If you’re craving a rich, decadent treat that balances deep chocolate flavor with a satisfying crunch, this Chocolate Fudge Brownies with Walnuts Recipe is exactly what you need. These brownies are the perfect blend of fudgy, gooey texture and nutty bites from chopped walnuts, baked to chewy perfection. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or impressing friends at a gathering, this recipe guarantees mouthwatering results that keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the first step toward brownie bliss. Each component plays a crucial role—from the creamy melted butter that adds richness, to the cocoa powder delivering intense chocolate goodness, and walnuts offering that delightful crunch you’ll love.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides a smooth, rich base that keeps brownies moist.
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create that perfect fudgy texture.
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers deep, bitter chocolate flavor without overpowering sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds a warm, aromatic note.
- 4 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the chewy structure.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the necessary structure without making brownies cakey.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies chocolate notes.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adds melty pockets of chocolate throughout every bite.
- 1 cup chopped walnuts: Brings a crunchy, earthy contrast to the creamy fudge.
How to Make Chocolate Fudge Brownies with Walnuts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure your brownies come out cleanly with no sticking. This simple preparation step saves you frustration later and keeps your brownies looking beautiful.
Step 2: Combine Butter, Sugar, and Cocoa
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and unsweetened cocoa powder until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This creates the rich, fudgy foundation of your brownies, so take a moment to really blend it well—your taste buds will thank you.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Eggs One at a Time
Next, stir in the vanilla extract followed by the eggs, adding each egg separately and whisking well after each addition. This careful incorporation helps the batter stay smooth and emulsified, resulting in brownies that have that perfect fudgy consistency instead of being dry or crumbly.
Step 4: Stir in Flour and Salt
Gently fold the all-purpose flour and salt into your wet ingredients until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix here; overworking the batter can create tough brownies. The goal is a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Walnuts
Finally, add your semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts, folding them evenly into the batter. This step ensures every square bursts with gooey chocolate pockets and a satisfying nutty crunch.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly to bake uniformly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, checking by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it for that ideal fudgy texture. For extra gooey brownies, remove them right at the 30-minute mark.
Step 7: Cool Before Cutting
Let your brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. This resting time allows the fudgy texture to set beautifully and makes cutting cleaner and easier.
How to Serve Chocolate Fudge Brownies with Walnuts Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar on top for a simple yet elegant touch, or drizzle with warm caramel or chocolate sauce for an indulgent finish. You can also add a few extra walnut halves on top before serving for visual appeal and extra crunch.
Side Dishes
These brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, balancing the intense chocolate with creamy coolness. A fresh berry salad or a glass of cold milk also makes a perfect companion to the rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve brownies in bite-sized squares on a beautiful dessert platter with assorted nuts and chocolate shavings scattered around. Or stack a few with layers of whipped cream and fresh raspberries for a decadent brownie trifle that looks as amazing as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keeping them sealed preserves their moist, fudgy texture and prevents them from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover brownies to enjoy later by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight at room temperature or gently in the microwave.
Reheating
To warm up brownies, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to revive that freshly baked softness. If you prefer, a quick 5-minute bake in a preheated oven at 300°F can refresh the fudgy texture while keeping the walnuts perfectly crunchy.
FAQs
Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut?
Absolutely! Pecans or hazelnuts make fantastic alternatives and offer a similar crunchy texture and flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate. Just chop them to the same size for even baking.
How do I make the brownies extra fudgy?
One simple way is to take the brownies out right at the 30-minute bake mark instead of waiting the full 35 minutes. Also, slightly underbaking ensures they stay ooey and gooey inside.
Can I use cocoa powder that is not Dutch-processed?
Yes, but keep in mind that natural cocoa powder is more acidic and might result in a slightly different flavor and texture. Dutch-processed cocoa is neutral and ideal for this recipe, but natural cocoa works in a pinch.
Is it necessary to use parchment paper?
Parchment paper is highly recommended to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier, but greasing the pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray is a suitable alternative.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup, ensuring the brownies become safe for gluten-sensitive eaters while preserving the fudgy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Fudge Brownies with Walnuts Recipe is a timeless crowd-pleaser that’s as simple to make as it is delightful to eat. From the first bite, you’ll experience a luscious fudginess with every nutty crunch, making it a go-to dessert for any occasion. Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and prepare to share a batch of homemade joy with your loved ones—you won’t regret it!
Print
Chocolate Fudge Brownies with Walnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Fudge Brownies with Walnuts are rich, fudgy, and loaded with chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts. Perfectly moist with a deep chocolate flavor, these homemade brownies are a classic American dessert that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy any chocolate craving.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, and cocoa powder until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add the vanilla extract, then incorporate the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each to ensure a smooth batter.
- Add dry ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour and salt just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the brownies tough.
- Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts: Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts evenly into the batter.
- Bake the brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 16 squares and serving.
Notes
- For extra gooey brownies, remove them from the oven at the 30-minute mark.
- Store brownies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Brownies can be frozen for up to 2 months wrapped tightly.
