Dive into the rich, indulgent world of this Caramelized Walnut Brownie Delight, where classic chocolate meets the crunchy sweetness of caramelized walnuts. This dessert offers a multi-textural experience, featuring a dense, fudgy brownie base interspersed with chunks of dark chocolate and topped with golden, sticky walnuts. Each bite is a perfect balance of salty and sweet, making it a sophisticated take on the traditional brownie.
Why You'll Love This: Chocolate lovers and nut enthusiasts alike will adore the depth of flavor in this dessert. The caramelized walnuts add a delightful crunch and a layer of sweetness that complements the intense chocolatey base. The addition of fleur de sel enhances the flavors, bringing out the richness of the chocolate and the caramel notes in the walnuts. This brownie is not just a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes, with its glossy nuts and chunks of chocolate peeking through.
Perfect Occasion: This brownie is perfect for any gathering that calls for a decadent dessert, from dinner parties to holiday celebrations. It's also a great choice for a casual movie night where you want something sweet and satisfying. Serve it at room temperature for a fudgy texture or chilled for a denser, firmer bite. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an ultimate indulgence.
Decoration Tips: To elevate this brownie's presentation, drizzle it with a little melted chocolate or caramel sauce before serving. A sprinkle of sea salt flakes can also add a visual and flavorful contrast. If serving at a special event, add a few edible gold leaves on top for a touch of elegance.
Ingredients:
- 280g of dark chocolate (180g melted, 100g roughly chopped)
- 115g of granulated sugar
- 170g of butter
- 100g of flour
- 5 eggs
- Fleur de sel, to taste
For the Caramelized Walnuts:
- 100g of walnuts, or nuts of your choice
- 75g of granulated sugar
- 20g of water
- Preheat your oven to 160 degrees Celsius (320 degrees Fahrenheit) and line a 20x23 cm baking mold with parchment paper.
- For the caramelized walnuts, bring water and sugar to a boil in a saucepan. Once the sugar starts bubbling, let it cook for 4 minutes. Add the walnuts and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until they are golden and caramelized. Spread the nuts on a parchment-lined tray to cool, then roughly chop them.
- Melt the 180g of chocolate with the butter in a bowl. Set aside to slightly cool.
- In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk the eggs with the sugar for about 2 minutes until fluffy.
- Gradually blend the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the egg mixture. Stir in the flour until just combined. Fold in the chopped chocolate and half of the caramelized walnuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared mold. Sprinkle the remaining caramelized walnuts, extra chopped chocolate, and a few pinches of fleur de sel on top.
- Bake for 18 to 25 minutes, depending on your desired consistency. For a fudgier brownie, bake less; for a denser brownie, bake longer.
- Let the brownie cool in the pan to room temperature for a soft texture, or chill in the refrigerator if you prefer it firmer.
Enjoy this sumptuous Caramelized Walnut Brownie, a truly luxurious treat that combines classic flavors in a delightfully sophisticated way!
