Half-Baked Chocolate Brownie with Sea Salt
A decadent half-size chocolate brownie with a fudgy center and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the rich cocoa flavor. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 30 minutes layers unsalted butter, semi-sweet chocolate chips, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a small 6x6 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter and 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips together in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 2 tbsp brown sugar until combined. Add 1 large egg and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Step 4: Sift together 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
- Step 5: Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top. Sprinkle 1/4 tsp flaky sea salt evenly over surface.
- Step 6: Bake for 18-20 minutes until edges are set but center is still slightly soft. Cool in pan for 15 minutes before cutting into 4 pieces. Serve warm for fudgy texture.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Baked Chocolate Brownie with Sea Salt take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Half-Baked Chocolate Brownie with Sea Salt?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Baked Chocolate Brownie with Sea Salt?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Half-Baked Chocolate Brownie with Sea Salt for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Half-Baked Chocolate Brownie with Sea Salt?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
