Double Boiler Brownies

This post may contain affiliate links which means that if you click them and purchase something, I get a little commission. Thank you for your support.

If you want an easy, quick dessert, look no further than for this recipe for Double-Boiler Brownies. Seven ingredients and a few minutes later, you'll be indulging in a delicious treat.

Double Boiler? Really?

Do you really have to have a double-boiler to make these brownies?! Nope, of course not, but it just makes it easier. When you can melt the chocolate, then mix in the dry ingredients and eggs into the same pot, it just makes it easier. And if you're as fortunate as I am to have a vintage French copper one with a porcelain insert (called a bain-marie in French), you look for every opportunity to use it!

What IS a double boiler anyway?

A double boiler is a pan that consists of two parts: the bottom part holds water that is brought to a simmer and the top part holds the food that you are cooking. It's perfect for melting chocolate, making Hollandaise sauce, or sabayon because it keeps the delicate ingredients from direct heat and helps ensure a gentle cooking.

What do I do if I don't have a double boiler?

If you don't have a dedicated double boiler, you can use a glass or steel bowl over a small pot of simmering water and replicate the same technique. Just be sure the boiling water doesn't touch the bottom of the bowl.

Mix the chocolate, butter, and brown sugar in the double boiler or bowl over simmering water.

Stir it occasionally and make sure the chocolate and butter are both melted and the sugar is completely dissolved.

When the chocolate mixture is fully mixed, add in the flour ( gluten-free flour mix works just fine!), eggs, a bit of salt, and some vanilla. The salt and vanilla both serve to accentuate the chocolate flavor. Totally necessary!

What to bake the Double Boiler Brownies in

I often make these brownies in mini cupcake tins. They become Brownie Bites with that option and they work so well like that for parties. But I also like to make them in cardboard baking cups. Those usually take more batter and a little longer to bake. I make them with less batter in them if I want to add a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream and berries on top. The cardboard baking cups become the serving dish!

This recipe will make 24 Brownie Bites or 9 single-serving brownies.

How to serve Double Boiler Brownies

You can scoop ice cream right into the top of these baking cups. Or you can serve them with whipped cream. Berries are always a good idea! Strawberries are shown, but raspberries are wonderful and honestly, any berry is delicious!