Discover the Timeless Delight of Old Fashioned Brownies: A Century-Old Recipe That Earns Five Stars Every Time
There’s a universally acknowledged truth in the world of desserts: few things can rival the sheer joy and comfort delivered by a perfectly baked brownie. These delightful squares of chocolatey goodness hold a special place in the hearts of dessert lovers worldwide, and for good reason. From their irresistible aroma to their rich, fudgy texture, brownies possess an almost magical quality that makes it incredibly challenging to stop at just one. If you’re someone who understands this deep appreciation for a classic brownie, then you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to celebrate the ultimate homemade treat: a truly authentic, old-fashioned brownie recipe that has stood the test of time, captivating palates for generations.
This particular recipe isn’t just any brownie recipe; it’s a culinary treasure, boasting a heritage that spans almost a century. Passed down through time, it consistently garners a five-star rating, a testament to its unparalleled taste and ease of preparation. In a world brimming with newfangled dessert trends, there’s something profoundly satisfying about returning to the roots of classic baking. This recipe embodies that sentiment, offering a taste of nostalgia with every bite. Prepare to embark on a journey that culminates in the creation of what many consider to be the best traditional brownie you’ll ever bake.
As a passionate home baker, the quest for the perfect brownie has always been a delightful pursuit. While my kitchen has seen its share of innovative brownie creations – from the tangy allure of Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies and the fruity burst of Chocolate Cherry Brownies, to the unexpected brightness of Lemon Brownies, the nostalgic charm of Lunch Lady Brownies, and the spiced kick of Mexican Chocolate Frosted Brownies – there was always one essential piece missing: a truly fundamental, no-frills, absolutely reliable classic brownie recipe. You know, the kind that forms the bedrock of all other brownie endeavors.
Let’s be honest, in many households, including my own, the convenience of a box mix often wins out when the kids are craving brownies. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with a quick box mix, and it serves its purpose admirably, there’s an undeniable elevation in flavor and satisfaction that comes from baking brownies from scratch. The beauty of this particular old-fashioned brownie recipe lies in its elegant simplicity. Despite its deep, complex chocolate flavor and superior texture, it’s surprisingly straightforward to prepare. This isn’t a recipe that demands hours of intricate work or a pantry full of exotic ingredients. It’s a testament to the idea that some of the very best things in life are also the simplest.
The magic begins with the melting of unsweetened chocolate and shortening – or butter, if you prefer, for that extra richness – until a velvety, smooth mixture is achieved. This forms the deeply chocolatey base of our brownies. Into this luscious foundation, sugar and vanilla are incorporated, infusing the batter with sweetness and aromatic depth. Next, eggs are added, binding the ingredients together and contributing to the brownies’ characteristic fudgy texture. The dry ingredients, a simple combination of flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt, are then gently folded in by hand. This careful mixing ensures the batter remains tender and prevents over-development of gluten, which can lead to tough brownies. The result? A thick, inviting batter that’s almost ready for its transformation in the oven.
As you can see, the batter is wonderfully thick, a clear indicator of the rich, dense brownies that are to come. It’s then pressed evenly into a 9×13 inch baking pan, ready to be baked. The baking time is crucial for achieving that perfect balance between a crisp exterior and a molten, fudgy interior. Just 25 minutes in a preheated oven is all it takes to transform this simple batter into a tray of decadent brownies. One of the most important secrets to phenomenal brownies is to avoid overbaking. A slightly underbaked brownie is always preferable to an overbaked, dry one, ensuring that luscious, gooey center we all adore. Following these steps consistently yields perfectly baked brownies every single time.
Once out of the oven, allowing them to cool slightly is key before diving in. This allows the brownies to set, enhancing their texture. And speaking of texture, let’s settle a classic debate: are you a middle-of-the-pan person or an edge enthusiast? In our family, the edges are highly coveted. That delightful crispness, often with a slightly chewier bite, makes the corners disappear almost instantly. With six of us and only four corners per pan, it’s a friendly race to claim those prized pieces! The middles, while less fought over, are certainly never neglected. Their pure fudgy softness is a distinct pleasure that appeals to those who prefer an unadulterated gooey experience. Regardless of your preference, every piece of these old-fashioned brownies promises an exceptional treat.
The discovery of this particular recipe was a memorable one. I was on a mission, a deep dive into the vast ocean of “brownie recipes” on Google. As expected, the search results were overwhelming, offering every conceivable variation under the sun. To narrow it down, I specifically searched for “Old Fashioned Brownies,” hoping to unearth a truly classic gem. Several intriguing recipes appeared, but one, in particular, captured my attention with its compelling backstory. The author stated that this brownie recipe was well over 75 years old, almost a century! Coupled with a glowing five-star approval rating, it was clear which recipe demanded my immediate attention. There was no need for a second choice; these brownies were, in a word, perfect.
The secret to their perfection lies in that sublime textural contrast: a slight crispness on the outside, giving way to an incredibly rich and perfectly fudgy interior. This is the hallmark of a truly great brownie. It’s not cakey, nor is it crumbly; it’s dense, moist, and utterly melt-in-your-mouth delicious. This delightful duality of textures creates an engaging eating experience that keeps you reaching for another piece.
It’s often true that the old-fashioned recipes are the best, isn’t it? Much like the cherished relationships in our lives – family, long-time friends – these vintage recipes carry a special history. They evoke a sense of comfort, familiarity, and a tried-and-true dependability that modern variations sometimes lack. There’s a substantiated fondness for things that have proven their worth over decades, holding a special place in our hearts and memories. This recipe for old-fashioned brownies perfectly encapsulates that enduring charm and quality, offering a taste that feels both classic and profoundly satisfying.
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Print Recipe
Old Fashioned Brownies
Ingredients
- 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate (bitter chocolate without sugar)
- 4 Tablespoons shortening (butter works, too)
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt shortening (or butter) and unsweetened chocolate together in a saucepan over low heat on the stove, stirring gently.
- Once melted and smooth, remove from heat and add the sugar. Beat well with a wooden spoon or spatula until fully incorporated.
- Add the vanilla extract and eggs, then beat again until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- In a separate bowl, stir the baking powder and salt into the flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the chocolate mixture, folding gently by hand until just combined. Do not overmix.
- If using, gently fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Pour the thick batter into a 9×13 inch baking pan (no need to grease if following the original recipe, but a light grease and flour or parchment lining can ensure easy removal). Bake for exactly 25 minutes. *Note: Overcooking will result in dry brownies. For a fudgier result, a minute or two less might be ideal. If using a convection oven, you might decrease baking time to 20 minutes.*
- Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting and serving for the best texture.
Notes
Nutrition
Calories: 255kcal |
Carbohydrates: 37g |
Protein: 4g |
Fat: 10g |
Saturated Fat: 4g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g |
Cholesterol: 37mg |
Sodium: 55mg |
Fiber: 2g |
Sugar: 25g
While these classic brownies are absolutely fantastic on their own, offering a pure and intense chocolate experience, for those truly seeking maximum chocolate indulgence, there’s always room for a little extra decadence. Consider taking these magnificent treats to the next level by topping them with a luxurious layer of Chocolate Ganache. The glossy, rich ganache adds another dimension of chocolate flavor and a smooth, creamy texture that complements the fudgy brownie beautifully. Simply pour the freshly made ganache over the cooled brownies, then refrigerate for a few minutes to allow it to set. The result is a dessert so divinely rich and satisfying, it’s guaranteed to captivate the most discerning chocolate lover. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or chilled with a sprinkle of sea salt to truly elevate the experience.
This incredible brownie recipe was a highlight of my participation in #CHOCTOBERFEST2016, an event dedicated to all things chocolate. It was a wonderful opportunity to share my passion for baking with a community of fellow chocolate enthusiasts. Beyond these classic brownies, I also shared other delightful chocolate-inspired creations. If you’re looking for more chocolatey inspiration or want to explore some festive treats, be sure to check out my other posts from the event.
For another show-stopping chocolate treat, I highly recommend these:
A huge thank you goes out to our generous #Choctoberfest sponsor, Imperial Sugar, for their support in making this event possible. And, of course, immense gratitude to The PinterTest Kitchen for their incredible hard work and dedication in organizing such a fantastic celebration of chocolate. Their efforts truly brought together a community of bakers and chocolate lovers.
If your love for brownies knows no bounds, and you’re always on the hunt for your next favorite recipe, then you absolutely must explore this curated collection of Epic Brownie Recipes. It’s a treasure trove of innovative and classic brownie ideas that will keep your oven busy and your taste buds happy for a long time.