Browniest
Rich and fudgy brownies with chocolate and nuts, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and suitable for sharing at gatherings or as a indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the unsweetened chocolate in a glass custard cup in the microwave oven for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes at high. Cool.
- Cream the vegetable shortening and sugar together.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and cooled melted chocolate.
- Blend in the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in the chopped nuts.
- Turn the batter into a greased 1 1/2-quart glass baking dish.
- Cook uncovered in the microwave for 7 or 8 minutes at medium-high or until a wooden pick inserted near the center comes out clean. Rotate the dish one-quarter turn once during cooking.
- Set the dish on a flat surface and cool.
- Cut into bars and sprinkle with confectioners' sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the vegetable shortening with unsalted butter. If you prefer a less intense chocolate taste, consider using milk chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate. Make sure not to overcook the brownies in the microwave; check them a minute early to avoid dryness. If you don't have chopped nuts, you can use chocolate chips for added sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the brownies into squares and sprinkle with confectioners' sugar for a classic presentation. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent dessert. Consider serving alongside a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. For a twist, try pairing with the Lemon Jello Cake And Glaze for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a soft, fudgy texture. Pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for a delightful treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Browniest contains roughly 282 calories, with 4g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of calcium (12% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 461mg per serving (20% 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 cocoa powder for the unsweetened chocolate. Use 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder plus 1 tablespoon of vegetable shortening or butter to replace 1 ounce of unsweetened chocolate. This will help maintain the texture and flavor of the brownies.
What can I add to the batter for extra flavor?
You can enhance the flavor by adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter or mixing in some chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness. Additionally, a pinch of cinnamon can provide a warm undertone that complements the chocolate.
How do I know when the brownies are done cooking?
The brownies are done when a wooden pick inserted near the center comes out clean. Since microwave cooking can vary, start checking at 7 minutes and adjust as needed. They should appear set and not overly firm; they will continue to cook slightly as they cool.
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).