Bubbe’s Famous Brownies: The Ultimate Easy Homemade Chocolate Dessert Recipe
Prepare to fall head over heels for Bubbe’s Famous Brownies, a truly exceptional recipe shared by my dear friend Amy of the popular blog, “What Jew Wanna Eat.” These aren’t just any brownies; they are a timeless classic, offering a perfect balance of fudgy texture, deep chocolate flavor, and satisfying sweetness. This scratch-made recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels, and yields a generous 9×13 inch pan, ensuring there’s enough to delight a crowd at any gathering, from family dinners to festive parties. The sheer simplicity combined with the incredible taste is what makes Bubbe’s recipe legendary, and once you try them, you’ll understand why they’ve earned their ‘famous’ title. Get ready to bake a batch that will become a cherished staple in your home.
The Heartwarming Story Behind the Recipe: Amy and Bubbe
Behind every truly famous recipe, there’s often a wonderful story, and Bubbe’s Famous Brownies are no exception. This recipe comes from Amy’s own beloved grandmother, or “Bubbe” as she is affectionately called in Yiddish, representing a culinary heritage passed down through generations. My connection with Amy goes back years, long before her blog “What Jew Wanna Eat” gained widespread recognition. I fondly recall the early days when she was a culinary school student, honing her skills and sharing her passion for food through captivating cooking demonstrations at our local grocery store. My husband, Fuzz, and I would make it a point to stop by, chat with her, and always leave inspired by her warmth and talent.
Amy is genuinely one of the kindest, most down-to-earth individuals you could hope to meet. Her infectious enthusiasm for cooking, paired with her incredible skill in the kitchen, has always been inspiring. It’s truly a pleasure to see her recipes, like these brownies, become cherished by so many. Her blog is a testament to her dedication to delicious, accessible, and often traditional Jewish cuisine, and these brownies perfectly embody that spirit of hearty, comforting, and utterly delicious homemade food. This recipe carries the love and wisdom of a Bubbe, ensuring that every bite is filled with nostalgia and joy. But enough about our lovely Amy – let’s get back to the star of the show: the brownies!
Why These Fudgy Brownies Don’t Need Frosting (And Why You’ll Agree!)
The original Bubbe’s Famous Brownies recipe from Amy’s blog does indeed suggest a frosting, but after making these countless times, I’ve come to a firm conclusion: they absolutely do not need it. And I promise, you won’t miss it either! The magic of these brownies lies in their inherent richness and depth of flavor. With a generous two cups of high-quality chocolate chips stirred directly into the batter, alongside a delightful scattering of nuts (or whatever your favorite toppings may be) on top, these brownies deliver an explosion of chocolatey goodness in every single bite. The melted chocolate chips create pockets of gooey deliciousness, while the nuts add a crucial textural contrast and nutty aroma. The brownies themselves are perfectly sweet, moist, and wonderfully fudgy, making any additional layer of frosting simply superfluous. They are utterly perfect as they are, allowing the pure, unadulterated chocolate flavor to shine through, unmasked by extra sweetness.
Opting out of the frosting also simplifies the baking process, saving you time and effort without compromising on taste. This makes Bubbe’s Famous Brownies an even more appealing choice for those busy days when you crave homemade goodness but don’t have hours to spare. Trust me on this one; once you experience the deep, satisfying chocolatey core of these unfrosted brownies, you’ll become a convert. They are a testament to the idea that sometimes, less is truly more, especially when the base recipe is this spectacular. The dense, chewy interior with slightly crisp edges is a dream come true for any brownie enthusiast, eliminating the need for any additional adornment.
Bubbe’s Famous Brownies Pan Size & Batch Adjustments for Any Occasion
One of the great features of Bubbe’s Famous Brownies is that the recipe is designed to fill a standard 9×13 inch baking pan. This size is ideal for feeding a crowd, making it perfect for potlucks, parties, school events, or simply ensuring you have plenty of delicious brownies to enjoy throughout the week. A 9×13 pan typically yields 18-24 substantial brownies, depending on how you cut them, making it an efficient and practical choice for home bakers. This generous batch size means you can easily share these delightful treats or freeze some for later indulgence.
However, if you’re not looking to feed an army, this versatile recipe can easily be scaled down. For a half batch, you simply divide all the ingredients by two. When baking a half batch, it’s recommended to use an 8-inch metal pan. While metal pans generally conduct heat more evenly than glass (which can affect baking times and lead to chewier edges), in this instance, the bake time for a half batch in an 8-inch metal pan will likely not change drastically from the full recipe. Nevertheless, it’s always wise to start checking for doneness a bit earlier. I suggest checking at around 23 minutes. Look for a toothpick inserted into the center to come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter, and certainly not completely clean if you prefer a rich, fudgier brownie. Adjusting the recipe is straightforward, allowing you to enjoy these incredible brownies whether you need a small treat for yourself or a large dessert for many.
Essential Tips for Baking the Perfect Bubbe’s Brownies Every Time
Achieving the perfect brownie requires a few simple considerations beyond just following the recipe steps. Here are some pro tips to ensure your Bubbe’s Famous Brownies turn out incredibly delicious and fudgy every single time:
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: After adding the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tougher, more cake-like brownie rather than the desired dense, fudgy texture. Gentle folding is key here, ensuring the flour is just incorporated and no dry streaks remain.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Since brownies are relatively simple, the quality of your ingredients truly shines through. Use good unsalted butter, unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed or natural will both work, but Dutch will give a darker color and milder chocolate flavor), and high-quality chocolate chips. The type of chocolate chips you choose (semisweet, bittersweet, or even a mix with white or milk chocolate) can dramatically alter the final flavor profile and richness.
- Mind the Temperature: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C) before placing the pan in. An accurately heated oven is crucial for even baking. When melting the butter and combining it with cocoa, make sure the mixture cools slightly before adding the chocolate chips to prevent them from melting completely before baking. You want those distinct, gooey pockets of melted chocolate within the brownie!
- The Toothpick Test is Your Guide: For perfectly fudgy brownies, you want a toothpick inserted into the center to come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter, and not completely clean (which often indicates an overbaked, cakey brownie). The edges should be set, but the center might still look slightly gooey – this is ideal, as it will continue to cook and firm up as it cools.
- Cooling is Crucial: Resist the urge to cut into the brownies immediately after taking them out of the oven. Allowing them to cool completely in the pan helps them set properly, making them much easier to cut into neat squares and ensuring they retain their wonderful fudgy texture. For the absolute best results, let them cool to room temperature, or even chill them slightly in the refrigerator for cleaner cuts and an even denser texture.
Customizing Your Bubbe’s Brownies: Delicious Variations and Toppings
While Bubbe’s Famous Brownies are spectacular in their classic form, there’s always room for a little customization to make them uniquely yours. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, allowing you to experiment with various additions and flavor enhancements:
- Nutty Additions: The recipe suggests optional walnuts or pecans, which add a fantastic crunch and earthy flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully. Feel free to experiment with other nuts like chopped almonds, cashews, or even macadamia nuts for a different twist. Toasting the nuts lightly before adding them can enhance their flavor profile and aroma significantly.
- Chocolate Chip Combinations: Don’t limit yourself to just semisweet or bittersweet chips. A mix of different chocolate varieties – dark chocolate chips for intensity, milk chocolate chips for extra creaminess, white chocolate chips for a sweet contrast, or even chopped chocolate bars – can create a more complex and exciting flavor. Peanut butter chips, butterscotch chips, or mint chips can also be fun additions for those seeking an extra layer of unique flavor.
- Extract Explorations: The recipe mentions using a blend of vanilla and almond extract, which is a brilliant way to add depth and a subtle nuance. Consider other extracts like a dash of peppermint extract for a festive holiday brownie, orange zest for a bright citrusy hint, or even a teaspoon of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee.
- Swirls and Decorative Toppings: Before baking, you could gently swirl in a spoonful of softened cream cheese for a marbled cheesecake brownie effect, or a dollop of caramel for a salted caramel brownie. After baking and cooling, a simple dusting of powdered sugar, a beautiful drizzle of homemade chocolate ganache, or even a generous sprinkle of flaky sea salt can elevate both the presentation and the taste, making them truly irresistible.
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Bubbe’s Famous Brownies: The Complete Recipe
Bubbe’s Famous Brownies
Anna
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 sticks unsalted butter (230 grams)
- ¾ cup unsweetened baking cocoa (60-75 grams)
- 2 cups sugar (400 grams)
- 4 large eggs (195 grams)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla and ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (125 grams)
- 2 cups semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips or use a mixture of dark, milk, or white chips
- Optional: walnuts pecans, peanut butter chips, or other desired toppings
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan (or line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal) to prevent sticking and ensure a clean release.
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In a medium saucepan, melt the two sticks of unsalted butter over medium-low heat until completely liquefied. Remove the pan from the heat and immediately add the unsweetened cocoa powder, stirring vigorously with a whisk or spatula until the mixture is smooth and free of any lumps. Then, incorporate the sugar, stirring until it’s thoroughly blended with the warm chocolate-butter mixture. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract (and almond extract if using) until fully combined and fragrant.
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Add the four large eggs one at a time, whisking or beating thoroughly after each addition until fully incorporated. This step is crucial for aerating the batter slightly and ensuring a rich, cohesive texture in the finished brownies.
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Stir in the salt until it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter. Next, gently fold in the all-purpose flour until just combined and no dry streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix the flour at this stage, as it can lead to a tougher brownie.
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Before adding the chocolate chips, ensure the brownie batter has cooled down sufficiently (it should be warm, not hot to the touch) so that the chips don’t melt instantly upon contact. Once the batter is at the right temperature, fold in the two cups of semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips, or your chosen mixture of chips, until evenly distributed.
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Pour and spread the rich brownie batter evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan, using an offset spatula to ensure a smooth, level surface. If you’re using optional nuts or other desired toppings (like more chocolate chips), sprinkle them generously over the surface of the batter now.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. The edges should appear set and slightly pulled away from the pan. Remember, they will continue to set and firm up as they cool. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving for the best texture and clean cuts.
Notes
Serving Suggestions for Your Perfect Bubbe’s Brownies
These fudgy delights are truly versatile when it comes to serving. While they are undeniably divine on their own, especially when still slightly warm from the oven, there are many ways to enhance the experience. A simple dusting of powdered sugar can add an elegant touch, making them look as good as they taste. For an indulgent treat, serve them à la mode with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the cold creaminess to contrast beautifully with the warm, rich chocolate brownie. A dollop of fresh whipped cream, a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce, or a decadent hot fudge topping can also elevate them into a show-stopping dessert. Don’t forget a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for that irresistible sweet-and-salty balance that makes every bite memorable!
Bubbe’s Famous Brownies are also incredibly portable and robust, making them excellent candidates for potlucks, bake sales, school events, picnics, or simply as thoughtful homemade gifts to friends and neighbors. Cut them into small squares for bite-sized delights that are perfect for a dessert platter, or into larger, more substantial pieces for a truly satisfying individual dessert. Regardless of how you choose to serve them, these brownies are guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy even the most intense chocolate cravings, becoming an instant favorite for anyone lucky enough to try them.
Why Bubbe’s Famous Brownies Will Become Your Go-To Chocolate Dessert Recipe
In a world saturated with brownie recipes, Bubbe’s Famous Brownies stand out for their authentic, comforting, and deeply satisfying character. They embody the true spirit of homemade baking – simple, high-quality ingredients transformed into something extraordinary with just a little love and care. This recipe isn’t just about making brownies; it’s about creating cherished memories, sharing joy, and savoring the rich culinary heritage of a beloved family classic. The ease of preparation, the generous yield, and the unforgettable rich, fudgy flavor make them an indispensable staple in any home baker’s repertoire.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker looking for a reliable recipe or just starting your culinary journey, these easy homemade brownies offer a wonderfully rewarding experience. The irresistible aroma filling your kitchen as they bake is a treat in itself, promising the indulgence that awaits. So, gather your ingredients, follow Bubbe’s timeless wisdom (graciously shared via Amy!), and prepare to create a batch of chocolate brownies that will undoubtedly earn their own “famous” status among your family and friends. Get ready to bake, share, and enjoy the ultimate fudgy chocolate experience that will leave everyone asking for more!