Chili Chocolate Brownies with Sea Salt

Highlighted under: Sweet Treats & Homemade Desserts

Indulge in these rich and decadent Chili Chocolate Brownies, perfectly balanced with a hint of heat and topped with flaky sea salt.

Lena

Created by

Lena

Last updated on 2025-12-16T23:09:17.639Z

These Chili Chocolate Brownies with Sea Salt are a delightful twist on the classic brownie. The addition of chili powder adds a subtle warmth that complements the rich chocolate flavor, while the sea salt on top enhances the overall taste. Perfect for any occasion, these brownies are sure to impress.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich chocolate flavor paired with a subtle kick of chili
  • Perfectly gooey texture that melts in your mouth
  • Topped with sea salt for the ultimate flavor contrast

The Perfect Balance of Flavor

These Chili Chocolate Brownies are not your ordinary dessert; they bring a unique twist to the classic brownie recipe. The rich chocolate flavor is elevated by the subtle warmth of chili powder, creating a harmonious balance that excites the palate. The chili adds a hint of heat without overpowering the sweetness, making each bite an adventure. This combination is perfect for those who enjoy a little spice in their treats, providing a delightful contrast that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

Moreover, the addition of chocolate chips enhances the brownie’s texture and flavor. As they melt into the batter, they create pockets of gooey chocolate that complement the spiciness of the chili. Whether you are a chocolate lover or simply looking to try something new, these brownies deliver an unforgettable experience that elevates the traditional dessert to new heights.

Texture That Melts in Your Mouth

One of the standout features of these brownies is their perfectly gooey texture. Achieving that melt-in-your-mouth quality requires a careful balance of ingredients and baking time. The combination of melted butter and eggs creates a rich base, while the cocoa powder adds depth and moisture. When baked, the brownies rise slightly but remain fudgy and dense, making them incredibly satisfying with each bite.

The key to achieving this texture is in the baking process. It’s important to avoid overbaking; a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs for that ideal fudgy consistency. Once cooled, the brownies will set up beautifully while still retaining their soft center, ensuring that they are perfect for serving at any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations.

A Touch of Sea Salt for Contrast

Topping these brownies with flaky sea salt not only enhances their visual appeal but also elevates the flavor profile. The salt contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the chocolate, creating a dynamic taste experience. This savory touch brings out the chocolate's richness and balances the heat from the chili, making each bite perfectly harmonious.

Sea salt also provides a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft, fudgy texture of the brownies. This added layer of complexity makes them irresistible, encouraging you to reach for just one more square. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, these brownies are sure to impress.

Ingredients

Brownie Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • Flaky sea salt, for topping

Mix all ingredients thoroughly for a smooth batter.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Whisk until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, chili powder, baking powder, and salt.

Combine and Fold

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Bake

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

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt before cutting into squares and serving.

Enjoy your delicious brownies!

Storage Tips

To keep your Chili Chocolate Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to four days, maintaining their delicious texture and flavor. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider refrigerating them, which can keep them fresh for up to a week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving, as this will enhance their fudgy texture.

For longer storage, you can freeze the brownies. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

Serving Suggestions

These Chili Chocolate Brownies are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They can be enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, or at room temperature. To elevate your dessert experience, pair them with a scoop of vanilla or chili-infused ice cream. The creaminess of the ice cream perfectly balances the brownies’ rich chocolate and spicy flavors, creating a delightful contrast.

You can also serve these brownies with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat. Garnishing with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can add a refreshing touch, making them an impressive dessert for parties or gatherings.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the brownies a day in advance and store them in an airtight container.

→ What can I substitute for the eggs?

You can use flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute for eggs for a vegan version.

→ How do I store leftover brownies?

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the brownies?

Yes, you can freeze the brownies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Chili Chocolate Brownies with Sea Salt

Indulge in these rich and decadent Chili Chocolate Brownies, perfectly balanced with a hint of heat and topped with flaky sea salt.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time40 minutes

Created by: Lena

Recipe Type: Sweet Treats & Homemade Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 16 brownies

What You'll Need

Brownie Ingredients

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  2. 2 cups granulated sugar
  3. 4 large eggs
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  5. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  6. 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  7. 1 teaspoon chili powder
  8. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  9. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  10. 1 cup chocolate chips
  11. Flaky sea salt, for topping

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Whisk until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Step 03

In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, chili powder, baking powder, and salt.

Step 04

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt before cutting into squares and serving.

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