Bittersweet Brownies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Rich, bittersweet brownies with crunchy nuts and deep chocolate flavor, perfect for satisfying dessert cravings or sharing at gatherings with friends and family.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 1/3 cups butter
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/4 cup corn syrup
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 2 cups coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
  3. Sift together flour, cocoa, salt, and baking powder.
  4. Cream butter and sugar in a mixing bowl.
  5. Add dry ingredients and mix well.
  6. Beat in eggs, corn syrup, and vanilla, and mix thoroughly.
  7. Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans.
  8. Spread batter in the prepared pan.
  9. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the center is soft and edges are slightly firm.
  10. Do not overbake.
  11. Let cool completely before frosting and cutting into squares.

Tips & Substitutions

For an extra fudgy texture, consider substituting half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce. You can also use a mix of dark and semi-sweet cocoa for a richer flavor. If you don’t have walnuts or pecans, try using chocolate chips or a different nut like almonds. Don't skip the cooling step before cutting; it helps the brownies set properly.

Serving Suggestions

These brownies are delicious on their own, but they pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Consider serving them alongside a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. For a fun twist, try them with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of nuts. They also make a great treat for parties or gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until just warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Bittersweet Brownies contains roughly 377 calories, with 8g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value) and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 857mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).

377 kcal 19% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.2g 16% DV
Total Fat 8.9g 11% DV
Carbs 76.1g 28% DV
Fiber 6.4g 23% DV
Sugar 20.7g 41% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 857mg 37% DV
Potassium 487.1mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 105.7mg 35% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 25.3mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 0.5mg 1% DV
Calcium 206.5mg 16% DV
Iron 4mg 22% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 add other mix-ins to the brownies?

Absolutely! You can stir in chocolate chips, toffee bits, or even dried fruit for added flavor and texture. Just be mindful of the total volume of mix-ins to ensure they bake evenly.

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).

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