Half-Baked Chocolate and Nut Brownies

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Dense, fudgy brownies with half the usual sugar and half a cup of crunchy walnuts folded throughout for texture and richness. This desserts-inspired desserts ready in about 37 minutes pairs (113g) unsalted butter, (135g) semi-sweet chocolate chips, (150g) granulated sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 9, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.4 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 22 min Serves 9 Desserts cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips together in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and glossy.
  3. Step 3: Whisk 3/4 cup granulated sugar into the melted chocolate mixture until combined.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
  5. Step 5: Sift together 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/4 tsp salt, then fold gently into the wet ingredients until just combined.
  6. Step 6: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts evenly.
  7. Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-22 minutes until the edges are set but the center is still slightly soft.
  8. Step 8: Let cool completely before cutting into squares to serve.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Baked Chocolate and Nut Brownies take to make?

Total time is about 37 minutes (15 min prep + 22 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Half-Baked Chocolate and Nut Brownies?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (113g) unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Baked Chocolate and Nut Brownies?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Half-Baked Chocolate and Nut Brownies for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 9 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 9). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Half-Baked Chocolate and Nut Brownies?

Desserts desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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