Semi-Sweet Frosted Brownies For A Crowd
Delicious semi-sweet frosted brownies perfect for sharing at gatherings, featuring rich chocolate flavor with optional nuts for added texture and crunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the unsweetened chocolate squares, being careful not to burn.
- Set the melted chocolate aside to cool.
- Cream the softened butter or margarine and sugar together until well blended.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the cooled melted chocolate and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
- Fold in chopped nuts if desired.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before frosting and cutting into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the best texture, ensure your butter is softened and your chocolate is cooled before mixing. You can substitute margarine for butter if desired, and use a mix of nuts or omit them entirely based on preference. For a richer flavor, try adding a pinch of espresso powder to the batter. Make sure to check for doneness a few minutes early, as oven temperatures may vary.
Serving Suggestions
These brownies are delicious served plain or topped with a simple frosting. For a delightful pairing, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a cup of coffee. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter featuring treats like Easy Shortcake Biscuits or Superb Creamy Dreamy Chocolate Fudge.
Storage & Reheating
Once completely cooled, store the 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 warm them briefly in the microwave or enjoy them cold for a fudgy treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Semi-Sweet Frosted Brownies For A Crowd contains roughly 170 calories, with 2g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 5g fat.
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 unsweetened chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute unsweetened chocolate with cocoa powder. Use 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon of butter for each ounce of unsweetened chocolate. This will give you a similar flavor and texture in your brownies.
How can I make these brownies gluten-free?
To make these brownies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, especially baking powder, are gluten-free certified to avoid cross-contamination.
What type of nuts work best in these brownies?
Chopped walnuts and pecans are popular choices for adding a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to brownies. However, feel free to experiment with other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts based on your preference. You can also skip the nuts entirely for a classic brownie.
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).