There is something mighty comforting about a dessert that asks so little and gives back so much. This 5-ingredient oven baked brownie dessert is the sort of pantry supper-table sweet many of us Midwestern cooks learned to appreciate: simple, thrifty, and dependable. By starting with dry, unmixed chocolate brownie powder right in the roasting pan, you get a warm, fudgy dessert with very little fuss, the kind of thing that feels right at home after Sunday dinner or on a chilly evening when folks want just a spoonful of something chocolatey.
Serve this warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a splash of cold milk on the side. If you are setting it out for company, fresh strawberries or sliced bananas make a fine contrast to the rich chocolate, and a cup of hot coffee balances the sweetness beautifully.
5-Ingredient Oven Baked Brownie Dessert
Servings: 8
Ingredients
1 box dry chocolate brownie mix, unmixed
1 can sweetened condensed milk, 14 ounces
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a metal roasting pan or 9x13-inch baking pan.
2. Pour the dry brownie mix straight into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
3. Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, and milk all over the brownie powder. Do not stir too much; just gently nudge the liquids so most of the dry mix is moistened.
4. Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly across the top.
5. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top looks set and slightly glossy and the center is still soft and warm.
6. Let the dessert rest for 10 minutes before spooning into bowls or cutting into squares. Serve warm.
Variations & Tips
Add nuts: If your family likes a little crunch, stir or sprinkle in 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans before baking. That old-fashioned chocolate-and-nut combination gives the dessert a bake-sale flavor folks remember fondly.
Make it extra gooey: For a softer, pudding-like center, reduce the baking time by about 5 minutes and serve it warm with a big spoon rather than cutting it into neat squares.
Use a glass baking dish: A glass 9x13-inch dish works fine if that is what you have on hand, though you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Just keep an eye on the center so it stays tender and does not overbake.
Dress it up: A light dusting of powdered sugar, a spoonful of whipped cream, or a few sliced berries on top can make this humble dessert feel company-ready without adding much work at all.