Best Ever Brownie Recipes

Best Ever Brownies

Thousands of chocolate brownie recipes circulate the globe, but these two must be in the top ten, sure to please all tastes. Brownies are an American invention, with the original ones baked in Boston, Massachusetts in the early 20th Century. They became richer through the years with more eggs, butter and baking chocolate added, to become one of the world's most favorite desserts.

Traditional Brownie Recipe

A classic brownie recipe with or without nuts is basic in any cook's repertoire. After mastering this traditional recipe, variations can be experimented with.

Ingredients:

• 2 sticks or 1/2 pound (226 g) salted butter
• 4 oz. (113 g) unsweetened chocolate
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups (400 g) of granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (60 g) white flour or brown rice flour 
• 1 tsp. (5 mL) vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup (100 g) walnuts or pecans, coarsely chopped

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350*F (177*C). Grease and flour a 13 x 9 x 2" (32.5 x 23 x 5 cm) baking pan.
2. Melt the butter and chocolate together in a saucepan over very low heat or in the top of a double boiler. When melted, set it aside to cool to room temperature.
3. Meanwhile, beat the eggs and sugar together.
4. Add the vanilla to the eggs and sugar.
5. Fold the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, thoroughly mixing it.
6. Sift the flour and fold it gently into the batter, mixing it just until it's blended. Then fold in the walnuts.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the center springs back when lightly touched or an inserted knife comes out clean. DO NOT OVERBAKE.
8. Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 30 minutes and then cut into bars. This recipe makes 28 large, fabulous tasting brownies.

Caramel Brownies Recipe

An exceptional variation of the brownie recipe was devised by a woman in California who owned a pizza restaurant. She sold her homemade brownies to many satisfied customers.

Ingredients:

• 1 1-18.5 oz. (520 g) package German chocolate cake mix
• 1/2 cup (120 mL) canned evaporated milk
• 3/4 cup or 1 and a half sticks (180 g) melted butter
• 1 cup (150 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 6 oz. (168 g) package of semi-sweet chocolate morsels
• 3/4 tub or 12 oz. (340 g) caramel apple dip (found in the produce section of most grocery stores)

Directions:

1. Mix together the cake mix, evaporated milk, butter and nuts.
2. Pour half the batter into a well greased 9 x 9" (23 x 23 cm) brownie pan.
3. Bake at 350*F (177*C) for 6 minutes.
4. Sprinkle the chocolate morsels over over the brownie.
5. Spread the caramel over the morsels.
6. Soften the remainder of the brownie mixture in a microwave oven for 30 seconds, then pour and spread on top of the caramel.
7. Bake at 350*F (177*C) for 15 to 18 minutes. It won't be firm but will jiggle like jello. Makes 16 delicious brownies.

Brownies are also a fabulous choice to bring to a Christmas cookie exchange. Make several batches and swap them with friends who are each bringing multiple batches of their own special cookie recipes. It is great fun and allows everyone to have many varieties of holiday cookies.

Read more dessert recipes:

• Seven Layer Bars
• Best Ever Apple Crisp
• Mexican Wedding Cake