Cake-Type Brownies
Rich, fudgy brownies with chocolate and walnuts offer a moist, flavorful treat perfect for dessert or snack lovers seeking a classic, indulgent indulgence.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt shortening with chocolate in microwave or over low heat; stir until smooth.
- Allow the chocolate mixture to cool.
- Stir sugar into the well-beaten eggs, then add the cooled chocolate mixture and vanilla extract.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt; add to the wet ingredients.
- Mix well until combined.
- Stir in the broken walnuts.
- Pour batter into a greased 8 x 8-inch pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or chocolate chips work well too. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better mixing. Be careful not to overmix once you add the flour, as this can result in dense brownies instead of a light cake-like texture.
Serving Suggestions
These cake-type brownies are delightful on their own but can also be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. For a festive touch, drizzle with Aunt Lois' Caramel Icing For 2 Layers or sprinkle with powdered sugar. Pair with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk to enhance the flavors.
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, simply warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy them cold for a fudgy treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cake-Type Brownies contains roughly 428 calories, with 1g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% of the Daily Value) and calcium (10% 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 a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can use semi-sweet or dark chocolate depending on your preference. Just ensure it's of good quality for the best flavor. Adjust the sugar slightly if using sweeter chocolate to maintain the balance of sweetness in the brownies.
What if I don't have shortening?
If you don't have shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. This will add a different flavor and texture, but it will still yield delicious brownies. Just remember to melt and cool the butter or oil before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! To make gluten-free cake-type brownies, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture. These brownies will still be delicious and satisfying while accommodating gluten-free dietary needs.
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).