By Leigh O’Connor.
Move over cookies and cronuts – the humble brownie is taking its rightful place as Australia’s most coveted dessert and Brazen Brownies is leading the charge.
Fresh off winning back-to-back Gold Medals at the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show – last year for its show-stopping Sinfully Salted Caramel Peanut Brownie and this year for its iconic Walnut Brownie – the artisan brownie makers are proving beyond doubt that brownies are the true King and Queen of comfort foods.
For founders George Kalpakis and Caroline Kropack, their success story began with a ‘line in the sand’ moment on a Sunshine Coast beach. The former banker and lawyer decided to leave behind the corporate grind to pursue something richer – both in purpose and in chocolate.
What started as a dream to bring joy through baking has evolved into a thriving small-batch business that celebrates quality, creativity and nostalgia in every bite. Over the past decade, Brazen Brownies has perfected its craft, winning not only Gold, Silver and Bronze medals at the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show for three consecutive years, but also honours at the Royal Tasmanian Fine Food Awards.
The 2025 Gold-winning Walnut Brownie marks yet another sweet milestone in their journey of innovation and excellence.
"Winning Gold twice was proof that we are onto a winning formula in terms of delivering the ultimate brownie experience,” says George. While his passion for the perfect texture and flavour is unwavering, it’s Caroline, Brazen’s Brownie Designer, who articulates why these little squares of joy resonate so deeply with people.
"We believe it’s predominantly a sensory thing,” she says. "Biting into the flaky and crisp top and then the moist and chewy texture that you feel when reaching the middle. It’s also emotional. The sense of nostalgia and comfort that comes from eating a brownie – memories of home, family, or celebrations. It’s a link to the people we love.”
That connection to comfort and simplicity is what makes brownies so universally adored. As Caroline explains: "They’re not fussy. They don’t take hours to make and people aren’t afraid to give it a go themselves. Most of the ingredients are already in the pantry and even high-end restaurants are starting to appreciate the value of an exceptionally baked brownie on their menus.”
The beauty of the brownie, she says, lies in its versatility. "You can do so much with it – it’s humble, yet always appreciated.”
In a world where food trends come and go, brownies have quietly evolved from a homemade treat to a premium, giftable indulgence. "Brownies make people feel good. They’re a little parcel of happiness,” says Caroline. "As long as they’re handmade and not mass manufactured, they evoke that feeling of comfort and appreciation that comes from home baking.”
While the market for ‘healthier’ brownie variations is growing, Caroline believes indulgence will always win out. "Brownies are meant to be a little treat. Sure, gluten-free options are increasingly popular, but it’s that rich, chocolatey indulgence that people crave.”
There’s a scientific reason for that too: "Dark chocolate triggers the release of endorphins, the ‘feel-good’ chemicals in our brains. Everyone wants to feel good and we have no shortage of chocolate in our brownies.”
In the age of social media, the appeal of brownies has only grown stronger. "People love watching how-to videos and trying things themselves,” Caroline explains. "Brownies fit that perfectly because they’re simple, adaptable and so satisfying to make. You can do just about anything with a brownie – or a blondie!”
From nostalgic comfort food to trendy dessert star, the brownie is having its moment in the spotlight – and Brazen Brownies is proudly leading the revival.
"We definitely believe brownies are back on-trend,” Caroline smiles. "The ability to introduce trending flavours into such a classic treat is testament to its versatility. The brownie may be having its viral moment, but it’s one dessert that will never go out of style.”
