Farmer Brownies
Rich, fudgy brownies with a hint of vanilla and optional nuts, perfect for satisfying chocolate cravings and suitable for casual gatherings or dessert treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cocoa into hot water. Stir in butter. Allow to cool.
- Sift dry ingredients together and stir into cocoa mixture.
- Add eggs. Beat in buttermilk and vanilla. Add nuts if desired.
- Spread in buttered pan, 17 x 12 inches.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 375°F.
- Frost with chocolate powdered sugar frosting.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the cocoa mixture. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. To enhance texture, feel free to add chopped walnuts or pecans, which pair beautifully with the brownies. Make sure to cool the cocoa mixture completely before adding eggs to avoid scrambling them.
Serving Suggestions
These brownies are delightful on their own but can be elevated by serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. They also pair well with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a festive touch, top them with Chocolate Dream Icing after baking for an added layer of decadence.
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. To reheat, simply microwave a brownie for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until just heated through, restoring their fudgy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Farmer Brownies contains roughly 964 calories, with 20g protein, 173g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), iron (46% of the Daily Value), and protein (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1822mg per serving (79% 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 flour in this recipe?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, although it may change the texture slightly. For gluten-free brownies, opt for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for proper binding.
What can I do if my brownies are too dry?
If your brownies turn out dry, it's likely due to overbaking or too much flour. To salvage them, try serving with a scoop of ice cream or drizzling with chocolate sauce. For future batches, watch the baking time closely and ensure accurate measurements.
How can I make these brownies more chocolatey?
To intensify the chocolate flavor, you can add chocolate chips to the batter or use dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa. Additionally, incorporating a layer of chocolate frosting made from the recipe for Chocolate Dream Icing will enhance the chocolatey goodness.
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).