The Ultimate Classic Fudgy Walnut Brownies: An Irresistible Homemade Recipe Guide

Prepare to delight your senses with these truly classic fudgy walnut brownies! This foolproof recipe consistently delivers incredibly moist, chewy, and intensely chocolatey treats, guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Crafted with just a handful of everyday ingredients and requiring minimal effort in the kitchen, you’ll be enjoying warm, homemade brownies in no time. While traditionally made with walnuts, feel free to customize them by omitting nuts or swapping in your favorite variety. Personally, I find the walnuts add an unparalleled texture and depth of flavor that perfectly complements the rich chocolate.

These brownies are exceptional on their own, offering a perfect balance of deep chocolate flavor and a satisfyingly chewy texture. However, they transform into an even more decadent dessert when served warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, or baked individually in small cast-iron skillets. The individual skillet method is particularly wonderful for a warm summer evening when you crave a freshly baked treat without heating up your entire kitchen. Living in Texas, I’ve found my toaster oven to be an indispensable tool for baking, proving that big flavor doesn’t always require a big oven.

Baking Perfect Fudgy Brownies: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

This recipe for homemade fudgy brownies is refreshingly simple and incredibly straightforward. Whether you prefer the convenience of a stand mixer or the ease of a single bowl for minimal cleanup, these brownies can be made to suit your preference. I often choose my method based on my mood – sometimes a quick one-bowl mix is all I need, other times I appreciate the consistent results of my stand mixer.

To begin your journey to delicious, fudgy brownies, you’ll first melt the chocolate and butter together. Place them in a large microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the mixture is completely smooth and melted. Alternatively, you can use the classic double boiler method on your stovetop, gently stirring until everything is perfectly combined and glossy.

Next, to the warm chocolate and butter mixture, incorporate the eggs, granulated sugar, a touch of salt to enhance the flavors, and the aromatic vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and the sugar has largely dissolved. It’s important to mix thoroughly but avoid vigorously whipping in too much air, as this can lead to a more cake-like texture rather than the desired dense, fudgy brownie. The goal is a smooth, homogenous mixture.

Gently whisk in the all-purpose flour until it is almost fully incorporated into the wet ingredients. The key here is not to overmix, which can develop the gluten and make your brownies tough. Once the flour is nearly combined, add a portion of your chopped walnuts. Fold them into the batter with a spatula until all traces of flour lumps disappear and the walnuts are evenly distributed. This ensures a delicate crumb and avoids dense spots.

Finally, transfer your luscious brownie batter into a prepared baking tin. For effortless removal and minimal cleanup, always line the bottom of your pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on the sides to create “handles.” For an extra layer of crunch and visual appeal, sprinkle the remaining walnuts evenly over the top of the batter before baking.

This isn’t just any brownie recipe; it’s a professional-grade formulation that I perfected during my culinary school days. I once famously baked an entire sheet pan of these brownies and, to my teacher’s mild astonishment, took them all home to mail to my parents. They still rave about those brownies to this very day, a testament to their enduring appeal and unforgettable flavor!

Variations and Customizations for Your Perfect Brownies

While the classic fudgy walnut brownie recipe is a masterpiece in itself, don’t hesitate to experiment and personalize it to your taste. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Nut Swaps: Not a fan of walnuts? Substitute them with pecans, almonds, or even a mix of your favorite nuts. For a nut-free version, simply omit them entirely.
• Extra Chocolate Boost: Fold in a cup of chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark) along with the walnuts for an even richer chocolate experience.
• Flavor Enhancers: A pinch of espresso powder can intensify the chocolate flavor without making the brownies taste like coffee. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking can also create a delightful sweet and salty contrast.
• Toppings Galore: Beyond vanilla ice cream, consider drizzling warm chocolate ganache, caramel sauce, or a dollop of fresh whipped cream over your brownies.

Storing Your Delicious Homemade Brownies

To keep your fudgy brownies fresh and delightful, proper storage is key:

• Room Temperature: Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. This is often preferred for maintaining their signature fudgy texture.
• Refrigerator: For extended freshness, especially in warmer climates, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Allow them to come to room temperature or gently warm them before serving for the best texture.
• Freezer: Brownies freeze beautifully! Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.

Explore More Decadent Chocolate & Peanut Butter Delights

If these brownies leave you craving more irresistible chocolate goodness, or if you’re a fellow admirer of the heavenly combination of chocolate and peanut butter, then you’re in luck! I have a few more recipes that I’m sure you’ll adore.

For a truly indulgent experience, you simply must try these Peanut Butter Brownies inspired by Joanna Gaines. They are SUPER DECADENT and if, like me, you consider yourself a true peanut butter connoisseur, these will become an instant favorite!

And if you lean more towards chocolate cake, then my Chocolate Covered Peanut Cake is an absolute must-try. It’s one of my all-time favorites. Are you noticing a delicious trend here? Chocolate and peanut butter truly are a match made in heaven for my taste buds!

Why This Fudgy Brownie Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite

This recipe consistently delivers the best ooey, gooey, perfectly flakey-topped, and delightfully chewy walnut brownies you’ll ever make. The ultimate secret to achieving that signature super fudgy texture lies in carefully avoiding overmixing your batter, especially after adding the flour. While some air incorporation is natural during initial mixing, deliberately whipping the eggs for extended periods can introduce too much air, leading to a lighter, more cake-like brownie instead of the dense, rich fudge you crave. Follow these simple steps, and prepare to ENJOY!

📖 Recipe

Yield: 9, 2.5 inch Brownie Squares

Classic Fudgy Walnut Brownies

This simple brownie recipe works out EVERY time and is quick and easy to make. Enjoy rich, chewy, and decadent chocolate deliciousness any day!

Ingredients

• 4oz Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, by weight
• 12 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
• 3 lg Eggs
• 1 ½ cup Granulated Sugar
• ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1 ½ cups Walnuts

Instructions

1. Prepare an 8×8-inch square metal baking pan by coating the interior with cooking spray and lining the bottom with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 325˚F.
2. In a metal bowl fitted over a simmering pot of water (a “Bain Marie”) or in a microwave-safe bowl, place the chocolate and butter and stir over the warm water or microwave in 30-second increments until melted and smooth.
3. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl, add the eggs, sugar, salt, and vanilla to the melted chocolate and butter mixture and mix on low just to combine. Do not whip vigorously, as excessive air will make the brownies cakey instead of fudgy.
4. Add the flour and ½ cup of the walnuts, mix on low to medium speed until just well combined and no flour streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Place the batter in the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Top with remaining walnuts if desired, then bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
6. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before removing them and cutting into 3-inch squares. This ensures they set properly and maintain their fudgy texture.

Notes

This recipe is excellent served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also works wonderfully for individual 6-inch cast-iron skillet servings; this batter will fill approximately 3 such skillets.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

9

Serving Size:

1 grams

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 536Total Fat: 35gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 103mgSodium: 147mgCarbohydrates: 50gFiber: 4gSugar: 34gProtein: 8g

This is an estimated caloric value, actual numbers may differ based on the ingredients used.

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