What’s better than enjoying your favorite strain? How about mixing it with chocolate and turning it into a delicious, mind-blowing treat! Cannabis brownies are the ultimate go-to for anyone looking to enjoy the effects of cannabis in a fun and flavorful way. Who can resist the rich, chocolatey goodness paired with that signature chill? As more people dive into edibles instead of lighting up, brownies are topping the charts as a tasty, easy-to-make option that hits the spot every time. Whether you’re new to edibles or a seasoned snack connoisseur, cannabis brownies are a classic for a reason!
Gathering Your Ingredients and Equipment
Before beginning making cannabis brownies, you have to gather all the necessary ingredients and tools at hand.
Essential Ingredients
The key ingredients include:
All-purpose flour – every good brownie starts with a good foundation.
Unsweetened cocoa powder – For the rich, chocolatey goodness.
Salt – just a pinch to bring balance on the sweetness.
Baking powder – for that perfect rise (because flat brownies are just sad).
Sugar – to make things sweet.
Eggs – gotta hold all that deliciousness together.
Vanilla extract – adds that extra oomph of flavor.
And the star of the show: Cannabutter – the magic that makes these brownies more than just a dessert.
For a dairy-free twist, swap in cannabis-infused oil—just as potent, just as delicious!
Required Kitchen Tools
Having the right equipment is just as important as having the correct ingredients. Essential tools include an 8×8 inch baking pan (glass or metal), a mixing bowl, a whisk or electric mixer, measuring cups and spoons, and a spatula. For exact dosing, a digital kitchen scale is highly recommended. This will allow you to accurately measure cannabis, ensuring consistent potency in each batch. In addition, a thermometer will come in handy to maintain the correct baking temperature, which is important to preserve the potency of the cannabis.
Choosing the Right Cannabis Strain
The choice of cannabis strain has a significant impact on the final product. Different strains offer varying effects and flavors. For a more energizing experience, sativa strains like Strawberry Cough or Pineapple Express might be preferred. For a relaxing effect, indica strains such as Zkittlez could be more suitable. Hybrid strains offer a balance of effects. It’s a good idea to ask your cannabis dispensary budtender for suggestions on selecting the most appropriate strain for your desired outcome.
Preparing the Cannabis-Infused Butter
Decarboxylation Process
The first step to making those delicious cannabis brownies is decarboxylation, the process of heating cannabis to activate the cannabinoids like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) so that they can produce their psychoactive effects.
Here’s how to do it:
Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
Spread your ground cannabis evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Put it in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring it up occasionally to make sure it heats evenly.
You’ll know it’s ready when your cannabis turns a nice medium brown color and the smell starts to fill the room—yep, that’s the magic happening!
Take it out, let it cool, and walla—you’ve got decarbed cannabis, ready to turn your brownies into the ultimate treat!
Infusing the Butter
After decarboxylation, it’s time to infuse the butter. In a medium saucepan, melt unsalted butter on low heat. Use a 1:1 ratio of butter to water (e.g., 1 cup of butter and 1 cup of water). The water helps regulate the temperature and prevents the butter from scorching. Add the decarboxylated cannabis to the melted butter and stir well. Simmer the mixture on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. It’s crucial to maintain a low temperature to prevent scorching, which could degrade the cannabinoids. Some people prefer using a slow cooker or double boiler for more precise temperature control.
Infusing Oil
To infuse oil, once cannabis is decarboxylated mix the cannabis with a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil. Simmer the mixture over low heat for 2-3 hours, ensuring the temperature stays between 160-200°F (70-93°C) to avoid burning off the cannabinoids. After cooking, strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine strainer to remove plant material, and store the oil in a cool, dark place. Your homemade canna-oil can now be used in various recipes or topicals, giving you control over dosage and usage.
Straining and Storing
Once the infusion process is complete, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer to remove any plant material. Press the mixture with a spoon to extract all the cannabutter. Allow the strained butter to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate until it solidifies. Store the finished cannabutter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to six months. Remember to label it clearly to avoid confusion with regular butter. When using cannabutter in recipes, start with small amounts and wait at least one to two hours to gauge its effects before consuming more.
Mixing and Baking Your Cannabis Brownies
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Time to whip up some delicious cannabis brownies! Here’s how to get that perfect balance of gooey goodness and a crackly top:
Grab a large bowl and mix together the sugar and eggs on low speed for about 10 minutes. That’s right; it’s a bit of a workout (or just let your electric mixer do the heavy lifting). This is the secret to getting that appealing, crinkled brownie top that everyone loves.
Now, it’s time to add the cannabutter: alternatively, cannabis-infused oil. It is important to check that it’s cooled down, so you don’t accidentally overheat the THC— important for the brownies to work their effects.
In a separate bowl, sift together your dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
Slowly start mixing the dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Stir it all together just until it’s combined—no need to overmix! You want those brownies fudgy, not tough.
And just like that, you’re on your way to some top-tier, cannabis-infused brownies that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Adding the Cannabis-Infused Butter
One of the most important steps here is to make sure the cannabis-infused butter is distributed evenly throughout the batter. This step has a significant impact on the potency and consistency of the final treat. If using cannabutter, make sure it’s at room temperature so it is easy to add. Alternatively, if using cannabis-infused oil, such as coconut oil, it can be substituted in equal parts for butter in most recipes. Whisk the infused fat thoroughly into the batter to guarantee uniform distribution of THC.
Baking Tips for Perfect Texture
For the best texture, bake cannabis brownies in a metal pan at 340-350 degrees Fahrenheit. If using a glass pan, reduce the temperature by 25 degrees. Pour the batter into a greased 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking with a toothpick inserted in the center. Keep in mind that the center of the brownie might seem a bit moist, but this is normal – the important thing is that the toothpick doesn’t hold any batter. For a fudgier texture, slightly under-bake the brownies. Once done, allow them to cool completely before cutting to ensure even dosing.
Dosing, Storing, and Enjoying Responsibly
Calculating THC Content
Figuring out the THC content in your homemade cannabis brownies is key if you want to enjoy them responsibly (and avoid getting too baked). Here’s an easy way to estimate the potency:
Start by converting the THC percentage of your flower into milligrams. For example, if your cannabis is 25% THC, that means 250mg of THC per gram of bud.
Keep in mind, you’ll lose about 20% of that THC during the decarboxylation process, leaving you with around 80% of the original content. So, from your 250mg, you’ll actually end up with about 200mg of usable THC per gram.
After you infuse your oil or butter with the cannabis, figure out the THC per teaspoon based on how much oil or butter you used in the recipe. This will help you get consistent dosing for each brownie (so no surprises!).
With this method, you’ll have a good handle on the potency of your brownies, making it easy to dose and enjoy responsibly. Happy baking!
Proper Storage Methods
To maintain your home made canna-brownies fresh and potent, proper storage has a significant impact. Store them in airtight containers made of glass or silicone to prevent moisture buildup. For short-term storage, keep them in a cool, dark place. Refrigeration can extend shelf life but may affect texture and flavor. For long-term storage, freezing is an option, but be sure to wrap the brownies tightly to prevent freezer burn. Always label containers with the date and THC content for easy reference.
Disclaimer: the information provided in this document is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment
Our Top Brands
5G Pops Product Spotlight
