The Best Easy Brownies

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Rich, fudgy brownies with deep chocolate flavor and crunchy nuts, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and ideal for gatherings or family treats.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 sticks butter
  • 18 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 1/4 cups plain flour
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup nuts (pecans or English walnuts)
  • 4 eggs

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Grease a 13 x 9-inch pan.
  3. Melt butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips in a saucepan over low heat.
  4. Mix in the remaining ingredients with a spoon until well combined.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
  6. Bake for about 30 minutes or until the center is set.
  7. Allow to cool completely.
  8. Cut into 2-inch squares and serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, try using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. You can also substitute half of the flour with almond flour for a gluten-free version. Make sure to let the melted chocolate and butter cool slightly before mixing; this helps prevent the eggs from cooking. Adding a pinch of espresso powder can enhance the chocolate flavor further. For a fun twist, incorporate some chopped Oreos into the batter.

Serving Suggestions

These brownies are perfect on their own, but you can elevate them by serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzling with caramel sauce. Pair them with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a classic treat. For a festive touch, serve alongside a slice of Sour Cream Pecan Tea Ring, which complements the rich chocolate flavor beautifully.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, ensuring they stay moist.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of The Best Easy Brownies contains roughly 398 calories, with 2g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is a good source of calcium (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 830mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).

398 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.5g 5% DV
Total Fat 17.1g 22% DV
Carbs 34.6g 13% DV
Fiber 0.6g 2% DV
Sugar 5.4g 11% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 829.8mg 36% DV
Potassium 263.1mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 122.4mg 41% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 18.9mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 5.3mg 6% DV
Calcium 165.2mg 13% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 chocolate for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate for a sweeter brownie or dark chocolate for a more intense flavor. Just make sure to adjust the sugar slightly if you switch to a sweeter chocolate to maintain the balance in sweetness.

How can I make these brownies chewy instead of fudgy?

To achieve a chewier texture, try adding an extra egg yolk and reducing the baking time by a few minutes. This will enhance the structure and give you that classic chewy brownie texture while still keeping them moist.

Is it possible to make these brownies without nuts?

Yes, you can simply omit the nuts if you prefer a nut-free version. These brownies will still be deliciously rich and chocolatey. If you want to add some crunch, consider using chocolate chunks or an alternative mix-in like toffee bits.

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).

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