The Ultimate Fudgy Chocolate Walnut Brownies Recipe: Easy Homemade Perfection
Prepare yourself for an extraordinary treat that promises to satisfy every chocolate craving! These **chocolate walnut brownies** are incredibly fudgy, intensely rich, and packed with satisfying crunch from perfectly toasted walnuts. Forget about dry, cakey brownies; this recipe delivers that irresistible gooey center, delicate chew, and crackly top that all true brownie lovers crave. It’s so easy to make these decadent **homemade chocolate and walnut brownies** from scratch, you’ll wonder why you ever reached for a box mix. If a truly indulgent, **fudgy chocolate brownie with walnuts** is your ultimate desire, then you’ve found your new go-to recipe for blissful indulgence!
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If you’re already a fan of my deeply flavorful chocolate sour cream pound cake, the sophisticated chocolate olive oil cake, my light and airy Keto chocolate mousse, or my vibrant raspberry chocolate brownies, then you are absolutely going to adore these **walnut fudge brownies**! They embody the same commitment to rich, deep chocolate flavor and perfect texture that defines all my favorite dessert creations.
Why These Fudgy Chocolate Walnut Brownies Stand Out
These are not just any brownies; these **fudgy cocoa powder brownies** are a culinary masterpiece designed for true chocolate aficionados. Each luxurious bite delivers an intense explosion of deep, decadent chocolate flavor, perfectly complemented by the delightful, satisfying crunch from generous pieces of **chopped walnut** and luscious pockets of melted dark chocolate. This particular recipe is a refined and simplified version of my acclaimed triple chocolate brownies, ensuring you get all the beloved gooey, ultra-fudgy, and intensely chocolatey goodness you crave, but in a more traditional and incredibly easy-to-follow format. You get maximum flavor and texture with minimal fuss, making them the ultimate treat for any occasion.
I grew up with a deep appreciation for classic **chocolate chunk walnut brownies**, and their timeless appeal always resonated with me. They evoke a wonderful sense of nostalgia, conjuring fond memories of eagerly awaited elementary school bake sales and cozy after-school Girl Scout meetings. There’s a comforting familiarity in their taste and texture that transports you back to simpler, sweeter times. With this effortless **walnut fudge brownie recipe**, my hope is that you too can capture some of that delicious nostalgia, creating new, cherished memories with every square you share (or keep for yourself!). These aren’t just brownies; they’re a warm, sweet hug in edible form.
Making Walnut Brownies from Scratch: Simplified & Superior Results
There’s absolutely no need for that generic box mix when you can create something so incredibly superior right in your own kitchen! These **homemade chocolate walnut brownies** are delightfully simple to prepare and will far surpass the taste and texture of any store-bought alternative. They boast an unparalleled level of fudginess, a richer concentration of gourmet chocolate chunks, and an utterly irresistible quality that will convert even the most skeptical chocolate lover. Once you try these, you’ll be a scratch-brownie convert for life!
The true genius of this recipe lies in its elegant simplicity. This is a genuine **one-bowl recipe**, designed to minimize cleanup and maximize your enjoyment. You won’t need any specialized tools, fancy equipment, or complex techniques to achieve these perfectly blissful **chocolate walnut brownies**. Just a few standard kitchen items and a desire for truly exceptional homemade treats are all that’s required. Let’s take a closer look at the essential ingredients and why each one plays a vital role in creating this amazing dessert.
The Case for Walnuts in Brownies: A Symphony of Flavor & Texture
In my humble culinary opinion, brownies reach their peak perfection with the thoughtful addition of nuts! Whether it’s the earthy robustness of walnuts, the buttery crispness of pecans, the delicate sweetness of almonds, or any other preferred variety, nuts introduce an essential layer of complex flavor and, perhaps even more importantly, a captivating textural contrast. They elevate a simple chocolate square into a multi-dimensional dessert experience that engages all your senses.
In these particular **chocolate fudge walnut brownies**, the walnuts contribute a uniquely soft yet buttery crunch that marries flawlessly with the dense, incredibly fudgy brownie base and the delightful, melty pools of dark chocolate. This harmonious combination creates a symphony of textures and flavors that is truly addictive and memorable. While you *can* technically omit them if you have a strong aversion to nuts, I strongly advise against it. The walnuts are a key player, providing that signature chew and nutty depth that makes these brownies so utterly exceptional and classic.
And if you’re looking to take these already incredible brownies to an even higher level of chocolatey indulgence, consider crowning them with my rich and glossy Chocolate Fudge Frosting! Alternatively, for a delightful tangy counterpoint that cuts through the richness, try the luscious cream cheese frosting found in my Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting. Both options provide a fantastic, show-stopping finish to these already irresistible homemade treats.
Key Ingredients for Your Best Chocolate Walnut Brownies
Crafting the perfect batch of truly **fudgy walnut brownies** starts with understanding and appreciating each high-quality ingredient. Here’s what you’ll need and why each component is absolutely crucial to achieving that irresistible taste and texture:
- Melted Salted Butter: For ultimate convenience, I simply pop my butter into the microwave to melt it until liquid, then let it cool slightly. Using salted butter is my secret for enhancing the overall flavor profile of my baked goods, providing a subtle yet essential balance to the sweetness of the chocolate. Even with salted butter, we’ll still add a touch of sea salt; if you opt for unsalted butter, just add an extra pinch of salt to achieve the perfect flavor depth.
- Large Eggs (Room Temperature): This seemingly small detail is incredibly important for achieving the ideal brownie texture. Room temperature eggs emulsify much more effectively with the other ingredients, creating a smooth, cohesive batter. This better emulsification leads to a more uniform mixture and promotes even baking throughout the pan, which is absolutely key for those perfectly fudgy, tender centers that we all adore.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Never compromise on the quality of your vanilla! A good quality pure vanilla extract is essential; it adds a layer of rich depth, warmth, and aromatic complexity that beautifully enhances and elevates the deep chocolate flavor without overpowering it. For an even more rewarding and personalized touch, be sure to check out my comprehensive post on how to make your own vanilla extract at home with just two simple ingredients!
- Sea Salt: More than just a basic seasoning, sea salt plays a critical role in these **fudgy walnut brownies**. It acts as a flavor enhancer, expertly cutting through the sweetness of the sugars and intensifying the profound chocolatey notes. This subtle addition truly makes every other ingredient sing and brings a sophisticated balance to the overall taste.
- Light Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: This dynamic duo of sugars is the secret weapon behind both the perfect level of sweetness and the incredibly desirable chewy richness of these **chocolate walnut brownies**! The brown sugar contributes moisture and a subtle caramel-like depth, while the granulated sugar helps create that signature thin, crackly top crust that is characteristic of the best homemade brownies.
- All-Purpose Flour: Achieving the ideal fudgy texture requires precision, especially with flour. You’ll need exactly 1 cup of all-purpose flour for this **fudge brownie recipe**, which accurately measures out to 128 grams when measured by weight. If you’re measuring by volume, always use the spoon and level method to avoid over-packing, which can lead to dense, dry, and less-than-fudgy brownies.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This ingredient is truly the heart and soul of these **chocolate walnut brownies**, directly responsible for their intensely fudgy flavor and their rich, deep brownie color and texture! I personally highly recommend the Ghirardelli Unsweetened Cocoa Powder for its exceptional quality and robust flavor, but please feel free to use whatever variety of unsweetened cocoa powder you prefer and love.
- Chopped Dark Chocolate: For the ultimate pools of melted chocolate throughout your brownies, I opted for a premium Ghirardelli Bittersweet Baking Bar. However, you can confidently use your favorite dark or bittersweet baking chocolate, or even high-quality chocolate chips! You’ll need about ⅔ cup of chocolate to ensure generous, melty chunks in every single bite.
- Chopped Walnuts: These are the undeniable stars of the show when it comes to adding a fantastic textural element to these thick and indulgent brownies! The satisfying crunch of the walnuts provides a beautiful contrast to the dense, fudgy base. You have the option to either buy a convenient bag of pre-chopped walnuts from the baking aisle, or you can easily chop up your own whole walnut halves for maximum freshness. Feel absolutely free to add more or fewer walnuts according to your personal preference for crunch!
Essential Equipment for Easy Homemade Brownies
This **chocolate walnut brownies recipe** is wonderfully straightforward and designed to satisfy your intense chocolate cravings without demanding any specialized or expensive gadgets. While you won’t need an army of kitchen tools to make it, a few basic items can significantly streamline your baking process and enhance your overall enjoyment:
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Having a good quality 9×9 inch baking pan to ensure even heat distribution, a sturdy whisk for effortlessly combining ingredients, parchment paper for truly easy removal of the finished brownies, and reliable measuring cups and spoons will ensure your brownie-making experience is as seamless and enjoyable as possible. These simple yet effective tools are often staples in most home kitchens, further underscoring the accessibility and ease of this fantastic, deeply satisfying recipe.
How to Make the Best Fudgy Brownies with Nuts: A Step-by-Step Guide
Crafting these delectable **brownies with nuts** is surprisingly straightforward, proving that homemade doesn’t have to mean complicated. The detailed recipe card further down will provide you with comprehensive step-by-step instructions, precise ingredient measurements, and a helpful recipe video to visually guide you through every stage of the process. For now, here’s a quick, easy-to-digest visual overview of the simple steps involved in bringing these glorious brownies to life:
In a spacious mixing bowl, gently whisk together the melted butter (which has been allowed to cool slightly), the room temperature eggs, aromatic vanilla extract, and a crucial pinch of sea salt. Continue whisking until these wet ingredients are perfectly smooth and thoroughly combined, forming a cohesive base.
Next, carefully introduce both the granulated sugar and the packed light brown sugar into the bowl. Continue to whisk vigorously for a minute or two until the sugars are completely dissolved into the mixture. You’ll notice the batter becoming wonderfully smooth and gaining a slightly thickened consistency, which is a sign of good emulsification.
At this stage, carefully sift in your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour and the unsweetened cocoa powder. Using a sturdy rubber spatula, gently fold these dry components into the wet mixture until they are just combined. It’s crucial to avoid overmixing, as this can activate the gluten in the flour and result in tough, less-than-fudgy brownies.
Finally, it’s time to incorporate the star additions: gently fold in the chopped walnuts and the luxurious dark chocolate chunks. Spread the rich, glossy batter evenly into your prepared baking pan, ensuring it reaches all the edges for a uniform thickness. Bake until the center is just set, or a toothpick inserted comes out with lovely moist crumbs clinging to it.
Pro Tip for Effortless Serving: For exceptionally easy removal of your decadent brownies once they’ve cooled, make sure to line your square baking pan with parchment paper. Leave a generous overhang over the sides – these will act as convenient handles, allowing you to simply lift the entire slab of brownies cleanly out of the pan!
Tips and Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Walnut Brownies
The delightful distinction between fudgy and cakey brownies largely comes down to a careful balance in the ratio of ingredients. **Fudgy brownies** typically boast a higher proportion of fat (like butter or oil) and more cocoa powder, coupled with a slightly lower amount of flour. This specific higher fat-to-flour ratio, alongside a richer chocolate base provided by the cocoa, works to create that dense, moist, and wonderfully gooey texture we all love. To guarantee the ultimate fudgy outcome for these **chocolate walnut brownies**, it’s crucial to keep a very close eye on your baking time! For that perfectly gooey, almost melt-in-your-mouth center, remove them from the oven when the middle is just set and no longer visibly jiggles. If you’re on the hunt for more super fudgy delights, my Biscoff Brownies are another incredibly rich and decadent recipe you’ll certainly enjoy, showcasing a similar perfect texture.
Ultimately, the best nuts for brownies are whichever ones you personally enjoy the most! While these **chocolate walnut brownies** proudly feature the classic and beloved walnut, many other varieties of nuts can equally elevate your brownie experience. I’m particularly fond of pecans, which shine beautifully in my triple chocolate brownies, and I believe macadamia nuts or even hazelnuts would also contribute a fantastic, unique flavor and satisfying texture. For this specific recipe, we’re sticking with high-quality chopped walnuts because of their traditional appeal and perfect buttery crunch. You can either pick up a convenient bag of pre-chopped walnuts from the baking aisle for ease, or for ultimate freshness and control over the chop size, purchase whole shelled walnuts and chop them yourself.
Surprisingly, for brownies, the general consensus is actually no – you shouldn’t toast them beforehand! Walnuts, like many nuts, possess a naturally high fat content. This means they tend to toast and develop their rich, nutty flavor quite rapidly during the baking process itself within the hot oven. If you were to pre-toast them, there’s a significant risk of them burning or becoming over-toasted while the brownies bake, leading to a bitter or unpleasant taste. This works out perfectly for our **chocolate walnut brownies recipe**, as it cleverly saves you an extra, unnecessary step! Simply toss the raw, chopped walnuts directly into your brownie batter – they’ll achieve perfect toasted deliciousness and a wonderful crunch as your brownies bake to perfection.
Absolutely! Freezing is an excellent and highly recommended way to preserve your delicious **walnut brownies** for extended enjoyment, allowing you to savor them whenever a craving strikes. First and foremost, ensure your brownies have cooled completely to room temperature on a wire rack before attempting to freeze them. If they have already been cut into individual squares, wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and then place them in the freezer until they are completely solid.
Once fully frozen, transfer the individually wrapped brownies into an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag for an extra layer of protection. They will happily stay fresh and delicious in the freezer for up to two months. If you prefer to freeze them as a whole, uncut block, wrap the entire 9×9 inch slab of brownies securely in plastic wrap, and then add another protective layer of aluminum foil. You can also slip the foil-wrapped block into a gallon-size freezer bag – it should fit comfortably if you baked your brownies in a standard 9×9 inch pan. When you’re ready to indulge, simply let them thaw, still wrapped, at room temperature for a few hours before serving. This method ensures they retain their wonderfully moist and fudgy texture, tasting almost as good as fresh-baked.
This **brownies with walnuts** recipe is undeniably a delightful indulgence, and like most delicious homemade desserts, it’s meant to be savored and enjoyed! Each serving, which is approximately one brownie, contains about 313 calories. For complete and detailed nutritional information, including macronutrients and other dietary details, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card provided in full detail below.
While I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend making this quick and easy homemade recipe for its undeniably superior texture and genuinely rich, deep **chocolate brownie** flavor, you certainly *can* add walnuts to a store-bought box brownie mix for a convenient and tasty upgrade! For an easy solution to significantly enhance a basic store-bought mix, simply toss in approximately a cup of chopped walnuts. It’s a straightforward and effective way to instantly add extra crunch, nutty flavor, and an elevated homemade feel to your brownies when you’re short on time or prefer a shortcut.
If you’ve fallen in love with these **fudgy chocolate walnut brownies** and are eager for even more delightful chocolatey goodness, I have an absolute treasure trove of recipes just for you! You absolutely must try my whimsical and festive Mini Egg Brownies, my inclusive and equally delicious Dairy Free Brownies, the spooky fun of my Graveyard Brownies, or the wonderfully unique twist of my Matcha Brownies! And for those who appreciate their lighter, yet equally indulgent, counterparts, you’ll absolutely adore my hybrid Brownie Blondies Recipe or my delightful Gluten-Free Blondies with White Chocolate Chunks, which offer a different but equally satisfying experience!
If rich chocolate cake is more your style, you’ll definitely want to check out my show-stopping and legendary Matilda’s Chocolate Cake! For smaller, quick, and satisfying treats, explore my adorable 2 Bite Brownies or my convenient Protein Mug Cake for a single-serving delight. And if you’re in the mood for a delicious no-bake option that’s always a crowd-pleaser, don’t miss my colorful M&M Rice Krispie Treats or my classic, comforting Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats! There’s truly something for every sweet tooth and every occasion here!
More Decadent Chocolate Recipes to Love
If you loved making these **chocolate walnut brownies**, you’re in for a treat with these other irresistible chocolate-focused recipes:
- S’mores Brownies: A campfire classic transformed into a delightful, gooey brownie experience, perfect for summer nights or a cozy indoor treat.
- Triple Chocolate Brownies: For the ultimate chocolate indulgence, these are loaded with not one, not two, but three types of chocolate and crunchy pecans.
- Raspberry Chocolate Brownies: A vibrant, fruity twist on classic fudge brownies, offering a beautiful contrast of sweet and tart flavors.
- Brownie Mix Cookies with White Chocolate, Cherries and Pistachios: A creative and quick way to use brownie mix to whip up incredibly delicious cookies with a sophisticated flavor profile.
Top Tip for Perfectly Fudgy Brownies
Achieving that highly coveted gooey, deeply **fudgy center** in your brownies is primarily all about precise timing in the oven. If you prefer your brownies to be extra moist, wonderfully soft, and slightly underbaked in the middle, aim to remove them from the oven at approximately the 25-minute mark. At this point, the center might appear a little soft or even slightly jiggly, but resist the urge to bake longer! Don’t fret – they will continue to set beautifully and transform into that perfectly fudgy texture you’re after as they cool completely on the counter. Remember, overbaking is the arch-enemy of truly fudgy brownies, turning them from gooey perfection to dry cakey disappointment!
If you give this irresistible recipe a try, I would absolutely love it if you could take a moment to leave a star review rating and a comment below! Your feedback is incredibly valuable to me, and it’s so wonderful to hear about your baking successes and how much you enjoyed these brownies. And please, don’t forget to share your delicious creations with me by tagging @chenee_today on Instagram! Let’s celebrate our shared love for all things fudgy and chocolatey!
📖 Recipe Card: Fudgy Chocolate Walnut Brownies
Walnut Brownies – Fudgy Chocolate Brownie Recipe
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Equipment You May Need
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9×9 baking pan
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Whisk
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Parchment paper
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Mixing bowls
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Rubber spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup (227 g) salted butter – melted and slightly cooled
- 3 large eggs – room temperature
- 2 teaspoon (10 ml) pure vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon (2 ml) sea salt
- 1 cup (220 g) brown sugar – packed
- ¾ cup (65 g) cocoa powder – (75g)
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour – (128g)
- 4 oz (113 g) bittersweet baking chocolate – chopped
- ¾ cup (88 g) chopped walnuts
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×9 inch baking pan by lightly greasing it with baking spray. Then, line the pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave a generous overhang over two opposite sides. This overhang will act as convenient handles, allowing for incredibly easy removal of your baked and cooled brownies from the pan.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted and slightly cooled salted butter with the room temperature large eggs, the rich pure vanilla extract, and the essential sea salt. Whisk these wet ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and appears perfectly uniform.
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Now, carefully add both the granulated sugar and the packed light brown sugar to the wet mixture in the bowl. Whisk vigorously for approximately 1 to 2 minutes. Continue mixing until the sugars are completely dissolved into the butter and egg mixture, and the batter itself has transformed into a wonderfully smooth and slightly thickened consistency. This step is crucial for achieving that desirable shiny, crackly top on your brownies.
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Into the bowl with the wet ingredients, carefully sift in the all-purpose flour and the unsweetened cocoa powder. Using a sturdy rubber spatula, gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until they are just combined. It is absolutely essential to avoid overmixing at this stage, as excessive mixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, dense, and less-than-fudgy brownies. A few minor streaks of flour are perfectly acceptable.
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Next, it’s time to incorporate our star additions! Gently fold in the chopped bittersweet baking chocolate and the crunchy chopped walnuts. Distribute them as evenly as possible throughout the rich brownie batter, ensuring every bite gets a taste of chocolate and nut.
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Pour the glorious, thick brownie batter into your meticulously prepared 9×9 inch pan. Use your rubber spatula to carefully spread the batter evenly to all the edges of the pan, aiming for a uniform thickness across the entire surface. This ensures even baking and consistent fudginess in every square.
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Bake the brownies in your preheated oven for a total of 25-30 minutes. For a truly irresistible fudgy center, I recommend aiming for the shorter baking time of around 25 minutes. The edges should appear set, and a toothpick inserted into the very center should come out with moist crumbs clinging to it (not wet batter, but definitely not completely clean either). Please refer to the detailed “Baking Time” note below for further guidance on achieving your preferred texture.
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Once baked, allow your brownies to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. After this initial cooling period, utilize the parchment paper overhangs to carefully lift the entire slab of brownies out of the pan and transfer them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely at room temperature before slicing. While tempting to cut them warm, cooling fully ensures clean, neat cuts and the absolute best fudgy, dense texture.
Video Guide
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Disclaimer
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