Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (35 grams)
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 8 ounces semisweet chocolate or 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1/2 cup toasted and chopped walnuts or 1/2 cup pecans (50 grams) (optional)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (8 grams)
  • 1/3 cup sour cream (regular not low fat, 80 grams)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113 grams)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 grams)

Method

  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven.
  • Prepare an 8 by 8 by 2 inch (20 x 20 x 5 cm) pan by lining the pan with a piece of aluminum foil, shiny side up.
  • Coat pan with room temperature butter, approximately 1 tablespoon (14 grams).
  • Can also line across the bottom and up 2 opposite sides with parchment paper.
  • In a bowl place the flour, baking powder, and salt and sift or whisk to combine.
  • Set aside.
  • Chop the chocolate in small pieces (can use a food processor) and set aside.
  • In a small bowl beat the eggs, vanilla, and sour cream just to mix; set aside.
  • In a medium sized saucepan, over medium heat, melt the butter.
  • Add the sugar and stir until sugar is partially melted.
  • Then add the chocolate and stir until the chocolate has melted.
  • Transfer to large mixing bowl.
  • Stir in egg mixture, then the sifted dry ingredients.
  • If the mixture is not perfectly smooth, beat it briefly with electric mixer (I use a hand mixer).
  • Stir in nuts, if using.
  • Pour into the baking pan and smooth top.
  • Bake for about 50- 55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out almost (but not completely) clean.
  • Remove from oven and let stand at room temperature until cool.
  • Note: These are best chilled overnight.
  • Remove from pan by inverting on a cutting board and then re-inverting it onto a plate.
  • Chill brownies completely before cutting.
  • These freeze very well.