it like Heidi of FoodieCrush. Topped with a generous sprinkle of toasted chopped hazelnuts, these indulgent treats scream Very Special Occasion.