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Easy to Make Zinfandel Brownies Recipe
Published: 05/12/2025
Some desserts are easy crowd-pleasers, and brownies are always near the top of that list. But this version adds a layer of depth that takes them from familiar to something worth talking about. A full-bodied reduction of Murphy-Goode Liar’s Dice Zinfandel is folded right into the batter, bringing hints of dark cherry, spice, and a little wild berry brightness to the rich, bittersweet chocolate. It’s a small adjustment with a big payoff.
The texture lands somewhere between a classic brownie and a flourless chocolate cake—fudgy, dense, and deeply satisfying. And thanks to the wine, there's just enough edge to balance the sweetness. These brownies are equally at home as a casual weeknight treat or the finish to a dinner with friends.
Why Wine and Brownies Work So Well Together
Chocolate and red wine have a lot more in common than most people realize. Both are bold, rich, and layered with flavor—and when paired thoughtfully, they bring out the best in each other. In this case, the Zinfandel’s ripe fruit and touch of spice highlight the depth of the dark chocolate, adding brightness without overpowering it.
Zinfandel, especially one like Murphy-Goode’s Liar’s Dice, has enough body to stand up to the richness of brownies while cutting through their dense texture. The wine’s natural notes—think blackberry, black cherry, and just a hint of pepper—echo the cocoa while adding complexity. It’s not about making the dessert taste like wine, but about letting the wine amplify the chocolate in a way that feels balanced and intentional.
How to Make Zinfandel Brownies (Recipe)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Murphy-Goode Liar's Dice Zinfandel
- 20 ounces melted Ghirardelli 60% cocoa, dark chocolate squares
- 12 ounces melted unsalted butter
- 20 ounces sugar
- 8 eggs
- 4 ounces all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces Ghirardelli milk chocolate, double chocolate filling- chopped
Directions:
- In a saucepan, simmer wine to reduce by half, measuring one cup.
- Mix together butter and chocolate, then in a mixer beat together with sugar.
- With mixer on low, beat in eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to be incorporated.
- Beat on medium high for an additional five minutes, or until mixture has lightened in color.
- Fold in reduced wine and vanilla, then flour and chocolate.
- Mix until fully combined.
- Spread finished mixture in a buttered and papered jelly roll pan.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes, rotating pan halfway through bake time.
- Brownies are done when toothpick inserted in center comes out with a sticky crumb.
A Sweet Finish Worth Savoring
Zinfandel brownies are proof that a little creativity in the kitchen can go a long way. With just one bottle of Liar’s Dice and a few pantry staples, a classic dessert gets a rich, wine-kissed upgrade that feels both comforting and a little unexpected. Whether served at the end of a meal or saved for a quiet moment, they’re a reminder that good wine isn’t just for the glass—it belongs in the recipe too.
