Brownies from Scratch
Brownies from Scratch is a easy American recipe that serves 12. 230 calories per serving. Recipe by COOKING WITH SHEREEN on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr
Cost: $18.48 total, $1.54 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes, melted over medium‑low heat)
- 1.25 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- 0.5 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 0.5 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (high‑quality, unsweetened)
- 3 tablespoons Pecans (chopped)
- 3 tablespoons Almonds (chopped)
- 0.75 cup Extra Dark Chocolate Chips (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
Melt the Butter
Place the butter cubes in a saucepan over medium‑low heat. Stir constantly until fully melted.
Time: PT5M
Cool the Butter
Transfer the melted butter to a mixing bowl and let it sit until it reaches room temperature (about 5 minutes).
Time: PT5M
Combine Wet Ingredients
Whisk the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract into the cooled butter until the mixture is smooth and slightly glossy.
Time: PT5M
Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Sift the flour and cocoa powder together, then gently fold them into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
Time: PT5M
Add Nuts and Chocolate
Fold in the chopped pecans, chopped almonds, and 0.75 cup of extra‑dark chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Time: PT3M
Prepare Pan and Preheat Oven
Line the 9×13‑inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy lift‑out. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Transfer Batter and Top
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips (about 0.25 cup) over the top.
Time: PT2M
Bake the Brownies
Place the pan in the middle rack and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool and Serve
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment overhang and cut into squares.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 230
- Protein
- 3 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Eggs, Tree nuts, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine (use unsalted)
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar, Brown sugar (light)
- Instead of Eggs: Egg replacer, Flax egg (2 tbsp ground flax + 6 tbsp water)
- Instead of Pure Vanilla Extract: Vanilla paste, Maple extract
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Dutch‑process cocoa powder
- Instead of Pecans: Walnuts, Pistachios
- Instead of Almonds: Hazelnuts, Cashews
- Instead of Extra Dark Chocolate Chips: Semi‑sweet chocolate chips, Chopped dark chocolate
Equipment Needed
- Saucepan
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- 9×13‑inch Baking Pan
- Parchment Paper
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Melt butter over low heat without browning.
- Let melted butter cool before adding eggs.
- Do not overmix after adding flour and cocoa.
- Fold nuts and chocolate chips gently.
- Check doneness with a toothpick; brownies should be fudgy, not dry.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use high‑quality extra‑dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- For an extra crunch, toast the pecans and almonds lightly before chopping.
- If you prefer a glossy top, brush the surface with a little melted butter before baking.
Troubleshooting
Brownies are dry and crumbly.
Reduce baking time by 5‑10 minutes and ensure the butter was fully cooled before mixing.
Brownies are too dense and don’t spread.
Make sure the butter is melted and the batter is mixed just until combined; overmixing creates excess gluten.
Chocolate chips sink to the bottom.
Fold the chips in gently and sprinkle extra chips on top before baking.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze up to 3 months.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for 2 days if kept in a sealed container.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the brownies a day ahead and store them sealed; they taste even better after the flavors meld.
- Freeze individual portions wrapped in parchment and foil for quick dessert servings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Chocolate Fix Mashed Brownies inspired by Ben & Jerry's Old School in American dessert cuisine?
Ben & Jerry's Old School ice‑cream flavor, introduced in the 1990s, combined chocolate ice cream with fudge swirls and almond pieces. Home cooks have adapted it into brownies to capture the same indulgent texture and nutty‑chocolate profile, making it a nostalgic treat in American comfort‑food culture.
What are the traditional regional variations of chocolate brownies in the United States?
Across the U.S., brownies range from cakey (often found in the Northeast) to fudgy (popular in the Midwest). Some regions add nuts, caramel, or swirl in peanut butter, while others keep them plain. This recipe leans toward the fudgy style with added nuts and dark chocolate, echoing the Old School flavor.
How is Chocolate Fix Mashed Brownies traditionally served in American households?
They are usually cut into square or rectangular pieces and served at room temperature. Many families pair them with a glass of cold milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra decadence.
What occasions or celebrations is Chocolate Fix Mashed Brownies traditionally associated with in American culture?
Brownies are a staple at casual gatherings such as birthday parties, potlucks, and holiday cookie swaps. Their handheld size makes them perfect for school lunches and office snack breaks as well.
What other American desserts pair well with Chocolate Fix Mashed Brownies?
Serve them alongside vanilla or caramel ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a side of fresh berries. They also complement a warm cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk.
What makes Chocolate Fix Mashed Brownies special or unique in American brownie tradition?
The inclusion of both pecans and almonds plus a generous amount of extra‑dark chocolate chips mirrors the texture of Ben & Jerry's Old School ice cream, giving the brownies a crunchy‑nutty contrast and a deep chocolate intensity not found in classic recipes.
How has the Chocolate Fix Mashed Brownies recipe evolved over time in American home cooking?
Originally, brownies were simple chocolate cakes. Over the decades, bakers have experimented with mix‑ins like nuts, caramel, and specialty chocolates. This modern take reflects the trend of borrowing flavors from popular ice‑cream brands to create richer, more textured brownies.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chocolate Fix Mashed Brownies at home?
Common errors include over‑baking (which dries them out), over‑mixing the batter (which makes them cakey), and adding chocolate chips before the butter has cooled (which can cause the chips to melt). Follow the critical steps for best results.
Why does this Chocolate Fix Mashed Brownies recipe use melted butter instead of softened butter?
Melted butter creates a denser, more fudgy crumb by coating the flour particles more evenly. Softened butter would trap air and lead to a lighter, cake‑like texture, which is not desired for this fudgy brownie.
What does the YouTube channel COOKING WITH SHEREEN specialize in?
The YouTube channel COOKING WITH SHEREEN focuses on easy‑to‑follow, home‑cooked recipes that blend classic comfort foods with modern twists, often highlighting quick techniques and ingredient substitutions for busy cooks.
How does the YouTube channel COOKING WITH SHEREEN's approach to American dessert cooking differ from other cooking channels?
COOKING WITH SHEREEN emphasizes step‑by‑step visual cues, clear timing, and practical tips like cooling butter before adding eggs, which helps home cooks avoid common pitfalls. The channel also frequently incorporates popular brand flavors, like Ben & Jerry's, to make familiar treats more accessible.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
