Chili Chocolate Brownies with Sea Salt

Highlighted under: Easy Baking Recipes

Indulge in the rich and spicy delight of Chili Chocolate Brownies topped with a sprinkle of sea salt. These brownies are a perfect blend of sweet and heat, making them an irresistible treat.

Anna

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2025-12-16T22:14:18.796Z

These Chili Chocolate Brownies with Sea Salt are more than just a dessert; they are a culinary experience. The combination of rich chocolate and a hint of chili creates a unique flavor profile that will surprise and delight your taste buds. Perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends!

Why You'll Love These Brownies

  • The unexpected kick of chili adds a thrilling twist to classic brownies.
  • Perfectly balanced sweetness with a touch of sea salt enhances the chocolate flavor.
  • Easy to make and perfect for sharing at gatherings or parties.

A Unique Flavor Experience

Chili Chocolate Brownies are not your average dessert. The combination of rich chocolate and the surprising heat from chili creates a complex flavor profile that will excite your taste buds. This delightful contrast between sweet and spicy elevates these brownies from a simple treat to a gourmet experience. Whether you're a fan of traditional brownies or looking to spice things up, these brownies will surely impress.

The addition of cayenne pepper might seem unconventional, but it perfectly complements the chocolate, enhancing its depth and richness. Each bite offers a burst of flavor that is both comforting and thrilling. With just the right amount of heat, these brownies can satisfy those who crave something a little different. So, if you're ready to step outside the box, this recipe is your ticket to a tantalizing adventure.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're hosting a casual get-together, celebrating a special occasion, or just treating yourself, these Chili Chocolate Brownies are an excellent choice. Their unique flavor makes them a conversation starter, and their rich, fudgy texture is sure to satisfy any chocolate lover. Plus, they're incredibly easy to make, which means you can whip up a batch in no time and impress your guests without breaking a sweat.

These brownies are also easily customizable. You can adjust the level of heat by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper or even experimenting with other spices like cinnamon or smoked paprika. This versatility allows you to tailor the recipe to suit your taste preferences or those of your friends and family. No matter how you make them, these brownies are bound to become a favorite.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Storing Chili Chocolate Brownies is simple. Once cooled, cut them into squares and place them in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the brownies for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.

When serving, consider pairing these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the heat with creaminess. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel can also enhance their flavor. Whether enjoyed on their own or as part of a dessert platter, these brownies are sure to delight.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
  • Sea salt for topping

Mix all ingredients thoroughly for a perfect brownie batter!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Add Dry Ingredients

Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, baking powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips if using.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Add Sea Salt

Once out of the oven, sprinkle sea salt on top while the brownies are still warm. Let them cool before cutting into squares.

Enjoy your spicy brownies with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Tips for Perfect Brownies

To achieve the perfect fudgy texture, avoid overmixing the batter after adding the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to maintain that dense, moist consistency that brownies are known for. Additionally, using high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate will significantly enhance the overall flavor of the brownies.

Make sure to check the brownies a couple of minutes before the recommended baking time. Ovens can vary, and you want to avoid overbaking. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs for the ideal fudgy brownie.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark, milk, or even white chocolate, to create your own twist on this classic recipe. For an added crunch, consider folding in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts. This will not only add texture but also deepen the flavor profile of your brownies.

If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a swirl of spicy caramel or peanut butter into the batter before baking. This can create delightful pockets of flavor that enhance the overall experience of eating these brownies.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder?

Yes, you can melt dark chocolate and substitute it for cocoa powder, but adjust the sugar accordingly.

→ How do I store leftover brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ What can I use instead of eggs?

You can use flax eggs or applesauce as an egg substitute in this recipe.

Chili Chocolate Brownies with Sea Salt

Indulge in the rich and spicy delight of Chili Chocolate Brownies topped with a sprinkle of sea salt. These brownies are a perfect blend of sweet and heat, making them an irresistible treat.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time40 minutes

Created by: Anna

Recipe Type: Easy Baking Recipes

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 12 brownies

What You'll Need

For the Brownies

  1. 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  2. 1 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1 cup brown sugar
  4. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  5. 4 large eggs
  6. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  7. 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  8. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  9. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  10. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  11. 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
  12. Sea salt for topping

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Step 03

Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, baking powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips if using.

Step 04

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 05

Once out of the oven, sprinkle sea salt on top while the brownies are still warm. Let them cool before cutting into squares.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g