Big Batch Fudgy Brownies for Impromptu Guests

I recently had some friends staying with me during the holidays.  They have a son who attends the same college as my son, Kyle.  Both boys are living off campus this year and so did not “come home” for their holiday break.  The college closes for the two week break which meant they could not eat on campus as they would normally. So they joined us for dinner on more than one occasion over the two-week period.  One night I decided to make an easy dessert I knew they would like.  Brownies was the obvious solution.

Who doesn’t like brownies?  And, I think they are one of the easiest recipes to pull together.  I just don’t understand why anyone would buy a brownie mix when homemade brownies are so simple and quick, and taste soooooo much better than any made from a box.  Big Batch Fudgy Brownies are the kind of brownies that are rich and moist.  And have a yummy frosting too!  I love that they are made right in a saucepan and are ready to go in the oven in about 10 minutes.  The hardest part is waiting for them to cool before frosting.

Let’s just say everyone loved the brownies and we got a call the next day asking if they could come over for dinner that night, too.  I think I may soon put a sign over my front door that reads, “Becky’s Diner.”  Just so you know, I’m not complaining at all, I adore having the guys over for dinner.

Start the brownies by heating the oven to 350º F.  In a 3-quart saucepan melt the butter and chocolate over low heat.  Stir occasionally until the mixture is smooth.

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the sugar.

Then add the sour cream, eggs and vanilla.

Mix well.

Next stir in the flour and salt…

just until moistened and no flour is visible.

Spread the batter into a greased15x10x12-inch jelly-roll pan.

That’s it, now the brownies are ready to go into the oven.  Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the brownies begin to pull away from the sides of the pan.  Because these are “fudgy” brownies, take care to not over-bake.

Once the brownies have cooled completely it’s time for the frosting.  Not only are the brownies quick and easy to make, so is this frosting.  Just melt the chocolate chips and shortening in a 1-quart saucepan over low heat.  Stir occasionally while melting until the mixture is smooth.

By hand, stir in the powdered sugar, vanilla and enough milk for desired spreading consistency.

This may take a little elbow grease to get all the lumps of powdered sugar mixed in but the frosting will become smooth and creamy.  Spread over the cooled brownies.

Now cut them into bars…

And enjoy!

I know the boys enjoyed the brownies.  See how easy homemade brownies are to make?  Why, oh why, would anyone ever buy a brownie mix?  Let me know what you think about Big Batch Fudgy Brownies by rating & reviewing the recipe and leave me a comment, too.

Come back in a few days and Amanda will be sharing a perfect recipe to warm up those cold winter evenings.

Becky Wahlund is the Director of the Test Kitchens for Land O'Lakes and writes for our Recipe Buzz® Blog.