Soft Three Chocolate Brownies

Featured in Indulge Your Sweet Tooth with Our Dessert Collection.

Ina Garten’s brownie recipe is a must for chocolate lovers. The mixture of three different chocolates creates a decadently soft texture, complemented by crunchy nuts. A touch of instant coffee raises the flavor to the next level. The large recipe yields 20 generous pieces. Timing is everything—take them out just as the center stays soft, with a crispy crust on top. A delicious indulgence for any chocolate fan.
Us chef girl
Updated on Mon, 21 Apr 2025 08:56:14 GMT
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Soft brownies filled with nuts | athomedishes.com

Sink into the comfort world of these walnut brownies, a timeless treat that's been passed down through families. They're soft and gooey inside with a slightly crisp top, and they've got a little secret: a hint of coffee that brings out the chocolate flavors. I've tweaked this version from Ina Garten's approach, and now it's my go-to when I want to wow my friends.

I stumbled upon this when I first tried American baking. What makes it work is using good quality chocolate and watching the baking time carefully to keep that signature gooey middle.

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Soft walnut brownies, simple method | athomedishes.com

Key Ingredients

  • Dark chocolate: Go for at least 70% cocoa for the richest flavor
  • Coffee: It boosts the chocolate taste without taking over. Fresh espresso works best
  • Butter: The quality directly impacts your final taste. Unsalted is ideal
  • Walnuts: They add the needed crunch. Lightly toast them for extra flavor
  • Eggs: These create that dense, soft texture. Take them out of the fridge early
  • Flour: You only need a small amount - that's what keeps them fudgy

Step-By-Step Method

Chocolate Prep

Melt the chocolate and butter using a water bath
Mix in hot coffee and stir until you get a shiny mix
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Soft walnut brownie chunks | athomedishes.com

Mixing The Batter

Whip eggs with sugar until they turn pale
Pour in the cooled chocolate blend
Gently fold in the sifted flour

Baking Time

Pour mix into your buttered and floured pan
Sprinkle plenty of walnuts on top
Bake in an oven heated to 180°C

In my home, these brownies have become our Sunday afternoon tradition. I've found that letting them sit overnight really brings out the chocolate and coffee flavors.

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Serving Ideas

These brownies taste best at room temperature with a strong black coffee. For a fancier treat, serve them slightly warm with vanilla ice cream. On special days, drizzle some salted caramel sauce over the top.

Tasty Twists

You can play around with the basic recipe. Swap walnuts for toasted hazelnuts, add white chocolate chips for contrast, or mix in fresh berries for a bit of tang. If you want a stronger kick, just put in a bit more coffee.

Storing Your Brownies

They'll stay good for up to 5 days in an airtight container at room temp. For longer storage, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge.

Best Times To Enjoy

These brownies shine brightest during family snack times or dessert with friends. Their rich chocolate flavor makes them perfect for winter evenings, paired with a steaming cup of tea.

Cutting Tips

For clean slices, let the brownie cool completely. Use a thin knife dipped in hot water and wiped between cuts. This trick gives you perfect squares without crumbs.

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Chef Pointers

  • The knife test isn't reliable for these brownies: trust what you see instead
  • The top should look matte and slightly cracked
  • Always cool them fully before taking them out of the pan

To me, these brownies hit the sweet spot between rich and indulgent. Whenever I make them, I think back to my first tries at American baking and how my family's eyes lit up seeing these squares of chocolate heaven. It's more than just a treat - it's about sharing moments and good times together.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make a smaller batch?
Sure! Just cut all the amounts in half to prepare about 10 brownies.
→ How do I know the brownies are done?
Stick a toothpick in the middle. If it comes out clean, they’re ready. But don’t overbake—keep the center soft.
→ What’s the purpose of adding coffee?
It boosts the chocolate flavor without leaving a coffee taste in the brownies.
→ Can these brownies be frozen?
Absolutely! Wrap them individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
→ Why coat the nuts in flour?
This trick stops the nuts from sinking to the bottom while baking.

Three Chocolate Brownies

A dense, chewy American brownie packed with chocolate and nuts. Crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 20 Servings (20 brownies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 pound of unsalted butter
02 28 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided as 16 ounces and 12 ounces)
03 6 ounces of dark chocolate
04 6 extra-large eggs
05 3 tablespoons of instant coffee powder
06 2 tablespoons of pure vanilla extract
07 2 cups of sugar
08 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour (split as 1 1/8 cups and 1/4 cup)
09 1 tablespoon of baking powder
10 1 teaspoon of salt
11 3 cups of coarsely chopped nuts

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 12x18-inch baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.

Step 02

Use a double boiler to melt the butter, 16 ounces of chocolate chips, and the dark chocolate. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 03

In a big bowl, stir together (don’t whisk) the eggs, coffee powder, vanilla, and sugar until combined.

Step 04

Pour the slightly cooled chocolate mixture into the wet ingredients. Let it cool again at room temperature.

Step 05

Sift the 1 1/8 cups of flour with the baking powder and salt in a separate bowl.

Step 06

Combine the dry mix with the chocolate mixture. Toss the remaining 12 ounces of chocolate chips and the nuts with the 1/4 cup of flour before folding them into the batter.

Step 07

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes, tap the pan on the rack, then bake for another 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 08

Let the brownies cool completely, then chill them in the fridge. Slice into 20 rectangular pieces before serving.

Notes

  1. You can halve the amounts if you want to make a smaller batch.
  2. Keep an eye on the brownies and avoid overbaking them.
  3. Save a few chopped nuts for sprinkling on top as decoration.

Tools You'll Need

  • 12x18-inch baking pan
  • Double boiler or heatproof bowl over simmering water
  • Mixing bowls
  • Sifter
  • Parchment paper

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Gluten
  • Nuts