Decadent Deep Dish Brownies for Two: The Ultimate Fudgy Ramekin Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate chocolate fantasy with these ooey gooey Deep Dish Brownies For Two. Crafted perfectly for two, these homemade fudgy brownies are baked in individual ramekins, ensuring a personal, decadent treat every time. Imagine a rich, chocolatey center, almost like an underbaked brownie, with a slightly crisp top – the dream of every chocoholic. Crown them with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, and you have a dessert experience that’s truly unforgettable, whether it’s for a romantic evening or a cozy night in.

The Irresistible Allure of Brownies For Two

There’s something uniquely special about a dessert made just for two. It eliminates the temptation of leftovers, ensures perfect portion control, and feels incredibly intimate. These romantic brownies for two are designed to be that exquisite ending to your dinner, or a delightful treat for a quiet evening. Unlike larger batches that might lead to overindulgence, these individual ramekin brownies are deeply satisfying without being overwhelming.

What sets these Deep Dish Brownies apart is their signature “underbaked” texture. We’re talking about a rich, fudgy interior that’s intensely chocolatey and incredibly gooey. It’s not truly underbaked in a raw sense, but rather perfected to achieve that desired melt-in-your-mouth consistency that brownie connoisseurs crave. Each spoonful is a journey into pure chocolate bliss, making it truly every chocoholic’s dream.

While many brownie recipes involve baking in a traditional pan, these individual brownies are baked in charming ceramic ramekins. This method ensures each person gets their own warm, personalized dessert. It’s a delightful change from my Small Batch Brownies baked in a loaf pan, where you might still have a few extra squares tempting you later. With these, there are no leftovers, just two perfectly portioned deep dish delights, ideal for capping off a Romantic Dinner For Two At Home.

What Are Ramekins and Why Are They Perfect for Deep Dish Brownies?

Ramekins are small, round ceramic baking dishes, often featuring a fluted exterior. They are incredibly versatile in the kitchen, serving as perfect vessels for creating individual portions of a wide array of dishes, from savory gratins to sweet soufflés and, of course, desserts like our single serve brownie or a quick microwave brownie. For these deep dish brownies, ramekins are truly the star, giving each brownie its impressive thickness and height.

The term “deep dish” isn’t just a catchy name; it accurately describes the generous, thick profile these brownies achieve when baked in ramekins, making them much more substantial and indulgent than average brownies. For this recipe, I specifically recommend using two 6-ounce ramekins. This size is crucial because the brownie batter is intentionally filled almost to the very top. You can easily find suitable ramekins online at Amazon (affiliate link), or perhaps even discover unique ones at a local thrift store.

When you fill the ramekins so completely, the batter will rise significantly during baking, creating that beautiful domed top. As it cools, it will naturally sink slightly in the middle. While this might typically be seen as an imperfection in other baked goods, for these brownies, it’s a desired characteristic! After extensive testing, I discovered that this generous filling is precisely what contributes to that coveted ooey-gooey, almost “underbaked” chocolatey goodness. Reducing the batter amount, I found, resulted in a less decadent, less fudgy brownie. So, lean into the fullness and embrace the delightful texture it creates.

Once you acquire your ramekins, you’ll unlock a world of possibilities beyond brownies. Be sure to explore my full collection of Ramekin Dessert Recipes for more individual culinary adventures!

Don’t have ramekins on hand or prefer a different form? No problem! You can still enjoy a fantastic brownie experience. Check out my recipe for Peanut Butter Brownies, which are baked conveniently in a loaf pan.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Brownies For Two

Creating these deep dish brownies requires a few simple, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that rich, fudgy, and utterly decadent result:

• Butter: Always opt for unsalted butter, not margarine or other substitutes. Butter provides unparalleled richness and helps achieve the desirable texture. Using unsalted allows you to control the salt content precisely.
• Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chocolate chips are ideal for this recipe. They strike the perfect balance between sweetness and deep cocoa flavor without being overly bitter or too sweet. High-quality chips will melt smoothly and integrate beautifully into the batter, enhancing the overall chocolate experience.
• Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened natural cocoa powder is key for intensifying the chocolate flavor. It adds depth and a robust cocoa note that complements the chocolate chips. Avoid Dutch-processed cocoa unless specified, as it reacts differently with leavening agents.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar isn’t just for sweetness; it’s crucial for the texture. As tempting as it may be to reduce the amount, don’t! The sugar contributes significantly to the shiny, cracked crust on top of your brownies, a hallmark of a perfectly baked fudgy brownie.
• Salt: A small amount of salt, preferably kosher salt, is essential. It balances the sweetness and remarkably enhances the chocolate flavor, preventing your ramekin brownies from tasting bland or one-dimensional.
• Egg: A single large egg acts as a binding agent, adds moisture, and contributes to the fudgy texture and richness. Ensure your egg is at room temperature before mixing; this helps it emulsify more smoothly with the other ingredients, leading to a more uniform batter.
• Vanilla Extract: This might seem counterintuitive in a chocolate dessert, but vanilla extract is a magical flavor enhancer. It doesn’t just add its own notes; it actually makes the chocolate taste even more vibrant and pronounced, providing a wonderful aromatic depth.
• All-Purpose Flour: Just enough all-purpose flour is used to provide structure and thicken the batter without making the brownies cakey. It’s important not to overmix the flour, as this can develop the gluten too much, leading to a tougher brownie.

How To Make These Irresistible Brownies For Two: Step-by-Step Guide

Making these deep dish brownies is surprisingly straightforward, yielding impressive results with minimal effort. Here’s how to achieve that perfect fudgy consistency:

1. Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Have your two 6-ounce ramekins ready. While not strictly necessary due to the gooey nature making them less prone to sticking, a light greasing can aid in cleanup later.
2. Melt Chocolate & Butter: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, gently melt the unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of your semisweet chocolate chips over low heat. Stir continuously to prevent the chocolate from scorching. Once smooth and fully melted, remove the saucepan from the heat.
3. Combine Wet & Dry: Immediately whisk in the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt into the melted chocolate mixture. At this stage, the mixture might appear slightly grainy and thick. Don’t worry, this is normal!
4. Emulsify: Next, whisk in the room temperature large egg and the vanilla extract. Continue whisking until the batter transforms from grainy to wonderfully smooth and glossy. This step is crucial for achieving the desired fudgy texture.
5. Fold in Flour: Switch to a rubber spatula. Gently fold in the all-purpose flour until just moistened and no streaks of dry flour remain. Be very careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to a tougher, more cake-like brownie.
6. Divide and Enhance: Divide the rich brownie batter evenly between your two prepared ramekins. For an extra boost of gooeyness and pools of melted chocolate, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the remaining chocolate chips into the center of each brownie, pressing them lightly into the batter.
7. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes. The brownies are ready when the tops appear set, dry, and slightly crisp, but the centers will still be wonderfully soft and fudgy (they might even be slightly bubbly). Remember, we’re aiming for that “underbaked” texture, so don’t overbake!
8. Cool & Serve: Allow the ramekin brownies to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This cooling time allows them to set slightly and become easier to handle, though they will remain delightfully warm and gooey.

Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Brownie Experience

A warm, gooey deep dish brownie is a magnificent dessert on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniment can elevate it to an art form. The classic combination of chocolate and vanilla is a testament to culinary harmony, often referred to as a “yin and yang” of flavors.

You might be primarily a chocolate lover or a vanilla enthusiast, but when these two come together, they create a magical synergy. This is why vanilla is so frequently used in chocolate desserts – it doesn’t just add flavor; it amplifies the chocolate. Have you ever made a deeply chocolatey dessert that felt like it was missing something? A splash of vanilla extract can often be the answer, making the chocolate flavors “pop” more vibrantly while the vanilla subtly balances the richness.

This same principle applies to serving: a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream is the quintessential partner for a warm brownie. The contrast in temperature – hot brownie, cold ice cream – is incredibly satisfying. More importantly, the creamy, mild vanilla provides a perfect counterpoint to the intense, rich chocolate. Imagine a warm, fudgy brownie served with chocolate ice cream; while delicious initially, it can quickly become overwhelmingly rich. With vanilla ice cream, the balance is restored, ensuring every bite is as enjoyable as the first, and the dessert disappears in no time!

For the ultimate experience, try your hand at making a pint of homemade vanilla bean ice cream to serve alongside. However, there’s absolutely no shame in reaching for a quality carton from the grocery store – convenience sometimes tastes just as sweet!

Beyond vanilla ice cream, there are many other delightful toppings that can complement these deep dish brownies:

• Whipped Creams: A dollop of light and airy homemade whipped cream is always a winner. You can also get creative with flavored varieties like cream cheese whipped cream, peanut butter whipped cream, chocolate whipped cream, strawberry whipped cream, or even maple whipped cream.
• Sauces: Drizzle with warm caramel sauce, classic hot fudge, or a vibrant raspberry coulis.
• Fresh Fruits: A scattering of fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries adds a bright, tart contrast.
• Nuts: Toasted chopped pecans or walnuts provide a delightful crunch.

How To Freeze and Store Your Individual Ramekin Brownies

Sometimes you need to prepare your brownies for two ahead of time, or perhaps you’re enjoying a solo treat and want to save the second brownie for a future indulgence. Freezing these deep dish brownies is a fantastic way to ensure you always have a decadent dessert on hand. Here’s how to do it properly to maintain their gooey texture:

1. Initial Freeze (in ramekins): Once your brownies have cooled completely to room temperature, place the entire ramekins with the brownies into the freezer for at least an hour. This initial freeze is crucial as it helps the gooey brownies firm up, preventing them from falling apart when you attempt to remove them.
2. Remove from Ramekins: After they’ve firmed up, carefully remove the brownies from their ramekins. Run a thin knife around the edge of each brownie to loosen it. If they still won’t budge easily, you can briefly run the bottom of the ramekin under warm water for a few seconds – similar to how you’d unmold popsicles. This gentle warmth will help release the brownie. If stubborn, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes and try again.
3. Individual Wrapping: Once removed, wrap each individual brownie tightly in plastic wrap. Double-wrapping is even better to prevent freezer burn.
4. Freezer Bag Storage: Place the wrapped brownies into a freezer-safe plastic bag or an airtight container. Label the bag with the date. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
5. Thawing and Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen brownie, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes. For that warm, fresh-baked experience, you can then microwave it for 10-15 seconds, or warm it in a preheated oven (around 300°F/150°C) for a few minutes until heated through.

With these freezing instructions, you can always be prepared for a spontaneous craving or a last-minute romantic dessert!

More Decadent Desserts For Two

If you loved the convenience and indulgence of these individual brownies, you’ll surely enjoy exploring these other delightful ramekin dessert recipes, perfect for sharing (or not!):

• Mini Lava Cakes
• Single Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie (serve as is or double for two)
• Cheesecake For Two
• Raspberry Crisp For Two
• Peach Cobbler For Two
• Mini Cherry Pie
• Ramekin Apple Pie
• Eggless Pumpkin Pie
• Peppermint Brownie Skillets For Two by Foxes Love Lemons

Brownies For Two

Yield:
2 servings

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Cool Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
50 minutes

Ooey gooey Brownies For Two are homemade deep dish brownies baked in ramekins. Top with vanilla ice cream for the perfect dessert for two.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup (2 ounces or 4 tablespoons) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup + 2 teaspoons semisweet chocolate chips*
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (preferably kosher)
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Vanilla ice cream or Homemade Whipped Cream, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Have two 6-ounce** ramekins ready.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter and 1/2 cup chocolate chips, stirring often so it doesn’t burn.
3. Remove from the heat and whisk in cocoa powder, sugar, and salt (batter will be a little grainy).
4. Whisk in the egg and vanilla. Batter should smooth out.
5. Switch to a rubber spatula and stir in the flour until moistened (do not overmix).
6. Divide the batter evenly between the two ramekins. Place 1 teaspoon chocolate chips into the middle of each brownie; press the chips lightly into the batter.
7. Bake 20-25 minutes or until the tops look dry and crisp (they will still be bubbly but the tops should be firm). Let cool for 15 minutes then serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

• *Love peanut butter? Use chopped up peanut butter cups instead of 2 teaspoons chocolate chips.
• **The 6 ounce ramekins will be filled almost completely to the top. If you are using smaller ramekins, you may need to use 3 ramekins instead.
• Looking for more small brownies? Check out my Single Serve Brownie (Microwaveable) and Small Batch Brownies in a loaf pan.

Recommended Products

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• 6 ounce Ramekins

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First published February 12, 2013