Chocolate Brownie Cake

Instructions

1. Prepare the baking pan
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) square baking pan and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal later.
2. Melt the chocolate and butter
   In a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water (don't let the bowl touch the water), melt the dark chocolate and butter together, stirring occasionally until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Mix the wet ingredients
   In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually whisk in the melted chocolate mixture until smooth and glossy.
4. Add the dry ingredients
   Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and salt into the wet mixture. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined - do not overmix. Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts if using.
5. Bake the cake
   Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is set and crackly, but the center is still slightly fudgy when tested with a toothpick.
6. Cool and serve
   Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cake out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.