Ultimate Triple Nut Fudge Brownies: A Recipe for Decadent Chocolate Perfection
Prepare to elevate your brownie game with these outrageously fudgy, incredibly rich, and absolutely irresistible triple nut fudge brownies. Forget everything you thought you knew about classic brownies – these are a true masterpiece, generously loaded with the harmonious crunch of walnuts, the delicate bite of almonds, and the distinct flavor of hazelnuts. If you’re a fan of deep chocolate, satisfying texture, and gourmet taste, then this is the brownie recipe you’ve been dreaming of.
This recipe was developed in partnership with Diamond of California, a brand renowned for its commitment to quality nuts, ensuring every bite of these brownies is nothing short of perfection.
For many years, like countless children (and even some adults!), I was firmly in the “no nuts in my brownies” camp. The idea of a crunchy interruption in a soft, chocolatey treat seemed almost sacrilegious. Brownies were meant to be pure, unadulterated chocolate bliss, right? However, as my palate matured and my culinary adventures broadened, I experienced a profound realization: nuts, when paired correctly, don’t detract from a dessert; they elevate it. The textural contrast, the earthy undertones, and the added depth of flavor can transform a good brownie into an extraordinary one. Now, I find myself actively seeking out that delightful crunch, preferring my brownies to be generously studded with nuts. It’s a game-changer, offering a complex sensory experience that plain brownies simply can’t match.
These Nutty Fudge Brownies are, without a doubt, my personal definition of brownie heaven. They strike the perfect balance between density and chewiness, delivering a supremely rich and undeniably fudgy experience with every bite. What truly sets them apart, however, is the sheer abundance of nuts. We’re not talking about a sparse sprinkling here; these bars are *packed* with a glorious medley of walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts, creating an incredible texture and flavor profile that will leave you craving more. Each square offers that delightful crackle and nutty richness that complements the intense chocolate beautifully.
Crafting the Perfect Nutty Fudge Brownie Base
To achieve this level of fudgy perfection, I started with my favorite tried-and-true brownie recipe as a robust foundation. This base is celebrated for its deep chocolate flavor and incredibly moist, dense texture, which provides the ideal canvas for our generous nut additions. The key to its richness lies in a careful balance of high-quality bittersweet chocolate and unsalted butter, combined with brown sugar for that signature chewiness and depth.
Once the base was perfected, the real magic began with the incorporation of a truly delightful trio of nuts. I opted for shelled walnuts for their classic earthy flavor and slight bitterness, which beautifully cuts through the sweetness of the chocolate. Next, whole almonds were added, contributing a delicate crunch and a subtle, buttery sweetness. Finally, chopped hazelnuts brought their unique, aromatic, and slightly toasty notes, enhancing the overall complexity. This combination isn’t just about texture; it’s about building layers of complementary flavors that make each bite an adventure.
But don’t feel limited to these specific nuts! The beauty of these brownies is their versatility. Feel free to experiment with other beloved varieties to suit your taste preferences. Pecans, with their buttery and slightly sweet profile, would lend a wonderfully rich character. Pistachios would introduce a vibrant color and a distinct, slightly salty crunch, while cashews would add a creamy texture and mild, sweet flavor. The important thing is to use whatever nuts you love most – the more, the merrier!
Beyond the nuts, there are a couple of optional, yet highly recommended, additions that can elevate these brownies even further. A light sprinkling of coarse sea salt on top is a personal favorite; I simply cannot resist the dynamic interplay of sweet and salty flavors. It’s a simple touch that enhances the chocolate’s depth and adds a sophisticated twist. And for the ultimate chocolate indulgence, consider folding in a cup of extra chocolate chips or chunks into the batter. This ensures pockets of melted chocolate throughout, creating an even more luxurious experience. Truly, these brownies are incredibly adaptable, allowing you to customize them to be whatever your dessert-loving heart desires.
Two Delightful Ways to Enjoy Your Brownies!
While these nutty fudge brownies are utterly delicious on their own, their versatility shines when considering how to serve them. Whether you prefer a neat, portable treat or a decadent, warm dessert, these brownies deliver on all fronts.
Classic Brownie Bars: Perfect for Any Occasion
There’s a reason brownie bars are a perennial favorite: they are wonderfully portable and incredibly convenient. These dense, fudgy squares are ideal for a myriad of events – from casual picnics and bustling potlucks to a delightful addition to your child’s lunchbox. They travel well, hold their shape, and are universally loved. For achieving the cleanest, most professional-looking slices, patience is a virtue. Allow your freshly baked brownies to cool completely to room temperature, which can take a few hours. Then, for an even neater cut, chill them in the refrigerator for an additional 1-2 hours. Once thoroughly cooled and firm, use a sharp, serrated knife, wiping the blade clean between each cut, to achieve those perfect, envy-inducing squares. This method minimizes crumbling and ensures a beautiful presentation, making them an excellent choice for sharing.
Decadent Brownie Sundaes: An Impatient Indulgence
If the aroma of warm, chocolatey brownies fresh from the oven proves too much to resist, and waiting for them to cool feels like an eternity, then a brownie sundae is your perfect solution! There’s nothing quite like a warm, gooey brownie, especially when it’s transformed into an extravagant dessert. Serve these fudgy beauties hot, straight from the pan or reheated slightly, and top them generously with a scoop (or two!) of your favorite vanilla bean ice cream. Drizzle with a luscious caramel sauce, a rich hot fudge, or even a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Add some extra chopped nuts or a cherry on top for a truly show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth. This is indulgence at its finest, a comforting and luxurious treat that’s perfect for cozy evenings or special celebrations.
Expert Tips for Baking Your Best Nutty Fudge Brownies
Achieving the perfect nutty fudge brownies is a rewarding experience, and a few simple tips can make all the difference:
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Since chocolate is the star here, invest in good quality bittersweet chocolate. Its rich flavor will truly shine. Similarly, using fresh, high-quality nuts like those from Diamond of California will ensure the best texture and taste.
- Proper Melting: When melting the butter and chocolate, do so gently over low heat, stirring constantly. Overheating can cause the chocolate to seize or become grainy. A double boiler or microwave on low power, with frequent stirring, also works well.
- Don’t Overmix: After adding the flour and salt, mix just until the streaks of flour have almost disappeared. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, cake-like brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture.
- Customize Your Nuts: While the recipe calls for walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts, feel free to use your favorite mix. To enhance their flavor even further, lightly toast the nuts before adding them to the batter. This brings out their natural oils and deepens their taste.
- The Doneness Test: Brownies are notorious for being tricky to gauge for doneness. Look for edges that appear firm and slightly dry, while the center should still look a little moist but set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter (which means undercooked) or completely clean (which means overcooked and likely dry). Err on the side of slightly underbaked for ultimate fudginess.
- Cooling is Crucial: As tempting as it is to dig in immediately, allowing the brownies to cool completely, and even chilling them, helps them set properly. This enhances their fudgy texture and makes them much easier to slice cleanly.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to baking a batch of the most delicious and perfectly textured nutty fudge brownies imaginable. They’re not just a dessert; they’re an experience.
Nutty Fudge Brownies
Pin Recipe
Leave a Review
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
-
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to easily lift the brownies out later.
-
In a medium saucepan set over low heat, gently melt the unsalted butter and bittersweet chocolate, stirring frequently with a spatula or whisk until completely smooth and combined. Be careful not to scorch the chocolate.
-
Once melted and perfectly smooth, remove the saucepan from the heat. 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 just combined.
-
Stir in the vanilla extract, and if using, the instant espresso powder. Espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor without making the brownies taste like coffee.
-
Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and coarse salt. Mix only until a few streaks of flour remain; avoid overmixing. Then, carefully stir in the mixed unsalted nuts, reserving a small handful to sprinkle on top for extra visual appeal and crunch.
-
Pour the rich brownie batter evenly into the prepared 9-inch square baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and then sprinkle with the remaining reserved nuts. If desired, a touch of extra coarse sea salt can be added now.
-
Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are firm and dry to the touch, and the center is set but still looks slightly moist (not wet). This ensures a perfectly fudgy interior.
-
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack before attempting to slice. For the cleanest cuts, chilling them for an hour or two in the refrigerator can be helpful.
Ready to bake these incredible nutty fudge brownies? This recipe is more than just a sweet treat; it’s an invitation to experience the perfect blend of rich chocolate and crunchy nuts. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a craving, they are guaranteed to become a new favorite. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious dessert.
Disclosure: This post is proudly sponsored by Diamond of California as part of a long-term culinary ambassadorship. My love for their high-quality nuts is genuine, and these partnerships enable Completely Delicious to continue bringing you delicious recipes. All opinions and the passion for these brownies are always 100% my own.
To explore more fantastic recipes that celebrate the versatility of nuts, be sure to visit the official Diamond Nuts website. You can also connect with them and find endless inspiration on their social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.