Craving a decadent dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This easy walnut brownie recipe delivers intensely fudgy, chocolatey goodness without the fuss. Perfect for a quick weeknight treat or a delightful addition to your weekend baking repertoire, these brownies are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe guarantees success—resulting in deliciously moist, intensely chocolatey brownies studded with crunchy walnuts. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup walnut halves, roughly chopped
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8x8 inch baking pan. This simple step ensures easy removal and perfectly formed brownies.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. The sugars will dissolve more easily if the butter is still warm.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients.
Combine Wet and Dry:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to tough brownies.
Add Walnuts and Bake:
- Gently fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached (not completely clean). Overbaking will result in dry brownies.
Cool and Enjoy:
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to set properly and prevents them from crumbling.
Tips for Brownie Perfection:
- Use good quality cocoa powder: The flavor of your brownies will greatly benefit from using a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Don't overbake: Slightly underbaked brownies are fudgier and more moist.
- Cool completely: Patience is key! Allowing the brownies to cool completely before cutting will result in cleaner cuts and prevent them from crumbling.
- Customize your nuts: Feel free to substitute pecans or other nuts for the walnuts.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chunk Brownies: Add ½ cup of your favorite chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Salted Caramel Brownies: Drizzle melted salted caramel over the cooled brownies for an extra touch of sweetness and saltiness.
- Espresso Brownies: Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 300 Fat: 15g Protein: 4g Carbohydrates: 40g Sugar: 25g
This easy walnut brownie recipe offers a simple yet delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the homemade goodness!