The Ultimate Old-Fashioned Fudgy Brownies: A Timeless Classic Recipe
There’s a special kind of magic that surrounds brownies. For many, they are more than just a dessert; they are a comforting embrace, a nostalgic trip back to childhood kitchens, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This particular Old-Fashioned Brownie recipe stands out not only for its incredible taste but also for its rich history, being almost a century old. It consistently earns a 5-star rating, and once you try it, you’ll understand why it has remained a beloved classic for generations. Prepare yourself for a truly superb, traditional brownie experience that will capture your heart and tantalize your taste buds.
Brownies possess an undeniable allure. Who among us can truly resist their moist, chewy goodness? There’s simply something about them that makes it incredibly difficult to stop at just one. The rich chocolate flavor, combined with that perfectly fudgy texture, creates a dessert that transcends ordinary sweet treats. If you’re nodding in agreement right now, then you’re one of us – a dedicated brownie lover – and this article is absolutely for you. If, by some remote chance, you don’t share our collective adoration for these chocolatey squares, you’re likely not still reading, so let’s continue our delightful conversation about all things brownies!
My journey to discovering this phenomenal recipe began when I decided to participate in #Choctoberfest. This fantastic event encourages bakers and food enthusiasts to share their best chocolate-inspired creations over two weeks. As I brainstormed ideas, promising to deliver at least three decadent chocolate recipes, a brownie recipe immediately sprang to mind. It felt like an essential contribution, a cornerstone of any chocolate celebration.
Over the years, my blog has accumulated a wonderful collection of creative brownie recipes, each with its own unique twist and flavor profile. From the autumnal delight of Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies to the vibrant sweetness of Chocolate Cherry Brownies, and even unconventional yet delicious options like Lemon Brownies, Lunch Lady Brownies, and the spiced perfection of Mexican Chocolate Frosted Brownies, I thought I had all my bases covered. However, upon reflection, I realized there was a gaping hole in my repertoire: a truly quintessential, basic, old-fashioned brownie recipe. A foundational classic that could stand on its own, delivering pure, unadulterated chocolate goodness without any frills.
In our busy household, when the craving for brownies strikes, the quick and easy solution is often a box mix, usually whipped up by my eager kids. And while there’s certainly nothing wrong with the convenience of a box mix for a quick treat, the truth is, this classic recipe for homemade brownies is remarkably simple. It demonstrates that you don’t need to sacrifice authentic flavor and a superior texture for ease of preparation. This recipe proves that homemade can be just as straightforward, and infinitely more rewarding, than anything from a package.
The beauty of this old-fashioned brownie recipe lies in its simplicity and the minimal effort required for maximum flavor. The process begins with melting unsweetened chocolate and shortening (or butter, if you prefer that rich, creamy flavor) together in a saucepan. This step creates a luscious, glossy chocolate base that forms the heart of these fudgy delights. Once melted and smooth, sugar and vanilla are whisked in, contributing to the sweetness and depth of flavor. Then come the eggs, beaten into the mixture until fully incorporated, adding richness and binding the ingredients. Finally, the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt—are gently folded in by hand. This careful mixing is crucial to prevent overdevelopment of gluten, ensuring a tender, fudgy brownie rather than a tough, cake-like one. The resulting batter is wonderfully thick and rich, a testament to the concentrated chocolate flavor awaiting you.
As mentioned, the batter for these old-fashioned brownies is wonderfully thick and decadent. Once prepared, it’s ready to be pressed evenly into a 9×13 inch baking pan. This thick consistency is a promise of the rich, fudgy texture that defines these brownies. Into the oven they go, baking to perfection in precisely 25 minutes. The key, as with any truly great brownie, is to avoid overbaking. A slightly underbaked brownie will yield a wonderfully gooey, moist interior, while overbaking can lead to a drier, more cake-like result. Keep a close eye on them, and you’ll be rewarded with a batch of brownies that are perfect every single time.
Speaking of perfection, let’s talk about brownie preferences. Are you a devoted fan of the chewy, crisp edges, or do you gravitate towards the soft, gooey middle pieces? This is a highly debated topic among brownie connoisseurs! In my family, we are staunch edge-eaters. The delicious contrast of a slightly crispy exterior with a deeply fudgy interior is simply irresistible. The only drawback? There are six of us, and a standard 9×13 pan only yields four coveted corners. It’s a true “you snooze, you lose” situation when it comes to snagging those prime pieces. While the middles are always left for last, they are certainly never neglected. They still deliver that wonderful, moist chocolate experience, albeit without the satisfying crunch of the corner. Each bite, whether from the edge or the center, is a testament to the exceptional quality of these homemade old-fashioned brownies.
My quest for a truly authentic old-fashioned brownie recipe began with a casual search on Google. Typing “Brownie Recipes” into the search bar, as you can imagine, brings up an overwhelming array of options – every conceivable variation under the sun. To narrow it down, I specifically searched for “Old Fashioned Brownies.” Several recipes caught my eye, but one, in particular, drew me in with its compelling narrative. The writer claimed this specific brownie recipe was incredibly old, well over 75 years, possibly even approaching a century. And to top it off, it boasted a stellar 5-star approval rating. That was all the convincing I needed. I knew immediately which recipe I had to try first. There was no need to consider a second option; this one was unequivocally perfect. It delivered exactly what I was looking for: a dense, rich, fudgy brownie with that unmistakable classic taste that only time-tested recipes can provide.
These brownies offer that glorious combination: a subtle crispness on the outside, giving way to an incredibly rich and perfectly fudgy interior. This dual texture is the hallmark of a truly great brownie, striking a balance that delights with every bite. The slightly crackled top, the dense, moist crumb – it’s everything you dream of when you think of a classic chocolate brownie.
Like many of my most cherished recipes, the old-fashioned ones often prove to be the best. There’s a comforting reliability and a depth of flavor in recipes that have stood the test of time, passed down through generations. They are tried, true, and refined by countless bakers over the years, guaranteeing delicious results. This phenomenon isn’t so different from the enduring value of long-standing relationships in our lives. Family members and old friends who have been with us for the long haul share a special history and occupy an irreplaceable space in our hearts and memories. Their presence is a substantiated fondness, a deep appreciation that newer connections, however wonderful, simply can’t compare to. Similarly, an old-fashioned brownie recipe brings with it a sense of heritage and a proven track record of deliciousness that is hard to beat.
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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
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts optional
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
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Melt shortening and chocolate together in a saucepan on the stove.
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When melted and smooth, add sugar and beat well with a wooden spoon.
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Add vanilla and eggs and beat again.
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Stir baking powder and salt into flour and add to mixture.
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If using, mix in nuts.
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Pour into a 9×13 baking pan and bake for exactly 25 minutes. These are not good if overcooked. **I use a convection oven. I decreased the baking time to 20 minutes and they were perfect**
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***Recipe doesn’t call for greasing pan, so I didn’t. They came out fine. ***
Notes
Nutrition
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These old-fashioned fudgy brownies are absolutely fantastic just as they are – a pure, unadulterated chocolate dream. However, if you’re truly seeking the pinnacle of chocolate indulgence, I have a recommendation that will elevate them to an even higher level of decadence. Consider mixing up a batch of rich, glossy Chocolate Ganache and generously pouring it over the warm brownies. The smooth, intense chocolate layer will create an irresistible topping. Pop them into the refrigerator for just a few minutes to allow the ganache to set, and what you’ll have before you is a dessert that will undoubtedly woo any chocolate lover. It’s a simple addition that transforms an already incredible treat into an extraordinary one, perfect for special occasions or when you simply want to treat yourself to something truly magnificent.
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As part of the exciting #CHOCTOBERFEST2016 event, I was thrilled to share several chocolate-inspired recipes, and these brownies were definitely a highlight. If you’re hungry for more chocolate goodness or want to participate in an incredible opportunity, be sure to check out my other contributions. By clicking on the Holiday recipe post below, you’ll not only discover more delightful chocolate creations but also gain entry into an amazing giveaway! This prize, valued at $350, is absolutely packed with fantastic items that any baking enthusiast or chocolate aficionado would adore. Don’t miss your chance to explore more delicious recipes and potentially win some wonderful treats!
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A huge thank you is in order for our wonderful #Choctoberfest sponsor, Imperial Sugar, whose quality products helped make these delicious treats possible. We also extend our deepest gratitude to The PinterTest Kitchen for their incredible dedication and hard work in organizing and managing this delightful event. Their efforts created a fantastic platform for chocolate lovers and bakers to connect and share their passion.
If you, like me, find yourself endlessly captivated by the magic of brownies, you absolutely must explore my curated collection of Epic Brownie Recipes. It’s a treasure trove of variations, from classic to creative, ensuring you’ll always find the perfect brownie for any craving or occasion. Whether you prefer them plain, swirled with cheesecake, studded with cherries, or spiced with a hint of Mexican chocolate, there’s a brownie recipe waiting to become your new favorite. Dive in and discover your next chocolate obsession!