Frosted Fudge Brownies

Frosted Fudge Brownies Recipe - Made with Baking Chocolate and Walnuts

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Frosted Fudge Brownies are a decadent and rich dessert that is perfect for chocolate lovers. These brownies are moist, fudgy, and topped with a creamy fudge frosting that takes them to the next level.

History

The origins of brownies are a bit murky, but they are believed to have been created in the United States in the late 19th century. The first known published recipe for brownies appeared in the 1906 edition of Fannie Farmer's "Boston Cooking-School Cook Book." Over the years, brownie recipes have evolved and been adapted to include various ingredients and toppings, including frosting.

Ingredients

4 oz (113 g) unsweetened baking chocolate
1 cup butter or margarine
4 large eggs
2 cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
0.75 cup walnuts, chopped

Fudge frosting

4 oz (113 g) unsweetened baking chocolate
2 cup sugar
2 large eggs, beaten
0.25 cup light cream or half and half
0.25 cup butter or margarine
2 tsp vanilla extract

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Grease a 9 x 13 inches baking pan.
Melt the chocolate and butter over low heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Beat the eggs and sugar together until frothy, then add the vanilla.
Slowly pour in the chocolate mixture, blending well.
Add the flour and beat until smooth.
Fold in the walnuts.
Spread the mixture in the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
Place the pan on a wire rack and allow it to cool completely until cold to the touch before frosting.
For the fudge frosting, melt the chocolate over low heat in a medium-sized saucepan.
Add the sugar, eggs, cream, butter, and vanilla, blending well.
Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies and allow it to set before cutting into squares.

Variations

Add a cup of chocolate chips to the brownie batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
Swirl in a tablespoon of peanut butter or caramel sauce before baking for a fun twist.
Top the brownies with chopped nuts or sprinkles for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cool the brownies completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

- For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of salt to the brownie batter.

- To make cutting the brownies easier, chill them in the refrigerator before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

Frosted Fudge Brownies are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to properly grease the baking pan to prevent the brownies from sticking.

- Use a toothpick to test the doneness of the brownies - it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.

- Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of margarine in both the brownie batter and frosting.

- If you don't have walnuts, you can use pecans or almonds instead.

- For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free margarine and cream in the frosting.

Make Ahead Tips

Frosted Fudge Brownies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the brownies (without frosting) for up to 3 months.

Presentation Ideas

Cut the brownies into squares and arrange them on a platter for a simple presentation. You can also dust them with powdered sugar or cocoa powder for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Frosted Fudge Brownies pair well with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Frosted Fudge Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the brownies in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Frosted Fudge Brownies contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Frosted Fudge Brownies contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Frosted Fudge Brownies contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Frosted Fudge Brownies contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Frosted Fudge Brownies are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Frosted Fudge Brownies contain eggs, nuts, and dairy (margarine), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Frosted Fudge Brownies are a rich and indulgent dessert that should be enjoyed in moderation due to their high fat and sugar content.

Summary

Frosted Fudge Brownies are a classic dessert that is sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings. With a rich and fudgy texture and a creamy fudge frosting, these brownies are a decadent treat that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a truly indulgent experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I had been rummaging through my old recipe box, looking for something new to bake. As I sorted through the yellowed index cards and faded clippings, my eyes landed on a tattered piece of paper tucked away in the back of the box. The words "Frosted Fudge Brownies" were scrawled across the top in faded ink, and my curiosity was piqued.

I carefully unfolded the paper, revealing a handwritten recipe that had clearly been passed down through generations. The ingredients were simple – flour, sugar, cocoa powder, butter, eggs – but it was the method that caught my attention. The instructions were detailed and precise, with tips and tricks for achieving the perfect fudgy texture and rich chocolate flavor.

As I read through the recipe, I couldn't help but wonder about the person who had written it. Had they been a fellow baker, like myself, who had stumbled upon the recipe and decided to give it a try? Or had it been a beloved family secret, passed down from mother to daughter for generations?

I knew I had to make these brownies. I gathered the ingredients, measuring each one with care, and followed the instructions to the letter. The scent of chocolate filled the air as the brownies baked in the oven, and I could hardly wait to try the finished product.

When the timer finally chimed, I pulled the pan of brownies out of the oven and let them cool on the counter. The chocolate frosting was thick and glossy, and I couldn't resist sneaking a taste before cutting into the brownies. The rich, fudgy texture melted in my mouth, and I knew I had stumbled upon a true gem of a recipe.

From that day on, Frosted Fudge Brownies became a staple in my baking repertoire. I made them for family gatherings, potlucks, and bake sales, always receiving rave reviews from those who tasted them. Each time I made the brownies, I thought of the mysterious person who had written the recipe and wondered about the stories they could tell.

Years passed, and my love for baking only grew stronger. I continued to experiment with new recipes and techniques, always striving to perfect my craft. But no matter how many different treats I tried, Frosted Fudge Brownies remained a favorite among my friends and family.

One day, while visiting a local flea market, I stumbled upon a box of old cookbooks. As I flipped through the pages, a familiar recipe caught my eye – Frosted Fudge Brownies. My heart skipped a beat as I realized that the recipe had been published in a cookbook from the early 1900s.

I purchased the cookbook without hesitation, eager to learn more about the origins of the recipe that had become such a beloved part of my life. As I read through the pages, I discovered that the recipe had been passed down through a family of bakers who had owned a small bakery in town.

The bakery had been a local institution, known for its decadent treats and warm hospitality. The recipe for Frosted Fudge Brownies had been a closely guarded secret, known only to the family members who ran the bakery. It had been passed down from mother to daughter for generations, with each baker adding their own special touch to the recipe.

I felt honored to have stumbled upon such a treasured piece of culinary history. The recipe for Frosted Fudge Brownies had been a gift from the past, a reminder of the power of tradition and the joy of sharing something special with those we love.

As I baked a fresh batch of brownies that evening, I thought of the bakers who had come before me and the love and passion they had poured into their craft. I knew that I would continue to make Frosted Fudge Brownies for years to come, sharing the recipe with others and keeping the spirit of the bakery alive.

And so, with each bite of rich, chocolatey brownie, I celebrated not only the delicious treat before me, but also the stories and traditions that had brought it into my life. The memory of finding this recipe for the first time may have been a simple one, but it had led me on a journey of discovery and connection that I would never forget. And for that, I would always be grateful.