Barron'S Brownies
Rich, fudgy brownies with deep chocolate flavor and crunchy walnuts, offering a caramel-like texture when served cold. Perfect for chocolate lovers and dessert gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Adjust a rack 1/3 up from the bottom of the oven.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Place both chocolates and butter in a 3-quart heavy pan over medium heat.
- Stir until melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in salt, vanilla extract, sugar, and eggs, one at a time, until fully blended.
- Add sifted all-purpose flour and stir briskly for 1 minute until the mixture is smooth and shiny and pulls away from sides of the pan.
- Stir in walnut halves or large pieces.
- Turn an 8-inch square pan upside down.
- Center a 12-inch square of shiny side down aluminum foil over the pan.
- Fold down sides and corners to shape of the pan.
- Remove foil and place inside the pan.
- Paint melted butter on the foil inside the pan.
- Pour the brownie mixture into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until a pick inserted comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan.
- Place the pan in the freezer for about an hour until the cake is firm.
- Cover with a cutting board and turn the pan over.
- Remove the foil and cut the cake into quarters.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the walnuts and substitute with chocolate chips for added sweetness. Make sure to stir the mixture briskly to achieve that smooth, glossy finish. If you're short on time, you can use pre-packaged brownie mix, but homemade is always best.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience. They also pair beautifully with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. For a unique twist, try serving alongside a slice of Gert Gurganus Sweet Milk Cornbread for a comforting combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, place individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barron'S Brownies contains roughly 121 calories, with 2g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 479mg per serving (21% 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 unsweetened chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute unsweetened chocolate with cocoa powder. Use 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder plus 1 tablespoon of butter for each ounce of unsweetened chocolate. Just make sure to adjust the other ingredients accordingly for the best results.
How can I tell when the brownies are done baking?
The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time, as overbaking can lead to dry brownies.
Can I add other mix-ins to the brownie batter?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even swirls of peanut butter for extra flavor. Just make sure not to overload the batter, as it can affect the texture and baking time.
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).