Proper, fudgy brownies are guaranteed crowd pleasers – and they are even better with rhubarb. Philippa Davis’ chocolate and rhubarb brownies are our favourite spring offering. Though if rhubarb is not to everyone’s taste, chocolate mini eggs, Rolos or cut up Mars Bars make excellent replacements. (Read more about the famous Rhubarb Triangle here.)

Now spring has sprung, it’s time to make use of the rhubarb. The Field has plenty of pudding inspiration. Rhubarb crumble is a classic offering, and guaranteed to bring guests back for seconds. Or try rhubarb tiramisu for something that will really impress. For more brownie recipes, our pear brownies with hazelnuts are a long-standing favourite.

(Read here for advice on rejuvenating old rhubarb plants.)

CHOCOLATE AND RHUBARB BROWNIES

These brownies are one of my favourite chocolate treats. The trick to a fudgy texture is to place the brownies in a fridge for a couple of hours once they have cooled, before cutting and serving. For this dessert recipe you can use gluten-free flour without affecting the results.

Makes 6

• 250g 70% chocolate (read our guide to finding the best chocolate)
• 250g salted butter, cut into cubes
• 250g caster sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 130g plain or gluten-free flour
• 150g rhubarb, cut into 1cm lengths

Preheat oven to 170°C/325°F/Gas Mark 3. Line a 20cm x 30cm x 4cm baking tin.

In a bain marie, gently melt the chocolate and butter.

Using an electric whisk, whisk together the sugar and eggs until they become thick and pale and have tripled in volume.

Once the chocolate and butter have melted, remove from the heat and allow to cool for five minutes. Then whisk in the beaten eggs and sugar. Fold through the flour and pour into the prepared tin. Scatter the rhubarb on top then bake for 50 minutes on a lower shelf.

Leave to cool then place in the fridge for a couple of hours before cutting and serving.

Note: if you think the rhubarb will not appeal to everyone you can replace it with chocolate mini eggs, rolos or chopped-up Mars Bars.