Nana’s Famous Fudge Brownies
The most decadent fudge brownies with chocolate fudge frosting you will ever eat! These brownies are thick and chewy and not cakey in any way shape or form. They really do taste like fudge. Eric’s grandma (Nana) is famous for this recipe!
So Eric lost the remote. I’m pretty sure it was him who lost it because a few years ago the same thing happened, and after searching for hours do you know where he found it? On top of the bookshelf. (Not on the top shelf. On top of. Completely out of sight.) Eric does this thing where he picks things up and puts them in random places when he’s talking to someone, and has ZERO memory of it.
This time around it was a real doozie because we lost the Apple TV remote and it is roughly the size of a postage stamp.
A few days go by and we’re watching Friday Night Lights. (we’ve been obsessed lately, have you seen it?) Suddenly the show starts fast forwarding out of nowhere. Eric looks at me with wide eyes. “The remote!! You moved!” He shoos me off the couch and flips the entire thing over. I’m starting to think he’s actually gone mad, when suddenly I hear the remote drop within the couch.
It finally dawns on me that I had shifted on the couch and somehow pushed the fast forward button.
He could not get it out. It was stuck somewhere in the frame. He almost cut into the fabric on the bottom of the couch (I freaked out) but then decided that wouldn’t even help him, he had to cut into the SIDE of the couch to get it. And I’m over here like, Hello Eric, this is your voice of reason. YOU ARE NOT BUTCHERING OUR COUCH JUST TO GET THE REMOTE.
Did I mention that our back-up remote does all of the things that the tiny postage stamp remote does? All of them. I asked him why he wanted the tiny one so bad and he said, quote, “I like the way it feels.”
(Okay, so he mentioned some other reasons too, but my eyes glazed over for that part.) He did end up finding the remote after many couch rolling episodes and much hand squishing.
Who wants a fudge brownie right now? These brownies really do taste like fudge. In fact my mom (who is a true fudge fanatic. Her fudge recipe is one of my top 10 recipes of all time) came over the day after we made these, opened up the tupperware on the counter, and gasped. “You made fudge??” I think she thought we’d been holding out on her. I explained, no, it’s even better, it’s fudge BROWNIES, and her eyes got all big and cartoony. (Honestly, where do you think I get my sweet tooth? Woman raised me right.)
The frosting on these brownies is NOT buttercream. It’s a little fussier than that, but totally worth every second. First you cook it on the stove, then you cool it in an ice bath, and then you beat it until it loses it’s gloss. I promise it doesn’t take too long.
You can use baker’s chocolate or cocoa for the brownies.
Here’s Kris mixing. She says to stir in the flour first to help cool it off before adding the eggs.
Not a walnut fan? Go halvsies. Everybody wins.
Frosting on the right is how thick it is after 10 minutes in an ice bath.
This is the frosting. You can kind of see from the picture on the right (after a few minutes of beating) that it has lost it’s gloss.
I used to think that I didn’t like frosted brownies, but that was before I tried Nana’s brownies. And it’s true that I think a regular THICK, crackly-topped brownie (like my favorite Browned Butter Brownie) doesn’t need frosting, but these ones absolutely need the frosting. The frosting layer is almost as thick as the brownie layer and is essential to the fudge factor. Observe:
Kris, my dear mother-in-law (Nana is her mom), told me that sometimes she doesn’t make the frosting and just sprinkles powdered sugar on top. I’m here to tell you that she’s WRONG. You HAVE to make this frosting guys.
Are you a walnuts-in-brownies person? I’m not, so we did half and half. Everybody’s happy.
We eat these fudge brownies every 4th of July and every Christmas with Nana’s homemade Peppermint Ice Cream. The combination is quite other-worldly. There is only one thing better than these fudge brownies, and that is: these fudge brownies with a side of peppermint ice cream. (I’ve been meaning to blog the ice cream for years but can you believe I don’t have an ice cream maker?? How lame am I? I’ll post it one of these days!)
If you make any of my recipes, be sure to share them on Instagram using the hashtag #TheFoodCharlatan so I can see it! I love that.
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One year ago: Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Maple Pecan Frosting
Two years ago: Traditional Tejano Pinto Beans (Slow Cooker)
Three years ago: 1770 House Meatloaf with Garlic Sauce
Nana’s Famous Fudge Brownies
Makes 1 9x13 inch pan. Serves 24. adjust servingsIngredients
For the brownies
- 1 cup salted butter (2 sticks)
- 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate (OR you can sub 3/4 cup cocoa)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 and 1/2 cups flour, spooned and leveled
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Fudge Frosting
- 1/2 cup salted butter (1 stick)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup cocoa
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ice water (for an ice bath, not to go in the recipe)
- 1/2 to 1 cup chopped walnuts, to sprinkle on top
Instructions
- Grease a 9x13 inch pan and preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a heavy bottom 2 or 3 quart pot, melt 1 cup butter with 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate over medium heat. (You can sub 3/4 cup cocoa.) Use a wooden spoon to stir together and then remove from the heat.
- Add 2 cups sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Add 2 teaspoons vanilla.
- Stir in 1 and 1/2 cups flour until barely combined.
- Add 4 eggs. Stir until combined but don't overdo it.
- At this point you can stir in 1 cup chopped walnuts. I mean, if you want to ruin your brownies. :)
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan. (Press the walnuts into half the pan at this point, if you are going halfsies.)
- Bake at 350 for about 20-22 minutes. Start checking early, you don't want them to over bake. When a toothpick comes out of the center with no wet batter on it, they are done.
- Let the brownies cool completely (otherwise it will melt the frosting.)
- Make the frosting while the brownies cool. Clean the pot that you used for the brownies (or use a similar sized pot.)
- Melt the 1/2 cup butter with 2 cups sugar, milk, and 1/2 cup cocoa over medium high heat. When it reaches a rolling boil, set a timer for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and add 1 teaspoon vanilla.
- Prepare an ice bath. Add ice and water to a bowl that the pot you are using can rest inside. Place the pot of frosting in the ice bath. Do NOT get any water in the fudge.
- Let the frosting cool for about 10 minutes until it is cool. Scrape the edges of the pot and stir occasionally. When the frosting has cooled down and thickened just a little (see photos) remove from the ice bath.
- Use an electric mixer to beat the frosting for 3-5 minutes. The frosting will start off really shiny and glossy, but by the time you are done it should be less glossy, but still easy to pour.
- Pour the frosting immediately over the brownies and spread.
- If you are using walnuts, sprinkle 1/2 to 1 cup over the top of the frosting.
- Wait for the frosting to set, then cut into squares and serve with lots of milk!
by The Food Charlatan
Other delicious recipes you will love!
My Mom’s Fudge: << No fuss classic.
Browned Butter Brownies: < my go-to non-frosted brownies
Chocolate Cherry Sheet Cake with Fudge Frosting << the frosting on this recipe is very similar!
Other brownie recipes from friends that you will love!
Chocolate Zucchini Brownies from Texanerin <<these look amazing!
Best Ever Brownie Frosting from A Dash of Sanity
Chewy Brownies with Chocolate Fudge Frosting from Sprinkle Some Sugar
Chocolate Frosted Brownies from Brown Eyed Baker
Frosted Rainbow Chip Brownies from Inside BruCrew Life
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These are delicious! I think I over baked mine (I have a baby and toddler I have to run after lol), but they are scrumptious. I’ll definitely be making these again. Thank you Nana!
P. S.
I’ll be making a lot more of your recipes! Just found your recipes 😊
Yay! This makes me so happy! Even if you over bake Nana’s brownies the frosting makes up for it ;) I’m so glad you found my blog! Thanks for leaving a comment and review, means so much to me!
Just curious
Would heavy cream sub for the milk?
How do u think it would play out if I used it instead?
I just made them tonight (w/o cream)
About to whip the frosting
Looks awesome tho so far.
Can’t wait to dive in
Hey Sara! So did it work with the cream? I imagine it would be fine, but might be a little thicker. I might do half cream half milk. I haven’t tried it though!
This is a superb recipe! I added peanut nutter chips to mine as I’m a peanut butter fanatic! YUM! I might try my fav PB frostings on it next! What a great fudge brownie that can be upgraded for even more gooey goodness!
oh my goodness I am so excited about the pb chips!! That is genius!! or the frosting. oh my goodness, that sounds so good! PB and chocolate forever!! I’m glad you like the recipe Christina, thanks so much for the review!
Just made these and they taste great! However they didn’t come out as dark as your pics show. I used Bakers unsweetened chocolate. Did you Bakers or cocoa powder?
Delicious! Reminiscent of Texas Sheet Cake. Very fudgy. Wouldn’t change a thing!
That’s a good point Lauren! It kind of does taste like a Texas Sheet Cake! I’m so glad you liked it, thanks for the review!!
No idea where I went wrong but what a waste of ingredients. The brownies were underdone and almost flavorless and the frosting seized up into a ball of clay. So disappointed.
That is so tragic Kathryn! I’m literally making these brownies again as we speak. A double batch for our 4th of July party. I’m with Kris, Nana’s daughter, and asked her how many times she thinks this recipe has been made in our extended family. She said probably over 500 times. I believe it! This is a tried and true recipe. I’m so sorry it didn’t work for you, did you make any changes or substitutions? Did you use fake butter? Did you use poor quality cocoa? A different kind of flour? You said the brownies were underdone, all ovens are different and you may need to leave it in longer than the specified times. Did you do the toothpick test?
I’ve made these twice. The first time they turned out good, but did not look at all like the pictures here. Much light in color. Second time turned out same as first, but a word of WARNING! I made these a few days ahead of an event and decided to put them in the fridge to help them keep longer. When I pulled them out a few days later they were horrible! I wrapped them tightly before putting them in the fridge, but it didn’t seem to help. The frosting did not hold up well and the brownie got soggy. Not sure if it is common knowledge to not put things like this in the fridge, but I didn’t know!
Oh bummer Brianna! Yeah generally brownies and other bar-type desserts are stored on the counter. These brownies are actually perfect for making ahead because the frosting seals the moisture in and keeps the brownies from drying out. Next time if you are making ahead, I recommend wrapping well and freezing. I just did that for a camping trip last week!
All baked goods – especially those with a high fat content such as these – freeze really easily and thaw quickly. Although, I would recommend putting the icing on the night before and not freezing it.
Great tip Gina, thank you!
Hello! For the frosting do you use granulated sugar or powder one?
Hey Marisol! I used granulated sugar. I changed the recipe so it’s more clear. Thanks for the feedback! Hope you love the brownies!
Oh my word…I made these today. They are so rich and moist. I’m love to bake…but, not a big sweet eater so a little bite works for me. My family is gonna love these…the ocing is like creamy fudge for sure…I used 1/2 cocoa and 1/2 dark cocoa in the frosting–‘outstanding. I have a pic I was gonna share; but, I’m not on instagram. They do look close to your pic…this recipe is a keeper….thank you for sharing.
There is just one thing that men might love more than their remote controls. It is their GPS. But let’s not even get into that. Let’s get into how you DON’T HAVE AN ICE CREAM MAKER! Since my blog is called “Ice Cream and Inspiration,” you know what a travesty I think this is. The Cuisinarts are cheap on Amazon right now. Go get yourself one!
1. You guys crack me up.
2. Nana’s recipes are the BEST. The end.
3. I need a brownies like nobody’s business right now. These should do nicely.
Miss you! Let’s set up a play date soon – and by that I mean I play with your kids ;)
I’ve always wanted to make fudge, but you can’t get evaporated (or condensed) milk around here. It’s so restrictive :( D’you think there’s a way to make fudge without?
Oops, I’d opened the fudge recipe and loved the look, but commented on this one instead :) These brownies are already on my To-Bake list
That is hilarious that he wanted to cut the couch open just for the tiny remote. The kids are the ones in our house who move the remote to wild and crazy places. But who cares about that little baby remote when there are fudgy brownies to be had! I am in love with how rich and gooey and delicious these look!!!!
I love family recipes! These look awesome. Thanks for linking to my brownies! Oh, and my husband lost some kind of card that we need to go pick up a package. He’s been looking non-stop since yesterday. Time to look in the sofa. :D
I am so trying these when my mom gets back! Fudge is basically a food group here so these need to be made as soon as possible!
Question, have you ever subbed the sugar in the fudge frosting with brown sugar?
Oh my goodness – these look incredible!
I will have to try them. x
Izzy |https://pinchofdelight.wordpress.com
2 points of clarification:
1. There is great functionality to the Apple TV remote that a universal remote cannot do like touch gestures and the siri-enabled microphone
2. The tale of retrieving the remote from the prison of the boxed-in sofa arm is much more harrowing than here told and had a very victorious ending.
Harrowing???
“It was a dark and stormy night. Karen and Eric were watching TV and eating snacks. Suddenly, THE SHOW FAST FORWARDED! They both SCREAMED! Eric flipped over the couch while Karen bit her nails in suspense. He turned the couch again. THE REMOTE MOVED. He wriggled his hand into the side of the frame. THE REMOTE SLIPPED JUST OUT OF REACH. Eric pulled out his knife to do what had to be done. Karen screamed, “No, not my only couch!” He reached in one more time…exerted all of his strength…AND PULLED THE REMOTE FREE. Karen fainted in relief while Eric used the Siri-enabled microphone and some complicated touch gestures to get them back to the right part of the show. Eric uprighted the couch, and they sat down victoriously to finish watching. It’s not easy being a remote saver, but somebody has to do it. Victory tastes sweet.”
Is that better?
That actually is a lot better, although it doesn’t showcase the problem solving and ingenuity that I employed in the process.
He just needs to smoke a cigarette at the end.
Oh my gosh Misty you are so right! hahaaa
Can’t wait to make these for the Serenity Group that comes to our Church. I just know there gonna love them. Who can resist a really good fudgy brownie!!!
I think you are definitely going to win Serenity Sister of the Year if you bring these brownies in Cindy!!! :) Hope you love them!