The Best Fudgy Olive Oil Brownies: Double Chocolate Delight with a Crackly Top

Indulge in these rich and fudgy double chocolate brownies, expertly crafted with extra light olive oil. They boast a wonderfully dense, intensely chocolatey texture and the irresistible crackly top everyone craves!

Prepare to fall in love with these Olive Oil Brownies – a delightful, fudgy twist on a classic dessert that will quickly become a go-to in your baking repertoire. Swapping traditional butter for olive oil not only infuses them with an incredibly moist and tender texture but also introduces a subtle, sophisticated flavor profile that harmonizes perfectly with the deep notes of dark chocolate. Forget everything you thought you knew about brownies; these are a revelation, offering a decadent experience that’s both familiar and uniquely refined.

These olive oil brownies are essentially a fantastic dairy-free adaptation of my cherished, tried-and-true brownie recipe that I’ve been baking for years. If you or your guests have dairy sensitivities or follow a dairy-free diet, this recipe is a perfect solution. Just remember to opt for dairy-free chocolate chips to ensure the entire batch is suitable for everyone to enjoy. The simplicity of this substitution makes these brownies accessible and enjoyable for a wider audience without compromising on flavor or texture.

Why Bake with Olive Oil?

Using olive oil as a substitute for butter in this recipe brings a unique set of advantages beyond just making them dairy-free. Olive oil lends a distinct richness and an unparalleled fudginess that sets these brownies apart from those made with more neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil. The type of olive oil you choose can subtly influence the final flavor. With extra virgin olive oil, you might detect a delicate hint of fruitiness or a nuanced background note that adds complexity. However, if you prefer a more classic chocolate flavor, a light olive oil (often labeled “pure olive oil” or “light tasting”) will provide all the moisture and richness without any discernible olive oil taste, allowing the rich chocolate to truly shine. This versatility makes olive oil a superior choice for achieving that perfect brownie consistency and flavor depth.

Health Benefits of Olive Oil Brownies

Beyond their delicious taste and texture, these olive oil brownies offer a slightly healthier alternative to traditional butter-laden recipes. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are known to be heart-healthy and can help lower bad cholesterol levels. By incorporating olive oil, you’re not only enjoying a delectable dessert but also choosing an ingredient that contributes to a more balanced diet. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy your favorite sweet treat with a little less guilt and a lot more goodness.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Olive Oil Brownies

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking these irresistible fudgy brownies. While the recipe is straightforward, selecting quality components will elevate your results. Make sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card with exact measurements.

Unsweetened Chocolate: This forms the foundational deep chocolate flavor. Opt for a good quality baking bar, as its intensity will define the richness of your brownies. Melting it properly is key to a smooth batter.
Olive Oil: For a more neutral chocolate flavor, a light olive oil is highly recommended. It provides moisture and fudginess without imparting a strong olive flavor. If you’re adventurous and appreciate a subtle fruity note, you can use extra virgin olive oil, but be aware it will definitely contribute to the overall taste.
Granulated Sugar: Essential for sweetness and also plays a role in achieving that coveted shiny, crackly top.
Eggs: Large eggs bind the ingredients together, provide structure, and contribute to the brownies’ rich, dense texture.
Vanilla Extract: A crucial flavor enhancer. Pure vanilla extract will deepen the chocolate notes and add a wonderful aroma. Don’t skip this!
All-Purpose Flour: Just enough to provide structure without making the brownies cakey. Measuring accurately is important – spoon and level the flour.
Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and brings out the chocolate flavor, making it more vibrant.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are a classic choice, offering a balanced sweetness. For an even richer, more intense chocolate experience, consider using dark chocolate chips. If making dairy-free, ensure your chosen brand is certified dairy-free.

How To Make The Best Olive Oil Brownies

This one-bowl brownie recipe is incredibly simple and comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for an impromptu baking session. Follow these steps for perfectly fudgy results every time:

Prepare and Preheat: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to easily lift the brownies out later. Alternatively, generously grease and flour your pan. This crucial step prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
Melt and Mix Chocolate: In a large mixing bowl, combine your melted unsweetened chocolate with the olive oil. Stir them together until the mixture is completely smooth and well blended. Ensure the chocolate is fully melted but not too hot, to avoid scrambling the eggs later.
Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract into the chocolate and olive oil mixture. Beat thoroughly until all ingredients are really well combined and the mixture looks smooth and slightly glossy. This helps dissolve the sugar, contributing to the crackly top.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently mix in the all-purpose flour and salt. Stir just until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated and no white streaks of flour remain. Be very careful not to overmix the batter at this stage, as overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, cakey brownies rather than fudgy ones.
Fold in Chocolate Chips: Finally, fold in the chocolate chips. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter. Pour the rich brownie batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes. The key is to avoid overbaking. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick or a thin knife into the center. You want it to come out with moist crumbs clinging to it, but not raw batter. If it comes out perfectly clean, your brownies are likely overbaked. Remember, they will continue to set as they cool in the pan.
Cool Completely: This step requires patience but is absolutely essential for the best texture. Once removed from the oven, let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to slice them. Cooling allows them to firm up and become perfectly fudgy.

These truly are such an easy, one-bowl brownie recipe that you can whip up for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dessert to a special gathering!

Brownie Baking Tips for Success

Achieving perfectly fudgy, deeply chocolatey brownies with that desirable crackly top is easier than you think. Keep these crucial tips in mind:

Do Not Overbake Your Brownies: This is arguably the most critical rule for truly fudgy and delicious brownies. When you test for doneness with a toothpick, you’re looking for moist crumbs, not a perfectly clean stick. A perfectly clean toothpick indicates they are 100% cooked and will continue to cook as they cool in the hot pan (known as carryover cooking). This leads to dry, cakey brownies. Aim for a slightly underbaked center to ensure maximum fudginess once cooled.
Avoid Overmixing: Once you add the flour, stop mixing as soon as no white streaks of flour are visible. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which leads to a tough, chewy texture – precisely what you don’t want in a rich, fudgy brownie. Gentle folding is key.
Embrace Simplicity – Use a Spatula: Brownies are inherently simple. There’s truly no need to pull out a stand mixer or electric hand mixer for this recipe. A large bowl and a sturdy spatula are all you need to achieve the perfect consistency. This also helps prevent overmixing.
Ensure Dairy-Free if Needed: If you’re aiming for dairy-free brownies, carefully check your ingredients. Unsweetened baking chocolate is often dairy-free, but always double-check the label. More importantly, make sure to use certified dairy-free chocolate chips, as many brands contain milk solids.
Achieving the Perfect Crackly Top: The secret to that iconic shiny, crackly top often lies in dissolving the sugar well and baking at the right temperature. Beating the eggs and sugar together thoroughly until light and fluffy helps create this effect, as does the melted chocolate base. Don’t open the oven door too frequently!
Cool Completely Before Slicing: This is a test of patience but essential for clean, fudgy squares. Warm brownies are delicate and will crumble when cut. Letting them cool completely allows the fats to re-solidify and the structure to set, resulting in perfectly dense, neat slices.
Storage: Store leftover olive oil brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Serving Suggestions: These brownies are fantastic on their own, but they’re also wonderful served warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the chocolate flavor.

More Tasty Brownie Recipes

If you’ve loved these olive oil brownies, you’ll be thrilled to discover more delicious variations. Brownies are incredibly versatile, and there’s a perfect recipe for every craving. Here are some other fantastic brownie recipes to add to your baking list:

Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies: A rich chocolate brownie with a creamy peanut butter filling.
Brownie Pizza: A fun and customizable large-format brownie, perfect for parties.
S’mores Brownies: All the flavors of your favorite campfire treat, baked into a fudgy brownie.
Cosmic Brownies: A nostalgic treat featuring a rich fudge frosting and colorful candy bits.
Mudslide Brownies: Indulgent brownies infused with coffee and Irish cream flavors.
Homemade Brownies: A classic, go-to recipe for simple yet utterly delicious brownies.
M&M Brownies: Chewy brownies studded with colorful M&M candies for extra fun.

5 from 1 vote

Double Chocolate Olive Oil Brownies

By

Erin Sellin

Olive Oil Brownies – Rich and fudgy double chocolate brownies made with extra light olive oil. They are dense, chocolatey and have the perfect crackly top!

Prep:

5 minutes

Cook:

25 minutes

Total:

30 minutes

Servings:
12

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Ingredients

▢

2
oz
unsweetened chocolate,
melted
▢

1/3
cup

Olive Oil
▢

1
cup

granulated sugar
▢

2
whole large eggs
▢

1
teaspoon

vanilla extract
▢

3/4
cup

all-purpose flour
▢

1/2
teaspoon

salt
▢

1
cup

semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Line an 8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, or grease and flour. Set aside.
In a large bowl, mix together melted unsweetened chocolate and olive oil until smooth and well blended. Stir in granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
Gently mix in flour and salt until just incorporated and no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in chocolate chips.
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading evenly with a spatula.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a tester inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs clinging to it (not wet batter, but not perfectly clean). Do not overbake!
Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Notes

To make these Dairy Free, ensure you use dairy-free chocolate chips.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:

Erin Sellin

Prep Time:

5 minutes

Cook Time:

25 minutes

Total Time:

30 minutes

Course:
Dessert Recipes

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
12

Calories:
365

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