The ultimate old-fashioned brownies—crackly top, fudgy center, and that rich cocoa flavor only grandma could perfect. No fancy techniques, just pure chocolatey bliss.
Why You’ll Love These
✨ One-bowl wonder – Minimal cleanup!
🍫 Deep cocoa flavor – No chocolate bars needed.
⚡ Quick to make – Ready in under an hour.
🏡 Nostalgic texture – Dense, fudgy, and slightly chewy.
Ingredients
*(Makes 16-20 brownies)*
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3 sticks (340g) unsalted butter, melted
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2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
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¾ cup (75g) cocoa powder (Dutch-process for extra richness)
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½ tsp salt
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2 large eggs, room temp
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup (240ml) whole milk (or 2%)
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2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep & Preheat
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13″ pan or line with parchment.
2. Melt Butter Mixture
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In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
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Off heat, whisk in sugar, cocoa, and salt until smooth.
3. Add Wet Ingredients
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Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
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Stir in milk (batter will be thin).
4. Fold in Dry Ingredients
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Gently mix in flour until just combined.
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Optional: Fold in nuts or chocolate chips.
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5. Bake
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Pour into prepared pan. Bake 25-30 mins until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
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Cool completely before slicing.
Pro Tips
🔸 Room-temp eggs prevent batter from seizing.
🔸 Don’t overbake – They firm up as they cool.
🔸 For shiny tops, dissolve sugar fully in warm butter.
Variations
☕ Mocha: Add 1 tbsp instant espresso to the butter.
🍂 Salted Caramel: Swirl in ½ cup caramel sauce before baking.
🍊 Orange Zest: Add 1 tbsp zest for a citrus twist.
Storage
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Room temp: 3 days in an airtight container.
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Freeze: Wrap tightly for up to 3 months.
Serving Idéal
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À la mode: Warm with vanilla ice cream.
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Coffee pairing: Dunk in espresso like Italians do!
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Gift boxes: Stack with parchment between layers.
Final Thought
These brownies are a testament to simplicity—no frills, just decadent, old-school chocolate perfection.
More Vintage Desserts:
🍎 Depression-Era Apple Crisp
🥧 1940s Vinegar Pie
🍞 War Cake (No Eggs/Butter!)