Wonderful Brownies Recipe – Classic Chocolate Delight
There’s something incredibly nostalgic about baking from a recipe found in an old family cookbook. These Wonderful Brownies, originally titled “Wundervulle Schokoladenkuchen” in my grandma’s 1948 recipe book, are the epitome of rich, chocolatey perfection. They’re a bit time-intensive, but trust me, they’re worth every second of effort. Let’s dive into this delightful journey of making the best brownies you’ll ever taste.
Table of Contents
The Best Wonderful Brownies Recipe
When it comes to brownies, this recipe is a game-changer. Each bite delivers an explosion of chocolate goodness, complemented by the crunch of pecans and a luxurious chocolate frosting. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie, this recipe will make you feel like a dessert pro.
Notes on Ingredients
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are the heart of this recipe, providing the rich, deep chocolate flavor.
- Butter: Adds a creamy texture and helps meld the chocolate smoothly.
- Sugar: Balances the bitterness of the chocolate, adding just the right amount of sweetness.
- Eggs: Give structure and moisture to the brownies.
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the batter, ensuring the right consistency.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making the chocolate taste even richer.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, sweet aroma that complements the chocolate.
- Pecans: Introduce a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Used in the frosting to create a thick, creamy consistency.
How to Make Wonderful Brownies
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a saucepan, melt 12 ounces of chocolate chips with 2/3 cup of butter over low heat. Stir constantly until smooth, then remove from heat.
- Mix Batter: Transfer the melted chocolate mixture to a large bowl. Gradually beat in 1 cup of sugar, then add 4 eggs, two at a time, ensuring the mixture is well combined. Stir in 1 cup of flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until blended, then mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Fold in another 12-ounce bag of chocolate chips and 1 cup of chopped pecans.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Bake for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. Allow to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting: In a saucepan, mix 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream with 1/4 cup of butter over low heat until the butter is melted. Stir in the remaining 12-ounce bag of chocolate chips until fully melted. Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl and beat on medium speed for about a minute. Chill the frosting in the refrigerator, stirring occasionally, for 45 minutes to 1 hour until it thickens. Beat again until it forms stiff peaks, then spread evenly over the cooled brownies.
How to Serve Wonderful Brownies
Cut the brownies into squares and serve them on a dessert plate. They pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These brownies are perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a decadent chocolate treat.
Nutrition information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 408.32 kcal | 20% |
| Total Fat | 28.89 g | 41% |
| Carbs | 40.6 g | 16% |
| Sugars | 32.19 g | 36% |
| Protein | 4.15 g | 8% |
| Sodium | 68.69 mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 3.08 g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 15.71 g | 79% |
| Trans Fat | 0.19 g | – |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9.66 g | – |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.03 g | – |
| Cholesterol | 62.05 mg | 21% |
| Calcium | 33.62 mg | 4% |
| Magnesium | 57.62 mg | 15% |
| Potassium | 206.19 mg | 6% |
| Iron | 1.84 mg | 13% |
| Zinc | 1.07 mg | 11% |
| Phosphorus | 99.39 mg | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 140.86 mcg | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 0.14 mg | 0% |
| Thiamin B1 | 0.1 mg | 9% |
| Riboflavin B2 | 0.14 mg | 10% |
| Niacin B3 | 0.56 mg | 4% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.04 mg | 3% |
| Folic Acid B9 | 25.94 mcg | 13% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.1 mcg | 4% |
| Vitamin D | 0.38 mcg | 4% |
| Vitamin E | 0.58 mg | 5% |
| Vitamin K | 3.64 mcg | 5% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
How to Store Wonderful Brownies
Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to keep them for an extended period, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQs About Wonderful Brownies
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Yes, you can experiment with dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips, but the flavor and texture might vary slightly.
Can I omit the pecans?
Absolutely. If you’re not a fan of nuts or have allergies, you can leave them out or substitute with walnuts.
Can I add other ingredients to the batter?
Feel free to get creative! Some great additions are caramel chunks, dried fruit, or even a swirl of peanut butter.
The Best Wonderful Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 12 ounce bags semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ⅔ cup butter
- 1 cup white sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 12 ounce bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Melt 1 12-ounce package of chocolate chips in a saucepan with 2/3 cup of butter over very low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth. Watch carefully to avoid scorching; Remove from heat, and scrape into a large bowl. Beat in the sugar, a couple of tablespoons at a time, then beat in the eggs 2 at a time until the mixture is well combined. Stir in flour and salt until blended, then stir in the vanilla extract. Gently fold in 1 more 12-ounce package of chocolate chips and the pecans. Spread batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out with moist crumbs, about 35 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely.
- Mix the cream and 1/4 cup of butter together in a saucepan over low heat until the butter has melted, stirring constantly; pour in remaining 1 12-ounce bag of chocolate chips and stir to melt completely. Pour the mixture into a mixing bowl, and beat on Medium speed with an electric mixer until combined, about 1 minute; chill the frosting thoroughly, stirring occasionally, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Mixture should be the consistency of thick cream; beat the frosting again with electric mixer until it forms stiff peaks, 3 to 5 minutes. Spread frosting on cooled brownies.
Enjoy baking and indulging in these Wonderful Brownies, a true testament to the timeless appeal of grandma’s classic recipes!
