It’s officially National Brownie Day on 8th December and we couldn’t think of a better excuse to bring you some delicious chocolate brownie recipes. But first, let us tell you a little more about these much-loved treat.
What are brownies and where do they come from?
A brownie is simply a square or rectangular chocolate baking good. Depending on their density, brownies can range from fudgey and chewy to cakey and crumbly.
It’s believed that brownies were born in Boston, Massachusetts in the United States of America during the early 20th Century. That’s because the first ever mention of “brownies” appeared in The 1896 Boston Cooking-School Cook Book by Fannie Farmer. She adapted her chocolate cookie recipe into a bar cookie, or brownie, that she baked in a rectangular pan.
The first ever recipe for chocolate brownies popped up in the Machias Cookbook in 1899, a collection of recipes sourced from the town’s local community. The modern style chocolate brownie appeared around in 1904, when The Club of Chicago published a cookbook with a recipe for Bangor Brownies.
Like with any type of food, brownies have evolved over time and are now a household favourite – apparently, Americans eat almost 1.5 billion brownies every year! There are lots of different takes on this irresistible treat too, such as salted caramel brownies and peanut butter brownies. Some recipes also include nuts and chocolate chips.
If you’d like to indulge in some gooey goodness this National Brownie Day, below are 3 of our favourite recipes to make everyone happy!
3 of the best chocolate brownies to bake at home
Classic Brownies
For a generous stack of sweet and squidgy brownies, you can’t go wrong with this ever-so-simple recipe.
Ingredients:
185g unsalted butter
185g best dark chocolate
85g plain flour
40g cocoa powder
50g white chocolate
50g milk chocolate
3 large eggs
275g golden caster sugar
Vegan Brownies
If it’s little squares of happiness you’re after, which are totally vegan and dairy-free, follow this recipe.
Ingredients:
5 tablespoons sunflower oil , plus extra for greasing
200 g dairy-free dark chocolate
170 g self-raising flour
3 heaped teaspoons cocoa powder
180 g golden caster sugar
sea salt
1 vanilla pod
230 ml unsweetened organic soya milk
200 g pecan nuts
Kids Brownies
Baking can be a wonderful family activity. If your little ones want to rustle up something tasty, here’s a fun and kid-friendly alternative to your grown-up brownies.
Ingredients:
1 box (16 oz) of brownie mix
Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on brownie mix box for cakelike brownies
15 craft or wooden sticks with round ends
1 ¼ cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 teaspoons shortening
Rainbow cake sprinkles
What’s the best baking pan for your brownies?
You can’t make the best ever brownies without the best ever baking equipment. That’s where the FlavorStone Diamond comes in! ‘The Pan That Can’ is the perfect utensil for baking rich, chocolatey brownies on 8th December and beyond.
The FlavorStone Diamond can be used for multiple cooking surfaces, including your oven. With its square shape and deep walls, you’ll have plenty of space to create your brownie mix with ease. Then simply transfer the FlavorStone Diamond to your oven and let the magic happen.
The FlavorStone Diamond has a ‘quick release, cool touch’ handle that allows you to move it from your kitchen countertop to oven quickly and safely. The pan also has a non-stick wipe clean coating, which makes washing up easy!
Find more information on the FlavorStone Diamond here.
