Butter Rich Brownies
Rich, fudgy brownies with deep chocolate flavor and crunchy walnuts, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and ideal for sharing at gatherings or cozy afternoons.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a small, heavy saucepan, melt the unsweetened chocolate and 1 stick of unsalted butter over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Cool the chocolate mixture completely.
- In a large bowl with electric mixer, cream together the remaining 1 stick of unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract and the cooled chocolate mixture.
- Add all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt, stirring until well blended.
- Stir in chopped walnuts if using.
- Pour the batter into a buttered and floured 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan, smoothing the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the brownies pull away slightly from the sides of the pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For the richest flavor, use high-quality unsweetened chocolate. If you don't have unsweetened chocolate, you can substitute with 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder plus 1 tablespoon of butter for each ounce needed. Make sure to cool the chocolate mixture completely before adding it to the batter to prevent curdling the eggs. Additionally, for a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these rich brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. They can also be paired with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. For a fun twist, try serving alongside Popovers With Cheese for a unique dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy them warm, simply reheat in the microwave for a few seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Butter Rich Brownies contains roughly 329 calories, with 6g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 665mg per serving (29% 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 substitutions for the chocolate?
Yes, if you don't have unsweetened chocolate, you can use semi-sweet chocolate, but reduce the sugar in the recipe by about 1/4 cup to balance the sweetness. Another option is to use cocoa powder as mentioned in the tips, ensuring you add the equivalent amount of fat with butter.
What should I do if my brownies are undercooked?
If you find your brownies are undercooked after the recommended baking time, simply return them to the oven and bake in 5-minute increments until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as this can make them dry.
Can I add other mix-ins to these brownies?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even toffee bits for added texture and flavor. Just keep the total amount of mix-ins to about 1 to 1.5 cups to ensure they bake evenly. These brownies are versatile and can handle a variety of delicious additions.
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).