There’s something about the combination of rich chocolate and crunchy nuts that makes these brownies genuinely irresistible. Plus, making them at home allows you to add your twist, making them even more special. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, looking for the perfect afternoon snack, or simply indulging in a bit of baking therapy, this Little Debbie Brownies with Nuts recipe promises to deliver all the comfort and deliciousness of the original with an added personal touch.
Table of Contents
How to make Little Debbie Brownies with Nuts
Little Debbie Brownies with Nuts is a popular snack treat produced by Little Debbie, a well-known brand for its range of packaged baked goods. These brownies are individually wrapped and feature a rich, chocolatey brownie base that’s studded with crunchy nuts, usually walnuts.
Ingredients:
Brownie Base:
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup unsalted butter, melted (2 sticks)
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Nutty Topping:
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (pick your favorite!)
Optional Glaze (for that authentic Little Debbie look):
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk or water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preparing the Brownie Base:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Set this dry mixture aside.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is uniform.
Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to denser brownies.
Fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even layer.
Adding the Nutty Topping:
Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the top of the batter, gently pressing them in just a bit to ensure they stick to the brownies.
Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Optional Glaze:
While the brownies are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk or water, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. The mixture should be pourable but thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Once the brownies have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top in a zigzag pattern reminiscent of the classic Little Debbie design.
Allow the glaze to set before slicing the brownies into squares.
Tips & Tricks:
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature (mainly eggs and butter) before starting to get an even bake and texture.
If you are a chocolate lover, consider using a mix of semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips for depth of flavor.
Crack an extra egg into your wet mixture for a very glossy top, like those on Little Debbie brownies.
To get perfectly cut brownies, wait until they’re completely cooled, and use a sharp knife. If the glaze is giving you trouble, heating the knife by running it under hot water and then drying it can help you get that clean slice.
Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them moist and chewy. They can stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week (though they hardly last that long in my home!).
What to serve with
Little Debbie Brownies with Nuts are a treat that can stand deliciously on their own. However, when it comes to serving them, there are numerous delightful ways to elevate the experience, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to this comforting homemade dessert.
Classic Ice Cream Pairing
Vanilla Ice Cream is a timeless classic. A scoop of vanilla ice cream atop or beside a warm brownie creates a heavenly contrast of warm and cold, with the vanilla enhancing the chocolate’s richness.
Coffee Ice Cream: For those who enjoy a hint of bitterness with their sweets, coffee ice cream perfectly complements the chocolate and nuts.
Mint Chocolate Chip: The refreshing zing of mint and extra chocolatey bits mixed with ice cream complement the dense, Little Debbie Brownies with Nuts.
Beverages That Compliment
Cold Milk: A simple yet perfectly harmonious match, cold milk alongside a brownie helps cleanse the palate between bites and enhances the chocolate flavor.
Coffee or Espresso: A rich espresso or a warm cup of coffee balances the sweetness and adds a pleasant bitterness that chocolate lovers crave.
Dessert Wines: Choose a dessert wine such as a Port or a sweet Sherry for a more sophisticated pairing. The wine’s sweetness and depth can stand up to the bold flavors of the Little Debbie Brownies with Nuts.
Whipped Cream and Fresh Fruits
Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on top of each brownie square adds a cloud-like texture that contrasts beautifully with the dense brownie and crunchy nuts.
Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or a berry mix not only add a pop of color, but their natural acidity and sweetness complement the richness of the chocolate.
Specialty Toppings
Caramel Drizzle: Dripping caramel over the brownie adds a gooey sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the nuts.
Sea Salt: A light sprinkle of sea salt over the glazed brownies can amplify the chocolate flavor and add a sophisticated edge to your homemade treat.
Nut Butter: Warm nut butter drizzled over the brownie can enhance the nutty flavors already present and add a smooth texture contrast.
Ingredients Substitutes
Making a homemade version of Little Debbie Brownies with Nuts allows for customization and adaptation based on preferences, dietary restrictions, or simply what you have in your pantry. Here’s a guide on ingredient substitutes for making these delightful treats.
Gluten-Free Flour: To make your brownies gluten-free, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour mix as a direct substitute for regular all-purpose flour.
Almond Flour or Coconut Flour: Almond flour or coconut flour can be used as a lower-carb option, though the texture will be different. Almond flour can often be used in a 1:1 ratio, but start with less coconut flour since it’s more absorbent.
Sugar
Coconut Sugar: This is an excellent one-to-one substitute for granulated sugar and offers a lower glycemic index.
Honey or Maple Syrup: If you prefer to avoid refined sugars, liquids like honey or maple syrup can be used. Note that you’ll need to adjust the recipe slightly, as the added liquid can affect the consistency. Generally, you’ll use less liquid sweetener than granulated.
Eggs
Flaxseed Meal: Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes, and it becomes a gel-like substance that can replace one egg. This substitutes the binding agent (egg) and adds nutritional value.
Applesauce: Using a quarter cup of unsweetened applesauce can replace one egg in recipes where the egg is a binder, not a leavening agent. This also adds moisture to the brownies.
Oil or Butter
Unsweetened Applesauce: For a lower fat option, unsweetened applesauce can replace oil or butter in a 1:1 ratio, though this can make the brownies more cake-like.
Avocado: Mashed avocado, used in equal parts, is another healthy fat substitute for butter or oil. It can also add to the nutritional content, though it might slightly alter the flavor.
Chocolate
Cocoa Powder and Fat: If the recipe calls for melted chocolate, you can substitute it with cocoa powder and fat (oil or butter). Generally, 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder plus 1 tablespoon of fat equals around 1 ounce of chocolate.
Carob Powder: For those who avoid chocolate, carob powder can be substituted in equal parts for cocoa powder.
Nuts
Various Nuts and Seeds: If you’re out of the nuts called for in the recipe or have allergies, you can substitute any nuts or seeds you prefer or can consume safely, such as pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds.
Allergy-Friendly Options: For a nut-free version, consider roasted chickpeas for crunch or omit nuts altogether.
Final Thoughts
With these detailed steps, you’ll be on your way to making Little Debbie Brownies with Nuts that’ll wow friends and family. Who knows, after tasting your homemade version, those iconic store-bought treats might become a sweet memory!
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (pick your favorite!)
Optional Glaze (for that authentic Little Debbie look):
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk or water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparing the Brownie Base:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Set this dry mixture aside.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is uniform.
Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to denser brownies.
Fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even layer.
Adding the Nutty Topping:
Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the top of the batter, gently pressing them in just a bit to ensure they stick to the brownies.
Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Optional Glaze:
While the brownies are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk or water, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. The mixture should be pourable but thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Once the brownies have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top in a zigzag pattern reminiscent of the classic Little Debbie design.
Allow the glaze to set before slicing the brownies into squares.
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Driven by a desire to not only delight the palate but also to educate and inspire others, I began documenting dessert recipes. My writing style is infused with warmth, humor, and a genuine love for food.
