Blue Ribbon Brownies
Rich, fudgy brownies with a deep cocoa flavor and optional walnuts, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or sharing at gatherings. Classic treat for any chocolate lover.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Microwave margarine in a large glass bowl until melted.
- Stir in sugar and vanilla extract.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well with a spoon after each addition.
- Add flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt to the mixture.
- Beat until well blended.
- Stir in chopped walnuts, if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until brownies begin to pull away from the sides of the pan.
- Cool completely before cutting and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best texture, beat the eggs thoroughly to incorporate air, which helps the brownies rise. If you prefer a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the margarine with unsweetened applesauce. If you're out of walnuts, you can easily replace them with chocolate chips or leave them out entirely for a nut-free version. Ensure your cocoa powder is fresh for optimal taste.
Serving Suggestions
These brownies are delicious on their own but can be elevated with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce. They also pair beautifully with a side of Easy Pineapple Sherbet for a refreshing contrast. For a more decadent treat, serve alongside a slice of Chocolate Lush(Mmmm-Delicious) for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To keep them moist, you can place a slice of bread in the container with the brownies. For reheating, warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until just warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Blue Ribbon Brownies contains roughly 350 calories, with 6g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value) and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 727mg per serving (32% 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 butter instead of margarine in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute butter for margarine in a 1:1 ratio. Just make sure to melt the butter before mixing it with the sugar and vanilla. This will give the brownies a richer flavor and slightly different texture.
What can I use if I don’t have eggs?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce per egg. Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before adding it to the batter.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
To check if the brownies are done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Keep in mind that the brownies will continue to firm up 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).