Smoked brownies are going to be your latest dessert obsession. When you can enjoy rich chocolate paired with a smoky flavor, you'll want to make smoked chocolate brownies time and time again.
Who knew that smoking brownies on the grill would be such a fun and simple task? I grew up eating my brownies out of a brownie pan that took quite a long time to bake in the oven. Now that I know that a grill is a great way to cook desserts, too, it's opened up a whole new realm of sweets and treats to make and explore.
The chocolate flavor in this brownie recipe paired up with a little bit of the smokey taste will have you buying more and more charcoal each time you head to the store.
I think that not using a brownie mix and making the smoked chocolate brownies homemade really does the perfect job of taking the flavor and taste over the top. There's just nothing like that first bite of that smoke flavor.
Ingredients
Cocoa powder - This gives that chocolate flavor without adding sweetness.
Baking soda - Just a pinch gives some fluffiness to the brownies.
Salted butter - Make sure that it's softened before adding. If you use unsalted butter add an extra pinch of salt.
Hot water - This is the moisture that holds everything together.
Sugar - This is where most of the sweetness will come from.
Eggs - Use these eggs as a binding agent.
Flour - I use all-purpose flour when baking.
Vanilla extract - Having a slight hint of vanilla is excellent.
Salt - Salt enhances the chocolate flavor.
Semisweet chocolate chips - You can use dark chocolate or even white chocolate, too.
How To Make Smoked Brownies
To get perfectly smoked fudgy brownies, follow the simple directions below. You're going to love the fudgy texture and bold flavor.
Step One: Preheat the smoker to 325. Grease an 8x8 baking dish.
Step Two: In a medium bowl, stir together the cocoa powder and baking soda. Add half the butter and mix well.
Step Three: Add the hot water. Stir until the mixture thickens.
Step Four: Add the remaining butter and eggs. Mix well.
Step Five: Now, add the dry ingredients and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Add in ¾ of the chocolate chips.
Step Six: Spread in the prepared pan. Top with the remaining chips.
Step Seven: Place on the smoked and close the lid. Smoke for 60 minutes until the center only jiggles slightly. Cool the smoked chocolate brownies and enjoy!
Variations
Mocha - For a bold flavor sub in hot coffee or even espresso for the hot water.
Chocolate Chips - You can sub in butterscotch chips, white chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or extra dark chocolate chips depending on what you prefer.
Dark Chocolate Brownies - Swap in black cocoa powder for an Oreo flavor.
Nuts - Add in a handful of pecans, walnuts, sliced almonds, or macadamia nuts.
Smoked Chocolate - Instead of chips, fold in some homemade smoked chocolate chunks for extra smokey flavor!
Toppings
Ice-cream - Warm brownies topped with any flavor of ice cream is an incredible idea and a must-do. My favorite is a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Caramel - Drizzle a little bit of caramel on top! Or serve with some dulce de leche mousse.
Crumbled bacon - Here me out on this one. The smoke chocolate flavor and the smoked chocolate chips will pair really well with salty bacon.
Common Questions
How do I stop brownies from sticking to the pan?
Having a prepared pan is key. You can line the brownie pan with parchment paper, or you can spray with non stick cooking spray before pouring the brownie batter in.
How do I know when the brownies are done cooking?
Using a toothpick is going to be your best bet. Insert a clean toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out clean, the brownies are done and ready to start cooling down.
Another way to check is to give the pan a slight jiggle. The middle of the brownies should move a little bit, but not a ton. As the brownies cool, the center will firm up so that there won't be a jiggle at all.
How to store leftover brownies
The great part about this recipe is that you just need to store leftovers in an airtight container. That mild smoke flavor will be ready and waiting for you to enjoy it again! You don't have to keep them in the fridge but you can if you want.
Can I use a cast iron skillet for this brownie recipe?
You can, just pay attention to the cook times and temperature. The cast iron will really hold in that heat and your cooking times will more than likely be shorter than what is listed in the instructions below.
Recipe
Smoked Brownies Recipe
Equipment
- Traeger Grill or other smoker
Ingredients
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ⅔ cup salted butter melted
- ½ cup hot water
- 1 ¾ cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 ⅓ cups flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker to 325. Grease an 8x8 baking dish.
- In a medium bowl stir together the cocoa powder and baking soda. Add half the butter and mix well.
- Add the hot water. Stir until the mixture thickens.
- Add the remaining butter and eggs. Mix well.
- Now, add the dry ingredients and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Add in ¾ of the chocolate chips.
- Spread in the prepared pan. Top with the remaining chips.
- Smoke for 60 minutes until the center only jiggles slightly. Cool and enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
Like what you see? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Love this recipe? Leave a comment & a 5-star rating right here! Make sure you don’t miss new recipes by getting email updates!
Originally Published March 30, 2022. Revised and Republished June 19, 2025.
Jean says
I can't wait to make these, but what woodchips do you use and can you use a foil pan?
Taryn says
The milder flavored woods work well for dessert. You could try apple, cherry, or a combination of those. And yes a foil pan is fine.
Chris says
These were so tasty!