Journey back to 1893 with a dessert born in the famed Palmer House kitchen in Chicago, the brownie! Our version of this beloved treat features a crispy sugary crust that is so perfect, it would be almost criminal to glaze. Filled with walnuts and a moist, fudgy center, these brownies are a delightful nod to their storied past, while perfectly suited for modern tastes.
Ingredients
- Dark Chocolate – 3.5 oz (100 grams)
- Butter – 6.3 oz (180 grams)
- Brown Sugar – 7 oz (200 grams)
- Eggs – 4 large
- All-Purpose Flour – 3.5 oz (100 grams)
- Walnuts – 3.5 oz (100 grams)
Cooking Instructions
Melt the Chocolate and Butter:
- Break the chocolate into pieces. Combine with butter in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with half of the brown sugar (3.5 oz or 100 grams) until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2.5 to 3 minutes. You can use a mixer or do it by hand.
Chop and Toast the Walnuts:
- Roughly chop the walnuts on a cutting board using a sharp knife. Optionally, toast them in a dry skillet until fragrant to enhance their flavor.
Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- To the cooled chocolate mixture, gently stir in the remaining brown sugar, then sift in the flour. Add the chopped walnuts and mix thoroughly with a whisk.
Add the Egg Mixture:
- Pour the egg and sugar mixture into the chocolate mix. Stir well until the batter is smooth and uniform in color.
Bake the Brownies:
- Preheat the oven to 392°F (200°C). Line a deep baking dish with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the dish and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a sugary crust has formed on the top.
Cool and Cut:
- Remove the brownies from the oven, let them cool in the pan, then slice into squares with a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean edges.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the brownies as they are, dust them with powdered sugar, or pair each square with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Enjoy these classic walnut brownies with a crunchy top and fudgy center, perfect for any occasion or simply as a treat to brighten your day.
