What makes Katharine Hepburn's brownies so fudgy?

Her recipe prioritizes a higher ratio of fat (butter) and chocolate to flour, and a careful baking time that keeps the center moist and dense. This ensures a truly gooey, fudgy texture that defines the Katharine Hepburn Brownie Recipe Fudgy Style.

Can I make Katharine Hepburn Brownies ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely! These brownies are excellent for making ahead. Once cooled, cut and store them in an airtight container for easy, delicious treats throughout the week, perfect for your easy meal prep.

What's the best way to get clean cuts for fudgy brownies?

For perfectly clean squares, ensure the brownies are completely cooled, even chilled in the fridge for an hour or two. Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between each cut to prevent sticking and achieve those professional-looking edges.

Can I double this fudgy brownie recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Bake it in a 9x13 inch pan. You'll likely need to extend the baking time slightly, so start checking for doneness around 30-35 minutes to ensure they remain perfectly fudgy.

Why is unsweetened chocolate important for this Katharine Hepburn Brownie Recipe?

Unsweetened chocolate provides a deep, complex chocolate base without added sugars, allowing you to control the sweetness and achieve that characteristic rich, intense chocolate flavor of the original Katharine Hepburn Brownie Recipe.

Are there any substitutions for the butter in this classic recipe?

While butter is key to the original's richness, you can use a high-quality vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free version. The flavor and texture will be very similar, but not identical to the traditional Katharine Hepburn Brownie Recipe Fudgy Style.

Katharine Hepburn Brownie Recipe Fudgy Style

Description

Decadent, intensely fudgy Katharine Hepburn Brownies with a deep chocolate flavor. A timeless classic made easy for a satisfying dessert.

Ingredients

Unsweetened chocolate (4 ounces / 113g)
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup / 113g)
Granulated sugar (1 cup / 200g)
Large eggs (2)
All-purpose flour (1/4 cup / 30g)
Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon / 5ml)

Instructions

Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a medium saucepan over low heat, gently melt the unsweetened chocolate and unsalted butter together. Stir frequently until smooth and glossy. Alternatively, you can use a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring until melted.
Combine with Sugar: Remove from heat and whisk in the granulated sugar until well combined, about 1 minute. The mixture should be warm, but not hot.
Incorporate Eggs: Beat in the large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is thoroughly incorporated before adding the next. The batter will become glossy and thick. This is crucial for the fudgy style!
Fold in Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and pure vanilla extract just until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as I’ve found this can lead to a cakey texture instead of that coveted fudgy brownie.
Prepare for Baking: Pour the luscious batter into a greased 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) or 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) baking pan.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 25-30 minutes. The edges should appear set, but the center should still be slightly gooey when gently jiggled. This is the secret to a truly fudgy Katharine Hepburn Brownie Recipe.
Cool Completely: This is perhaps the most important step for that ultimate fudgy texture. Cool the brownies completely on a wire rack before cutting. Patience is key for these delightful treats!

Notes

Smart Swaps & Add-ins:

Use semi-sweet chocolate: Swap out half of the unsweetened chocolate for semi-sweet for a slightly sweeter profile.
Espresso powder boost: Add a pinch (1/2 teaspoon) of espresso powder to your batter to deepen the chocolate flavor even further.
Nutty crunch: Mix in 1/2 cup (60g) of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.

Premium & Freshness Notes:

Quality chocolate: Opt for good quality unsweetened chocolate for the best flavor.
Room temperature ingredients: Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for a smooth batter.

Quick Variations for Dietary Needs:

Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with a high-quality vegan butter. Ensure unsweetened chocolate is also dairy-free.
Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum.
Less Sweet: Reduce granulated sugar by ¼ cup (50g) for a less intensely sweet brownie.

Troubleshooting Tips:

Brownies too dry? Likely overbaking; reduce baking time by 2-3 minutes.
Brownies too cakey? Could be too much flour or overmixing; fold flour gently.
Uneven baking? Your oven might have hot spots; consider rotating the pan halfway.

*Nutrition facts are estimated as they were not provided in the original article.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 28 minutes
Category: Desserts
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 brownie
Calories: 250 kcal
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Brownie, Fudgy, Chocolate, Katharine Hepburn, Dessert