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–+ servings
Handwritten recipe for walnut chocolate cake
This classic brownie recipe, famously attributed to actress Katharine Hepburn, is a beloved example of vintage American baking. Known for her iconic film roles and no-nonsense attitude, Hepburn reportedly shared this recipe as a personal favorite. It embraces simplicity with minimal ingredients, creating dense, fudgy brownies that put modern boxed mixes to shame. The recipe calls for basic pantry staples—unsweetened chocolate, butter, sugar, eggs, and a handful of flour—producing an old-fashioned texture with rich chocolate flavor. Chopped walnuts add a crunchy contrast, making these brownies timelessly irresistible. A delicious bite of Old Hollywood nostalgia!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Baked Goods
Cuisine American
Servings 12 squares
Calories 207 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 oz unsweetened chocolate
  • 1/4 lb butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup walnuts (chopped (not too fine))

Instructions
 

Step 1: Melt Chocolate & Butter

  • In a saucepan, melt 2 squares of unsweetened chocolate with 1 stick of butter over low heat.
  • Remove from heat once fully melted.

Step 2: Add Sugar

  • Stir in 1 cup sugar until fully combined.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

  • Beat in 2 eggs and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
  • Stir vigorously ("beat like mad").

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

  • Mix in 1/4 cup flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Step 5: Add Nuts

  • Fold in 1 cup chopped walnuts (avoid chopping too fine for best texture).

Step 6: Bake

  • Pour batter into a greased 8x8 inch baking pan.
  • Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 40 minutes.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

  • Allow brownies to cool slightly.
  • Cut into squares and serve.

Tips

  • No nuts? Skip walnuts or substitute with pecans or chocolate chips.
  • Extra fudgy? Reduce baking time by 3–5 minutes.
  • Add depth: Sprinkle in a pinch of espresso powder for richer chocolate flavor.
  • Frosting twist: Top with a simple chocolate ganache for an elevated treat.

Nutrition

Serving: 1squareCalories: 207kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 88mgPotassium: 102mgFiber: 2gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 42IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 39mgIron: 2mg
Keyword chocolate, walnuts
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