Deb'S Brownies
Rich, fudgy brownies with a hint of cocoa and crunchy pecans, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing with friends or family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt shortening and cocoa together in a saucepan over heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, and chopped pecans by hand.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes at 350°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. If you prefer a denser brownie, reduce the flour by 1/4 cup. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation. Be careful not to overmix after adding the eggs, as this can lead to cakey brownies instead of fudgy ones.
Serving Suggestions
These brownies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them by serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Pair them with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a classic treat. They also make a great dessert option alongside Mary'S Onion Casserole at a potluck.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, pop one in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy them cold for a delightful texture contrast.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Deb'S Brownies contains roughly 646 calories, with 4g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value) and calcium (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 788mg per serving (34% 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 nut instead of pecans?
Absolutely! You can substitute pecans with walnuts or even chocolate chips for added sweetness. Just make sure to adjust the quantity to your liking—about 1 cup of any nut or chocolate will work well.
What should I do if I don't have shortening?
You can replace shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. Both will give the brownies a slightly different flavor but will still result in a delicious treat.
How can I tell when the brownies are done baking?
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. If it comes out clean, the brownies may be 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).