Description
Butterscotch brownies from Joy of Cooking embrace rich caramel notes and deep brown sugar complexity. Smooth chocolate undertones and delicate nutty hints create an irresistible dessert that welcomes you into a world of classic comfort baking.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups (400 g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 cup (100 g) chopped walnuts
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) water
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups (360 g) sifted confectioners’ sugar
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) and prepare a 7×11 inch baking pan by generously greasing it with butter.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the brown sugar with hot melted butter until smooth and well combined. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, beating thoroughly until the mixture becomes light and uniform.
- Gradually fold the sifted flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently to create a cohesive batter. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a smooth surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top turns a delicate golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
- For the frosting, mix coffee and water in a small bowl to create a concentrated liquid base.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whip butter and confectioner’s sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color.
- Slowly incorporate the coffee mixture into the buttercream, blending until the frosting achieves a smooth and consistent texture.
- Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the coffee frosting evenly across the surface. Allow the frosting to set before cutting into individual servings.
Notes
- Opt for light brown sugar to capture authentic butterscotch undertones without overwhelming sweetness.
- Gentle folding prevents tough brownie texture; mix ingredients with a soft, careful touch.
- Control frosting consistency by incrementally adding powdered sugar for ideal spreading or decorating.
- Verify oven temperature accuracy using a thermometer and rotate baking pan midway for uniform browning.
- Allow complete cooling before slicing brownies; refrigeration helps achieve crisp, clean-edged cuts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 386
- Sugar: 31 g
- Sodium: 135 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg