Triple Chocolate Brownies

These rich, chewy brownies combine dark chocolate in the batter with chunks of milk and white chocolate. They make an easy traybake for sharing, with a crisp top and soft centre.
Ingredients
- 150 gdark chocolate
- 150 gblock margarine or butter
- 3free-range eggs, at room temperature
- 250 gcaster sugar
- 75 gplain flour
- 40 gcocoa powder
- 150 gmilk chocolate
- 75 gwhite chocolate
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the tin
Heat the oven to 200°C, or 180°C for a fan-assisted oven (Gas Mark 6). Grease a 20 cm square tin, if using, and line it with greaseproof paper.
- 2
Melt the chocolate
Melt the dark chocolate with the butter or margarine in a bowl set over a bain-marie, or in short bursts in the microwave. Set aside to cool slightly.
- 3
Whisk eggs and sugar
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and caster sugar at medium speed until thick and creamy.
- 4
Combine the mixtures
Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and fold them together.
- 5
Add the chocolate pieces
Sift in the flour and cocoa powder. Roughly chop the milk and white chocolate, add them to the bowl and gently fold everything together.
- 6
Fill the tin
Pour the mixture into the lined tin and spread it evenly into the corners.
- 7
Bake the brownies
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is crusty.
- 8
Cool and cut
Leave the brownies to cool completely before cutting.
What are triple chocolate brownies?
Brownies are dense chocolate bakes, usually made in a shallow tin and cut into squares. This version gets its chocolate flavour from dark chocolate and cocoa, with milk and white chocolate pieces folded through the mixture.
The contrast between the darker base and sweeter chunks makes each bite varied. Cooling the bake fully before cutting helps the squares hold their shape.
Nutrition and macros by portion
The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 650 calories, 9g protein, 78g carbs, 36g fat.
| Portion | Adjustment | kcal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lighter | Smaller brownie square | 455 kcal | 6g | 55g | 25g |
| This serving | As written | 650 kcal | 9g | 78g | 36g |
| Hungry | Larger brownie square | 975 kcal | 14g | 117g | 54g |
The sugar and flour supply most of the carbohydrates, while the chocolate, butter or margarine and eggs contribute much of the fat and energy. Eggs and chocolate also provide some protein. Serve a brownie with berries or another piece of fruit to add freshness alongside the rich bake.
Why use three chocolates?
Dark chocolate: it melts with the butter or margarine to form the rich base of the batter.
Milk and white chocolate: roughly chopped pieces bring sweeter pockets through the brownies. Keep the pieces fairly chunky so they remain distinct after baking.
Getting the batter right
Eggs and sugar: whisk them until thick and creamy before adding the melted chocolate. This gives the mixture a cohesive, aerated base.
Folding: use a gentle motion when combining the chocolate, flour and cocoa. Stop once no dry streaks remain, so you do not work the flour more than needed.
Watch the bake
The recipe gives a baking window of 25–30 minutes and uses a crusty top as its cue. Check the surface towards the earlier end of that range, as ovens can vary.
The brownies will be soft while hot. Let them cool completely in the tin before cutting, rather than relying on their hot texture to judge the finished centre.
Choose the right tin
A 20 cm square tin is suggested for this mixture. Line it with greaseproof paper so the brownies are easier to lift out once cool.
Spread the batter evenly to the edges before baking. An even layer helps it bake at a more consistent rate from corner to corner.
How to serve them
Cut the cooled slab into eight portions as a simple dessert or afternoon treat. The brownies are rich, so a small serving of fresh berries can add a bright contrast.
For a plated dessert, serve a square with yoghurt or a scoop of ice cream. These are optional accompaniments rather than part of the recipe.
Recipe notes & tips
- Bring the eggs to room temperature before whisking, as specified in the recipe.
- If using a microwave to melt the chocolate and fat, heat in short bursts and stir between them.
- Let the melted chocolate mixture cool slightly before folding it into the eggs.
- Chop the milk and white chocolate roughly so the pieces are distributed through the batter.
- Spread the mixture right to the corners of the lined tin for an even layer.
- Wait until the brownies are completely cool before slicing for neater portions.
Variations
- Choose butter: use butter instead of block margarine for a buttery flavour.
- Change the chunks: use larger or smaller pieces of milk and white chocolate to alter their distribution.
- Add nuts: fold chopped nuts into the batter with the chocolate pieces.
- Serve with berries: add fresh berries on the side for a tart contrast.
- Make smaller squares: cut the cooled slab into more portions for bite-sized servings.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Hot melted chocolate: it can unsettle the egg mixture; let it cool slightly before folding it in.
- Overmixing: excessive stirring after adding flour can make the texture less tender; fold only until combined.
- Uneven spreading: thick and thin areas may bake differently; level the mixture into the corners of the tin.
- Baking by time alone: ovens vary; use the crusty top as the recipe's cue within the 25–30 minute range.
- Cutting while warm: the brownies may crumble or lose their shape; cool them completely first.
How to store
Once completely cool, store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer them warm, reheat an individual portion briefly in the microwave.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes. The recipe allows either 150 g block margarine or butter.
Do the eggs need to be at room temperature?
Yes, the recipe specifies room-temperature eggs. Take them out of the fridge ahead of mixing.
Can I use a different tin?
A 20 cm square tin is suggested. A different-sized tin will change the depth of the mixture and may affect the baking time.
How do I know when the brownies are ready?
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is crusty. The recipe does not give another doneness test.
Why should I wait before cutting them?
Cooling completely gives the brownies time to set, making them easier to cut into neat squares.
Can I freeze the brownies?
Yes. Once cool, wrap portions well and freeze them in a sealed container. Thaw before serving.
Cook it from the original
This recipe comes from bakingwithgranny.co.uk. Their page has the author’s own photos, notes and tips — the best place to cook it from.
Open the recipe on bakingwithgranny.co.uk