Copycat Brenda Gantt Brownie Recipe

43

Brenda Gantt Brownie recipe isn’t just a dessert; it’s a journey through comfort and indulgence, where the result is so much more than a simple treat—it’s a plateful of memories and the richness of tradition. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a first-timer, Brenda’s no-nonsense approach ensures that each batch comes out perfectly irresistible.

How to make Brenda Gantt Brownie

Brenda Gantt is a well-known cook and author, particularly celebrated for her Southern-style recipes and engaging cooking videos. Brenda Gantt brownie is a brownie recipe she shared, which typically feature a classic, rich, and fudgy chocolate brownie.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder (for richer brownies, opt for dark cocoa)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional to add texture and flavor)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, for extra chocolatey goodness)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven & Prep the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the brownies later.
2. Melt Butter & Mix with Sugar: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Remove from the heat and stir in the sugar until well combined.
3. Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the egg mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Add Nuts & Chocolate Chips (Optional): Fold in the nuts and chocolate chips if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as brownies continue to set as they cool.
7. Cool & Serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into squares. Serve as is or with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of ice cream for extra decadence.

Tips for Success:

• Quality Ingredients Matter: Brenda often emphasizes the importance of using high-quality ingredients. For the best flavor, opt for high-quality cocoa powder and real butter.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter for fudgy brownies until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to cakey brownies.
• Customize: Brenda is all about making recipes your own. Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins, like walnuts, pecans, or even swirls of caramel or peanut butter.
• Test Doneness Correctly: Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick slightly off-center. If it comes out with moist crumbs, the brownies are done. Clean doesn’t necessarily mean better in this case, as it might indicate overbaking.

What to serve with

Serving a delicious slice of brownie made with a recipe inspired by Brenda Gantt means pairing it with accompaniments that complement its rich, chocolatey goodness.

Classic Pairings:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on top of a warm brownie is a timeless combination. The contrast between the ice cream and the warm Brenda Gantt brownie, along with the blend of vanilla and chocolate flavors, is simply irresistible.
• Fresh Strawberries: Bright, fresh strawberries not only add a pop of color, but their tartness complements the rich chocolate flavor of the Brenda Gantt brownies. For a gourmet touch, drizzle them with balsamic reduction.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream gives a light, airy contrast to the brownie’s density. For a lovely presentation, add some chocolate shavings or cocoa powder to the whipped cream.

For the Coffee Lovers:

• Espresso or Coffee: The bold flavors of coffee or a shot of espresso pair wonderfully with the sweet, chocolatey notes of brownies. Serving coffee alongside brownies can be the perfect end to a dinner party.

Decadent Toppings:

• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over your brownies for a rich, gooey experience. The caramel adds a buttery depth that complements the chocolate.
• Hot Fudge: Elevate your brownies to sundae status by adding warm hot fudge sauce on top. This is especially satisfying if you like your desserts extra chocolatey.

Nutty Flavors:

• Toasted Nuts: If your brownies don’t already have nuts, consider serving them with a side of toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts for an added crunch and nutty flavor.

Seasonal Twists:

• Mint Leaves: In warmer months, consider pairing brownies with fresh mint leaves. The mint’s refreshing, cool taste contrasts beautifully with the brownies’ richness.
• Pumpkin Spice Cream: In the autumn, a dollop of pumpkin spice-infused whipped cream can add a festive twist to your brownie service.

Boozy Companions:

• Red Wine: If you’re serving brownies to adults, pair them with a glass of bold red wine, such as Zinfandel or Shiraz, which will complement the chocolate’s richness.
• Dessert Liqueurs: For a sweet and boozy treat, serve a small glass of Baileys, Kahlua, or a nut-flavored liqueur alongside the brownies.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making Brenda Gantt brownies can be a treat, but sometimes, you may find yourself missing an ingredient or two. Below are common substitutes for ingredients typically used in a brownie recipe that could keep you on track for achieving that homemade goodness without an extra trip to the store.

All-Purpose Flour

Substitute: If you’re out of all-purpose flour, you can use self-rising flour, but remember to omit any leavening agents called for in the recipe, like baking powder or baking soda.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

Substitute: For every 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder required, you can use 1 ounce of unsweetened chocolate by reducing the fat in the recipe (such as butter or oil) by 1 tablespoon.

Sugar

Substitute: Brown sugar can be used instead of white granulated sugar in a 1:1 ratio. It will give the brownies a deeper, more caramel-like flavor. Alternatively, honey or maple syrup can be used, but the liquids in the recipe may need to be reduced to accommodate the additional moisture.

Butter

Substitute: Unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas can replace butter in a brownie recipe for a lower-fat option, though the texture may be altered slightly. You can use margarine, shortening, or coconut oil for a more direct substitute.

Eggs

Substitute: Eggs provide moisture and act as a binding agent in brownies. For each egg required, you can use a “flax egg” (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for a few minutes to thicken). Another option is to use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana per egg. Note that these substitutes may affect the texture and may not provide the same leavening properties as eggs.

Chocolate Chips or Chunks

Substitute: If you don’t have chocolate chips, you can chop up a bar of chocolate (any kind you have on hand as long as it’s suitable for baking). Alternatively, you can use other ingredients like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or peanut butter chips for a different flavor profile.

Vanilla Extract

Substitute: While vanilla extract adds classic flavor, you can omit it if you don’t have any. Alternatively, you can use an equal amount of bourbon or rum or half the amount of almond extract.

Baking Powder or Baking Soda

Substitute: If the recipe calls for baking powder and you only have baking soda, you can use a third of the soda amount but need to add an acid (like yogurt or buttermilk) to activate it. If you have cream of tartar, you can make homemade baking powder: 2 parts cream of tartar to 1 part baking soda.

Final Thoughts

Remember, when serving Brenda Gantt brownies, it’s not just about the food but the presentation and joyfulness of sharing. Take the time to plate your brownies beautifully, perhaps garnishing them with edible flowers or a dusting of icing sugar, and serve them with the same warmth with which they were baked.

More Brenda Gantt Recipes:

• Brenda Gantt Chocolate Pie Recipe