Ultimate Brownies

Ultimate Brownies Recipe from USA | Delicious Chocolate Chip and Nut Brownies

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30-35 minutes | Servings: 12-16

Introduction

Brownies are a classic dessert that are loved by many for their rich, chocolatey flavor and fudgy texture. This recipe for Ultimate Brownies takes the traditional brownie to the next level with the addition of chocolate chips and nuts for extra decadence.

History

The exact origins of the brownie are unclear, but it is believed to have been created in the United States in the late 19th century. The first known published recipe for brownies appeared in the 1897 Sears, Roebuck Catalogue. Since then, brownies have become a popular dessert all around the world.

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) of butter or margarine
2 cups of sugar
2 tsp of vanilla extract
4 eggs
0.75 cup of cocoa
1 cup of all-purpose flour
0.5 tsp of baking powder
0.25 tsp of salt
1 cup of chocolate chips
1 cup of chopped nuts (optional)

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Grease a 13x9x2 inches baking pan.
Place the butter in a large microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave on high (100%) for 2 to 2.5 minutes or until melted.
Stir in the sugar and vanilla.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Blend in the cocoa.
Add the flour, baking powder, and salt; beat well.
Stir in the milk chocolate chips and nuts, if desired.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the brownies begin to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Cut into bars.

Variations

Add a swirl of peanut butter or caramel sauce to the batter before baking.
Mix in different types of chocolate chips, such as white chocolate or butterscotch.
Top the brownies with a layer of marshmallows and broil until golden brown for a s'mores-inspired treat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in tough brownies.

- For extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake them and allow them to cool completely before cutting.

Serving Suggestions

Ultimate Brownies are delicious on their own, but can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra special treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to properly measure your ingredients to ensure the best results.

- Use room temperature eggs for a smoother batter.

- Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough brownies.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use melted coconut oil or vegetable oil in place of butter.

- Gluten-free flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.

- If you are allergic to nuts, simply omit them from the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Ultimate Brownies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Presentation Ideas

Cut the brownies into squares and dust with powdered sugar for a simple presentation. - Serve the brownies on a platter with fresh berries for a pop of color. - Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the brownies for an elegant finish.

Pairing Recommendations

Ultimate 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 brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Ultimate Brownies contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Ultimate Brownies contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Ultimate Brownies contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Ultimate Brownies contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Brownies are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter, eggs) and nuts (optional). It may also contain gluten (flour).

Summary

Ultimate Brownies are a delicious treat that are relatively high in carbohydrates and fats. They are best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional indulgence.

Summary

Ultimate Brownies are a decadent and delicious dessert that is sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings. With the perfect balance of fudgy texture and rich flavor, these brownies are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Enjoy them on their own or with your favorite toppings for a truly indulgent treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for ultimate brownies. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Mary's house. Mary was a fantastic baker, and she always had the most delicious treats on hand whenever I visited her. On this particular day, she told me she had a special recipe to share with me - her secret to making the most decadent and indulgent brownies I had ever tasted.

As she handed me the recipe card, I could see that it was well-worn and stained with ingredients from years of use. Mary explained that she had received the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down to her. She said that this recipe had been a family favorite for generations, and she was excited to share it with me.

I took the recipe card home with me and carefully read through the ingredients and instructions. The list was simple enough - butter, sugar, eggs, flour, cocoa powder, and a few other pantry staples. But what caught my eye was the addition of a secret ingredient - a splash of strong coffee. Mary had told me that this was the key to making the brownies extra rich and fudgy.

I gathered all the ingredients together and set to work in my own kitchen. I melted the butter and sugar together on the stove, creating a silky smooth mixture that smelled heavenly. I added in the eggs one by one, beating them in until the batter was thick and glossy. Then came the cocoa powder, flour, and a pinch of salt, all mixed together until just combined.

Finally, it was time for the secret ingredient - the coffee. I poured in a splash of the dark liquid and watched as the batter transformed into a deep, chocolatey hue. The aroma that wafted from the mixing bowl was intoxicating, promising a truly decadent treat.

I poured the batter into a greased baking dish and popped it into the oven, unable to contain my excitement. As the brownies baked, the scent of chocolate and coffee filled my kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

When the timer finally beeped, I pulled the brownies out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. The edges were slightly crispy, while the center was soft and gooey. I couldn't resist cutting into them while they were still warm, each bite sending waves of rich chocolatey goodness through my taste buds.

I knew in that moment that I had stumbled upon something truly special. These ultimate brownies were unlike any I had ever tasted - they were dense, fudgy, and incredibly indulgent. The addition of coffee gave them a depth of flavor that was unmatched, making them truly irresistible.

I packaged up a few brownies to share with Mary, along with a heartfelt thank you for passing down such a treasured family recipe. I knew that these ultimate brownies would become a staple in my own baking repertoire, a go-to treat for special occasions and everyday indulgences alike.

And so, from that day on, whenever I crave a rich and decadent chocolate treat, I turn to this recipe for ultimate brownies. Each bite takes me back to that warm summer day in Mary's kitchen, where I first discovered the magic of combining chocolate and coffee in perfect harmony. It's a recipe that I will cherish for years to come, passing it down to future generations with the hope that they too will experience the same sense of amazement and delight that I felt that day.