Are you ready to transport your taste buds to the legendary Palmer House Hotel in Chicago? This recipe recreates their iconic Palmer House brownie, a rich, fudgy delight that's perfect for any occasion. Forget boxed mixes; this homemade version is surprisingly easy to make and delivers an unparalleled depth of flavor that will leave you wanting more. Get ready to experience the magic of this classic dessert with this easy recipe for a truly delicious and memorable treat!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 cups granulated 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 chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Confectioners' sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your brownies release easily and have nice, even edges.
Combining Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved for a smooth batter.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Incorporating Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This prevents lumps and ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies.
- Gently fold in the nuts, if using.
Baking and Cooling:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Don't overbake! Slightly underbaked brownies are fudgier.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to set properly and makes for neater slices.
Serving Suggestions:
- Dust with confectioners' sugar, if desired, for an elegant touch. Serve your Palmer House brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Brownies:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough brownies. Mix until just combined.
- Use good quality cocoa powder: The flavor of the cocoa powder significantly impacts the taste of your brownies. Opt for a dark, unsweetened cocoa powder for the richest flavor.
- Let the brownies cool completely: This is crucial for easy cutting and prevents the brownies from crumbling.
- Adjust baking time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your brownies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Add chocolate chips: Fold in ½ cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey treat.
- Use different nuts: Substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts.
- Make it a blondie: Replace the cocoa powder with an equal amount of flour to create a delicious blondie variation.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Sugar: 25-30g
- Protein: 3-4g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This recipe for the iconic Palmer House brownie is a true testament to the simple pleasures of homemade baking. The rich, fudgy texture combined with the perfect balance of sweetness and chocolate makes this a recipe that deserves a spot in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy!