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Black Sesame Charcoal Brownies

These brownies feature a dark, smoky appearance thanks to activated charcoal, with a rich chocolate base complemented by crunchy black sesame seeds. The baking process creates a fudgy, slightly cracked top that reveals a moist, dense interior. A touch of sesame adds nuttiness and texture, making them both visually striking and indulgent.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 9
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Halloween
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g dark chocolate bittersweet, high quality
  • 100 g butter unsalted
  • 3 eggs fresh
  • 150 g sugar caster or superfine
  • 100 g black sesame seeds lightly toasted for flavor
  • 1 tsp activated charcoal powder food grade, for color and smoky undertone
  • a pinch salt to balance flavors

Equipment

  • Oven
  • 20cm (8-inch) square pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Spatula
  • Whisk
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line your square pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. Chop the dark chocolate and melt it together with the butter in a heatproof bowl over gentle simmering water, stirring until smooth and glossy, filling your kitchen with a rich chocolate aroma.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with sugar and a pinch of salt until the mixture turns pale, slightly fluffy, and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, combining until smooth and uniform.
  5. Stir in the toasted black sesame seeds, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  6. Mix the activated charcoal powder into the batter, creating an eerie black color and smoky undertone, until fully incorporated.
  7. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to fill all corners.
  8. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, until the edges are set and slightly cracked on top, while the center remains moist and gooey.
  9. Remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps develop their fudgy texture.
  10. Once cooled, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into neat squares.
  11. For an extra spooky effect, dust the top lightly with additional activated charcoal powder or serve with dark caramel or black berry jam to enhance the haunting look and flavor.

Notes

Ensure to use food-grade activated charcoal to avoid any health risks. Toast the sesame seeds beforehand for a deeper flavor. Keep an eye on baking time to prevent over-drying the brownies.