Ingredients:

  • 115g unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 112g granulated sugar
  • 60ml vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 43g all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • 90g chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Note: Lining with paper makes cleanup way easier
  2. In a mixing bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Note: Sifting removes cocoa clumps that won't dissolve
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk the oil, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth and combined.
  4. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula until just combined. Note: Stop as soon as the flour disappears to avoid toughness
  5. If desired, fold in chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and flavor.
  6. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with some moist crumbs.
  8. Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Note: This lets the structure set so they don't collapse
  9. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into 8 squares.