Chrissie'S Favorite Brownies
Rich, fudgy brownies with deep chocolate flavor and crunchy nuts, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or sharing at gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease and flour an 8 x 8 x 2-inch square pan.
- Melt the unsweetened chocolate and shortening or vegetable oil over low heat.
- Beat in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
- Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture.
- Stir in the chopped nuts.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes until the top has a dull crust and a slight imprint remains when touched lightly.
- Allow the brownies to cool before cutting into squares.
- Optional: frost with Texas Sheet Cake Icing before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using semi-sweet chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate. If you want to reduce fat, you can substitute the shortening with unsweetened applesauce in equal measure. Adding a pinch of espresso powder can enhance the chocolate flavor. Ensure not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients for fudgier brownies.
Serving Suggestions
These brownies are delicious on their own but can be elevated by serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk, making them a perfect treat for any gathering. For a festive touch, consider frosting with Texas Sheet Cake Icing before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator, where they can last up to a week. To reheat, warm individual squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until just warmed through, which will restore their fudginess.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chrissie'S Favorite Brownies contains roughly 120 calories, with 1g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 558mg per serving (24% 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 unsweetened chocolate with cocoa powder. For every 2 oz. of unsweetened chocolate, use 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to maintain the fat content.
What can I use instead of eggs for a vegan version?
For a vegan version, you can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes). This helps to bind the ingredients while keeping the brownies moist.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Brownies are typically done when the edges start to pull away from the pan, and the top has a dull crust. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter, indicating they are fudgy and not overbaked.
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).