Grandma'S Easy Brownies
Deliciously rich and fudgy brownies with a hint of vanilla and nuts, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream the shortening and melted chocolate.
- Add the sifted dry ingredients to the creamed mixture.
- Stir in the sugar, eggs, vanilla, and chopped nuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using high-quality dark chocolate instead of standard chocolate squares. If you don’t have shortening, unsalted butter works as a great substitute. Make sure to sift the dry ingredients thoroughly to avoid lumps in your batter. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped nuts or replace them with chocolate chips for added sweetness.
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. They pair beautifully with Yum-Yum Candied Sweet Potatoes (Yams) for a delightful dessert spread. For a fun twist, try serving them warm with whipped cream or alongside fresh berries.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Easy Brownies contains roughly 484 calories, with 5g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 797mg per serving (35% 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 melted chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute unsweetened cocoa powder for the melted chocolate. Use about 1/4 cup of cocoa powder along with 1/4 cup of additional fat, like butter or shortening, to maintain the moisture and richness of the brownies.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready to be taken out of the oven. If it comes out wet with batter, they need a few more minutes.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend you choose is suitable for baking to achieve the best texture. The rest of the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
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).