Brownie Pizza Recipe

Ever wondered what would happen if a brownie and a pizza had a deliciously sweet love child? Let’s embark on a delightful adventure into the world of brownie pizza—a scrumptious creation that melds rich chocolatey goodness with the perfect touch of creamy delight and fresh toppings! 🍫🍕

My favorites come together in this Brownie Pizza, which combines two of my favorite things. With 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, 1/3 cup of rich cocoa powder, and 1 cup of (crucially) cold, semi-sweet chocolate chips, the pizza base is, as the crew at Just a Taste says, “layered with a level of decadence that rivals any brownie, if not every brownie.” I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Ingredients

• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness, provides energy through carbohydrates.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and moisture, source of fat.
• Cocoa Powder: Provides chocolate flavor, contains antioxidants.
• All-purpose Flour: Source of carbohydrates, provides structure.
• Chocolate Chips: Add bursts of chocolate flavor, contains fats and carbohydrates.
• Cream Cheese: Adds creamy texture and tangy taste, source of fat and protein.
• Fresh Berries: Offer vitamins, antioxidants, and natural sweetness.
• Nuts: Provide crunch, healthy fats, and protein.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh berries (optional for topping)
• 1/4 cup mini marshmallows (optional for topping)

How to Make this

1. Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, or 175 degrees Celsius if you prefer. Prepare a 12-inch pizza pan with a light greasing of some kind, or line it with a piece of parchment paper that’s cut to fit.

2. In a sizable mixing basin, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar, whisking until they are well integrated.

3. Incorporate the vanilla extract and eggs into the mixture, beating well after each addition until the batter is smooth and creamy.

4. Sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, and then stir them into the wet ingredients gradually until fully incorporated.

5. Gently mix the batter until the chocolate chips and chopped nuts are evenly distributed throughout. If using, gently fold in chocolate chips and chopped nuts until all are mixed in relatively evenly.

6. Fill the pizza pan with the brownie batter, using a spatula to evenly distribute the thick liquid across the surface of the pan. Achieving an even thickness of the brownie will help ensure even baking.

7. In the oven that has been preheated, bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick that has been inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.

8. Let the brownie cool in the pan on a wire rack. While it is cooling, blend the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

9. After the brownie has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top. It should be a smooth layer.

10. Adorn your brownie pizza with fresh berries, mini marshmallows, or other toppings of your choice. Cut it into wedges and serve!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 12-inch pizza pan
3. Parchment paper (optional)
4. Mixing bowls (large and small)
5. Whisk
6. Sifter
7. Spatula
8. Measuring cups
9. Measuring spoons
10. Toothpick
11. Wire rack

FAQ

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?Indeed, when using salted butter, one might find it beneficial to lessen the amount of added salt in a recipe. Otherwise, the overall flavor balance can be off, and nobody wants that.
• What can I use as a substitute for cream cheese?Mascarpone cheese is a great alternative, or you can use Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
• Are the nuts necessary in this recipe?No, nuts are not compulsory. You can leave them out or swap them for other toppings, such as extra chocolate chips or dried fruit.
• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?Utilize a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to render the brownie pizza gluten-free.
• Do I have to use both berries and marshmallows as toppings?Toppings are not required and are fully customizable. You can use whatever you like or have around.
• Can I make this ahead of time?The brownie base can indeed be baked a day ahead. It is best to add the topping right before serving to ensure optimal texture.
• How should I store leftovers?Leftover brownie pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, place it in an airtight container.

Brownie Pizza Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted: Substitute with 1/2 cup of coconut oil or 1/2 cup of margarine.
One teaspoon vanilla extract: Substitute with one teaspoon almond extract or one teaspoon maple syrup.
Two large eggs replaced with half a cup of unsweetened applesauce or half a cup of mashed banana.
1/3 cup cocoa powder: Replace with 1/3 cup of carob powder.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Substitute with 1/2 cup of a gluten-free flour blend or 1/2 cup of almond flour.

Pro Tips

1. For an extra rich and fudgy texture, consider reducing the baking time slightly. Check the brownie around the 15-minute mark and remember that it will continue to cook slightly as it cools in the pan.

2. To enhance the chocolate flavor, add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients. This won’t make the dessert taste like coffee, but it will intensify the chocolate.

3. If you’re using nuts, lightly toast them before integrating them into the batter. This will bring out their natural oils and add a deeper, nuttier flavor to the brownies.

4. For smoother cream cheese topping, make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. If needed, you can microwave it for a few seconds to ensure it’s soft and easy to blend.

5. When spreading the cream cheese layer, use an offset spatula for a smoother finish and an even layer, making the brownie pizza more visually appealing and easier to cut into neat wedges.