Aunt Brenda'S Brownies
Aunt Brenda's Brownies boast rich chocolate flavor with a chewy texture and a nutty crunch, perfect for satisfying dessert cravings or sharing at gatherings. Their fudgy consistency and deep cocoa taste make them a crowd-pleaser for chocolate lovers of all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the butter and chocolate together.
- In a bowl, mix sugar and eggs.
- Beat well. Add sifted flour and salt, and blend thoroughly.
- Add the melted butter and chocolate mixture, and blend well.
- Stir in vanilla and chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter evenly into lightly greased shallow pans.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until done.
- Do not overbake.
- Cut into squares while hot.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect fudgy texture, avoid overmixing the batter after adding the flour. For a twist, substitute half the nuts with chocolate chips or use a combination of both. If you want to reduce sugar, try using less sugar or a sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup. If you prefer a richer flavor, dark chocolate can replace the bitter chocolate.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. They pair beautifully with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside Pretty Holiday Divinity for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Once the brownies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place a brownie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm it up without drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Brenda'S Brownies contains roughly 1388 calories, with 19g protein, 171g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (49% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), and protein (37% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1777mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cocoa powder instead of bitter chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute cocoa powder for bitter chocolate. Use about 1/3 cup of cocoa powder and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or melted butter to compensate for the fat content. This will help maintain the rich flavor and texture of the brownies.
What if I don't have any nuts?
If you're out of nuts, you can simply omit them or replace them with chocolate chips for added sweetness and texture. Alternatively, try mixing in some dried fruits, like cranberries or cherries, for a different flavor profile while keeping the brownies delicious.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
To check if the brownies are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter, they are ready. Keep in mind that they will continue to cook slightly as they cool, so it’s better to underbake slightly than to overbake.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).