Raspberry Halva Brownies

Alan Gastelum

Raspberry Halva Brownies

I’m not the kind of food person who describes edible things as sexy, that’s not me, but I will admit to feeling things for these brownies. I think you could use them to success­fully woo someone. They’re that good.

Makes 12 brownies

• 2 sticks unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons natural cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 10 ounces “72 percent cacao” chocolate, chopped
• 1 ounce unsweetened baker’s chocolate, chopped
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs
• 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
• 6 ounces vanilla halva candy, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (see Note)

Position a rack in the center of your oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter an 8 x 12 x 2-inch baking pan and line the bottom and long sides with parchment paper, leaving a 1 1/2-inch overhang at the sides.