These Grandma's Brownies are a game-changer, delivering the convenience and iconic texture of boxed mixes, but with the unbeatable flavor and quality of homemade ingredients.
You can whip up these treats in just one bowl, with no fancy techniques or equipment required. It's a foolproof recipe that even novice bakers can master with ease
Whether you're a seasoned baker or a newcomer to the kitchen, this recipe is a must-try.
Why You Will Love This Grandma's Brownies
Here's why you'll adore this recipe:
Texture: This recipe aims to recreate the signature chewy, fudgy texture of boxed brownie mixes, but with homemade ingredients. The combination of melted butter and oil provides the perfect balance of richness and moistness.
Chocolate Flavor: With a higher ratio of cocoa powder and melted chocolate, these brownies promise an intense, rich chocolate flavor that rivals or surpasses boxed mixes.
Homemade Quality: While replicating the convenience of a boxed mix, these brownies allow you to avoid any artificial ingredients or preservatives found in commercial mixes.
Crackly Top Crust: The recipe is specifically designed to achieve that signature crackly, shiny top crust that brownie lovers crave from boxed mixes.
Fudgy Interiors: With the right balance of ingredients and baking time, you can expect a fudgy, molten interior that stays moist for days.
INGREDIENTS
Here’s what you need for this irresistible dish:
- Bittersweet chocolate: This provides a rich chocolate flavor and fudgy texture to the brownies. The higher percentage of cocoa solids in bittersweet chocolate gives an intense chocolate taste.
- Butter: Butter adds moisture, richness, and a tender crumb to the brownies. The fat from butter also helps create that signature shiny, crackly crust on top.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the brownies and contributes to their chewy texture. It also helps achieve a shiny, crinkly top crust.
- Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, providing structure and richness to the brownies. The extra egg yolk adds more fat for a fudgier texture.
- Flour: A small amount of all-purpose flour gives the brownies enough structure to hold together while still allowing a dense, fudgy crumb.
- Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds a deep, rich color to the brownies.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances and balances the sweetness, allowing the chocolate flavor to shine through.
- Vanilla extract: Vanilla adds warmth and depth, rounding out the overall flavor profile of the brownies.
How To Make This Grandma Brownie Recipe
Making this dish couldn’t be easier:
Step1.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your brownies will bake evenly and release easily from the pan.
Step2.In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents and cocoa evenly.
Step3.In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs until light and fluffy. Then, whisk in the granulated sugar until well combined. This aerates the mixture, creating a delightful texture.
Step4.Melt the butter and let it cool slightly. Then, whisk the melted butter and vanilla extract into the egg-sugar mixture until smooth and glossy.
Step5.Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough brownies.
Step6.Finally, fold in the semisweet chocolate chunks, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step7.Transfer the luscious brownie batter to your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step8.Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs clinging to it. This is the perfect doneness for fudgy, irresistible brownies.
Step9.Once out of the oven, let the brownies cool completely before cutting them into squares. This allows them to set and ensures clean, neat slices.
Tips For The Best Grandma's Brownies
With these top tips, you'll be serving up a mouthwatering masterpiece
- For an extra fudgy texture, underbake the brownies for 2-3 minutes. The center will continue to set as they cool.
- Fold in your favorite mix-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of peanut butter for added indulgence.
- Use high-quality chocolate and cocoa powder for the richest, most intense chocolate flavor.
- Let the melted butter cool slightly before adding it to the batter to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean the edges of your brownies.
- Serve these brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra special treat.
How To Store
Here’s how to store them
To Store: Once the brownies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep fresh for up to 5 days. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
To Freeze: Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped brownies in an airtight freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Properly stored, they will be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To Reheat: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Remove the brownies from the freezer and unwrap them. Place them on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Grandma's Brownies
Did you like the recipe?
Click on a star to rate it!
Ingredients
- 190 g 0.83 cups all-purpose flour
- 38 g 0.17 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 7 g 0.67 teaspoons baking powder
- 3.8 g 0.34 teaspoons salt
- 2 large eggs
- 300 g 1.33 cups granulated sugar
- 113 g 0.5 cups melted butter, slightly cooled
- 15 ml 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 150 g 0.66 cups semisweet chocolate chunks
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined and no dry pockets remain.
- Gently pour in the semisweet chocolate chunks, being careful not to overmix.
- Transfer the brownie batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs clinging to it.
Notes
- For fudgier brownies, reduce baking time by 2-3 minutes.
- Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can be added for extra crunch.
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting into squares for cleaner edges.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate chunks?
Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate chunks or chips for the semisweet variety. The brownies will have a sweeter, richer flavor.
What can I do if my brownies turn out too dry?
If your brownies seem dry, you may have overbaked them slightly. Try reducing the baking time by 2-3 minutes next time.
Can I double the recipe to make a larger batch?
Yes, you can double all the ingredients to make a larger batch of brownies. Just be sure to use a larger baking pan.
Leave a Reply