Nana'S Brownies
Nana's brownies are rich, fudgy, chocolatey treats with a hint of vanilla and buttermilk, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl and set aside.
- In a saucepan, combine butter, water, and cocoa and bring to a boil.
- Pour the hot mixture over the flour mixture and stir well.
- Add buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla; mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into a greased cookie sheet with sides.
- Bake at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes.
- For the frosting, combine 1/3 cup buttermilk, cocoa, and a stick of butter in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- While boiling, add powdered sugar, a pinch of salt, and vanilla; stir until smooth.
- Pour the frosting over the warm brownies and let set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. If you don't have buttermilk, mix a tablespoon of vinegar with milk to achieve a similar acidity. To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider adding chocolate chips to the batter before baking. Make sure to check the brownies at the 12-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Serving Suggestions
These brownies are best served warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a fun twist, try serving them alongside a slice of Pound Cake Mississippi Style for a delightful dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator where they will last up to a week. To reheat, microwave individual pieces for about 10-15 seconds until warm, or enjoy them chilled for a fudgy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nana'S Brownies contains roughly 835 calories, with 21g protein, 150g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (58% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and iron (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1025mg per serving (45% 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 cocoa powder?
Yes, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder. Just keep in mind that it will give the brownies a slightly different flavor and color. If you prefer a less intense chocolate taste, you might consider reducing the amount of cocoa powder slightly.
What can I do if my brownies are too dry?
If your brownies turn out dry, it may be due to overbaking or not enough moisture. To fix this next time, ensure you check for doneness earlier and consider adding a bit more buttermilk or even a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the batter to keep them moist.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum, which helps provide structure. The texture might differ slightly, but they should still be delicious!
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).