Irresistibly Fudgy Nutty Brownies: The Ultimate Triple Nut Chocolate Dessert
Prepare to fall in love with these absolutely outrageous fudge brownies, generously loaded with a delightful trio of walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts. If you’re a fan of rich chocolate desserts with a satisfying crunch, these brownies are about to become your new obsession. Forget everything you thought you knew about plain brownies; this recipe elevates a classic treat to an extraordinary indulgence, combining deep chocolate flavor with the irresistible texture and nutty aroma of premium nuts.
This recipe was proudly developed in partnership with Diamond of California, a brand renowned for its quality nuts. Their commitment to fresh, flavorful nuts ensures these brownies reach their full potential.
Like many, I vividly remember a time when I was firmly “anti-nut” in my brownies and most other desserts. The thought of a crunchy intruder in my smooth, chocolatey treat just didn’t appeal. But as time went on, and my palate matured, I had a revelation: nuts are where it’s at! Now, I find myself actively seeking out brownies with nuts. The textural contrast they provide, along with their earthy, sometimes buttery, flavors, adds an incredible depth and complexity that a plain brownie simply can’t match. They transform a simple sweet into something far more sophisticated and satisfying.
These extraordinary brownie bars are, without exaggeration, my personal brownie heaven. Each square promises a super dense, incredibly rich, and intensely fudgy experience, truly packed with nuts. We’re not just talking a sparse sprinkling; these brownies boast an abundant mix of whole and chopped nuts integrated throughout the batter, ensuring every single bite delivers that perfect balance of gooey chocolate and delightful crunch. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of texture and flavor that will have you reaching for another piece before you’ve even finished the first.
Crafting the Perfect Nutty Fudge Brownie Base
To create these phenomenal nutty fudge brownies, I started with my favorite foundational brownie recipe. This recipe is a proven winner, consistently delivering that ideal dense, moist, and utterly fudgy texture that forms the perfect canvas for our nutty additions. Its robust chocolate flavor stands up beautifully to the diverse profiles of the nuts, ensuring a harmonious bite every time. The secret lies in the careful balance of ingredients and the melting method, which contributes to its signature gooey center.
Building on this strong foundation, I incorporated a generous 1½ cups of mixed nuts. Specifically, I opted for shelled walnuts, known for their earthy, slightly bitter notes and satisfying crunch, which beautifully complement rich chocolate. Then, I added whole almonds, providing a firm bite and a subtle, buttery sweetness. Finally, chopped hazelnuts lend their distinct, toasty, and slightly sweet flavor, adding an elegant dimension to the overall taste profile. This triple nut combination isn’t just about texture; it’s a carefully chosen blend that maximizes the flavor impact of each nut, creating a truly memorable brownie experience.
Customize Your Nutty Brownie Adventure
One of the best aspects of these brownies is their versatility. While the combination of walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts is truly exceptional, feel free to get creative with your nut selection! Pecans would introduce a wonderfully buttery and slightly sweet taste, while pistachios could offer a vibrant color and unique savory-sweet note. For an even creamier texture, cashews would be a fantastic addition. Don’t be afraid to mix and match or stick to your absolute favorite – the key is to use fresh, high-quality nuts to ensure the best flavor and crunch. Whatever nuts you choose, they will undoubtedly contribute to the brownies’ incredible depth and texture!
To elevate these brownies even further, a delicate sprinkling of sea salt on top is entirely optional, but highly recommended. I personally find the sweet and salty combination utterly irresistible. The coarse salt crystals provide a delightful counterpoint to the intense sweetness of the chocolate, enhancing all the flavors and adding a subtle sparkle. Furthermore, if you’re a true chocoholic, consider stirring in an additional cup of chocolate chips or chunks into the batter before baking. This will create pockets of melted chocolate, adding another layer of decadence to an already rich treat. Truly, you can make these fudgy delights be whatever you want them to be – customize them to your heart’s content!
The Art of Baking Fudgy Brownies: Tips for Success
Achieving that perfectly fudgy brownie texture requires a few key considerations. First, ensure your ingredients are of high quality, especially the chocolate and butter, as they form the backbone of the flavor. When melting the butter and chocolate, do so gently over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and ensure a smooth, uniform mixture. The brown sugar not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the brownies’ moistness and fudgy chewiness. Adding the eggs one at a time and mixing thoroughly after each helps create a cohesive, emulsified batter, which is essential for texture.
The optional instant espresso powder might seem like a small detail, but it’s a game-changer. Espresso doesn’t make your brownies taste like coffee; instead, it subtly deepens and intensifies the chocolate flavor, making it richer and more profound. When it comes to the dry ingredients, remember the golden rule of brownie baking: do not overmix the flour. Stirring only until the streaks of flour are *almost* gone prevents gluten development, which can lead to tough, cakey brownies. We want dense and fudgy, not bouncy and airy! Finally, incorporate your chosen nuts gently, saving a handful to sprinkle on top for an appealing visual and an extra layer of crunch.
Baking time is crucial for fudginess. Keep a close eye on your brownies. They are ready when the edges appear firm and dry, but the center is still slightly moist and set, not completely dry. An inserted toothpick might still show some moist crumbs, which is exactly what you want for a fudgy interior. Overbaking is the enemy of fudgy brownies, turning them dry and cake-like. Trust your instincts and err on the side of underbaking slightly if you prefer an ultra-gooey result.
Two Delicious Ways to Enjoy Your Nutty Fudge Brownies!
Once your irresistible nutty fudge brownies are baked to perfection, you have a couple of fantastic options for enjoying them. Each method offers a unique experience, catering to different cravings and occasions.
1. Classic Brownie Bars: Portable Perfection
Brownies are, by nature, wonderfully portable. This makes them the ultimate treat for virtually any occasion, from casual gatherings to more formal events. They are absolutely perfect for picnics in the park, potlucks where you want to impress, or even as a delightful surprise in your kids’ lunchboxes. For the cleanest, most picture-perfect slices, patience is key. Allow the baked brownies to cool completely to room temperature first. This allows the chocolate and butter to set properly, resulting in a firm but still fudgy texture. Then, for superior neatness, chill the entire pan of brownies in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before cutting them with a sharp serrated knife. The serrated edge helps slice through the dense, fudgy interior and the nuts without dragging or tearing. Store your perfectly cut brownie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
2. Decadent Brownie Sundaes: An Indulgent Warm Treat
If you’re simply too impatient to wait for these incredible brownies to cool – and who could blame you? – serving them warm is a truly heavenly experience. Imagine a hot, gooey, deeply chocolatey brownie, fresh from the oven, providing an incredible contrast to cold, creamy ice cream. Top these warm masterpieces with a scoop (or two!) of your favorite vanilla bean or coffee ice cream, then drizzle generously with rich caramel sauce and/or decadent hot fudge. For an extra layer of texture and flavor, add a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of more chopped nuts, and maybe even some colorful sprinkles or fresh berries for a touch of brightness. This combination of warm, fudgy brownie with cold, sweet toppings creates an unforgettable dessert that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. It’s comfort food taken to an entirely new, luxurious level.
Nutty Fudge Brownies
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Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter , cubed (226 grams)
- 9 ounces bittersweet chocolate , chopped or use chips (255 grams)
- 1 ½ cup packed light or dark brown sugar (300 grams)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder , optional
- ½ teaspoon coarse salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 grams)
- 1 ½ cup mixed unsalted nuts, such as walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds (220 grams)
- Additional salt , for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch (23 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to easily lift the brownies out later.
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In a medium saucepan set over low heat, melt the unsalted butter and bittersweet chocolate, stirring frequently with a rubber spatula or whisk. Ensure the mixture is smooth and glossy, being careful not to scorch the chocolate. Remove from heat once fully melted.
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Once melted and smooth, stir in the packed light or dark brown sugar until fully incorporated. Add the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until thoroughly combined and the mixture is thick and shiny.
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Stir in the vanilla extract and instant espresso powder (if using). The espresso will enhance the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste.
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Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and coarse salt using a spatula, stirring only until streaks of flour are *almost* gone. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough brownies. Then, carefully stir in 1 cup of the mixed nuts, saving the remaining ½ cup to sprinkle on top.
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Pour the thick brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining ½ cup of nuts for an inviting presentation and extra crunch on top.
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Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the edges appear firm and dry, and the center is set but still slightly moist (a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter). Do not overbake for ultimate fudginess. Sprinkle with additional coarse salt, if desired, immediately after removing from the oven.
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Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to slice them. For exceptionally clean cuts, chill the cooled brownies in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before slicing with a sharp, serrated knife. Enjoy!
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Diamond of California as part of a long-term culinary ambassadorship. I genuinely love and believe in the quality of Diamond Nuts, and it’s partnerships like these that make Completely Delicious possible. Rest assured, all opinions expressed here are always 100% my own and reflect my true passion for their products.
To find more great recipes using high-quality nuts, be sure to visit the comprehensive Diamond Nuts website. You can also connect with them and discover more delicious inspiration on their social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram. Happy baking!