Frances' Brownies
Rich, fudgy brownies with a deep cocoa flavor and crunchy nuts, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and suited for dessert lovers and chocolate enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together the vegetable shortening and margarine with the granulated sugar; add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
- Mix together the sifted flour, cocoa powder, and salt; add to the creamed mixture and blend well.
- Add vanilla extract; blend and fold in the nuts, blending slightly.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured 8 x 8-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Cool completely before cutting.
Tips & Substitutions
For richer flavor, consider substituting half the granulated sugar with brown sugar. If you don't have vegetable shortening, you can use an equal amount of butter or margarine instead. To enhance the chocolaty taste, add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the cocoa mix. Make sure to sift the flour to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth batter.
Serving Suggestions
These brownies are delicious on their own but can be elevated with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a decadent dessert. Drizzling with chocolate or caramel sauce adds an extra touch. For a fun twist, serve alongside a slice of Fresh Fruit Crisp for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting and storing. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual brownies wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Frances' Brownies contains roughly 320 calories, with 5g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value) and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 524mg per serving (23% 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 different types of nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of nuts you prefer or have on hand, such as almonds or pecans. If someone has nut allergies, you can omit the nuts entirely, and the brownies will still be delicious.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the cocoa powder and any other ingredients are also certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
What if I want to make these brownies more chocolatey?
To increase the chocolate flavor, consider adding chocolate chips or chunks to the batter before baking. You can also increase the cocoa powder to 6 tablespoons for an even richer chocolate experience.
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).