Brownies—those fudgy, chocolatey squares of heaven, are a beloved treat around the globe. But have you ever wondered where they come from and how they’ve evolved over the years from their very first recipe? Join us while we take you through this sweet journey of the history of brownies, exploring their origins, transformations, and modern-day variations that will make you love this one-of-a-kind cake even more!
Its Mysterious Origins
The exact origins of brownies are somewhat of a mystery. With multiple stories battling for the honour. The most popular story credits its creation to a happy accident in the late 19th century. According to legend, a housewife in Bangor, Maine, forgot to add baking powder to her chocolate cake batter. The result of this happy accident was a dense, fudgy dessert that quickly became a hit among her family and friends.
Another version, which has more credibility, suggests that the first-ever brownies were created at the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago in 1893. Bertha Palmer, the wife of the hotel’s owner, allegedly requested a dessert that was smaller than a piece of cake but more substantial than a cookie to serve at the World’s Columbian Exposition. The hotel’s chef whipped up something that we now recognise as brownies, and they were an instant success.
This recipe by the Palmer House Hotel’s chef was a bit different from what we know today, featuring walnuts and a delicious apricot glaze that offered a unique tartness that complemented the rich chocolate flavour of the brownie. Check the original recipe below!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of semisweet chocolate
- 1 cup of butter
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of cake flour
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup of crushed walnuts
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 175°C.
- Prepare the baking pan by greasing a 9x13 inch baking pan and set aside.
- Melt the chocolate and butter in a double boiler, until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sugar and flour. Add the melted chocolate mixture and stir until well combined. Beat the eggs lightly and add them to the mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract and crushed walnuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the brownies are baking, prepare the apricot glaze. In a small saucepan, heat the apricot preserves with the water until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Once the brownies are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. While still warm, spread the apricot glaze evenly over the top of the brownies.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting them into small portions.
Regardless of its true origins, brownies only began appearing in cookbooks in the early 20th century. The earliest known published recipe for brownies is found in the 1896 edition of the ‘Boston Cooking-School Cook Book’ by Fannie Farmer. This recipe didn’t include chocolate and was more like a molasses cake. The chocolate brownie, as we know and love, made its printed debut in 1904 in the ‘Home Cookery’ cookbook.
The Evolution of Brownies
The brownie recipe has come a long way since its early days. Originally, brownies were made with a blend of flour, sugar, eggs, butter and chocolate, resulting in a dense chewy treat. But as baking techniques and ingredients evolved, so did brownies.
In the 1920s and 1930s, brownies started to gain popularity across the United States, thanks in part to the availability of pre-packaged mixes and the increasing popularity of home baking. During this time, nuts, particularly walnuts and pecans, became a popular addition to brownie recipes, adding texture and flavour.
The mid-20th century saw further experimentation, with home bakers and professional chefs alike trying out various add-ins like chocolate chips, marshmallows, and even swirls of cream cheese. This era also saw the rise of the debate between "fudgy" and "cakey" brownies. Some bakers preferred a denser, more gooey texture, while others aimed for a lighter, cake-like consistency.
The Modern Brownie Renaissance
Today, brownies are more popular and diverse than ever. The basic brownie recipe has become a canvas for creativity, with countless variations available. There are blondies, which swap out the chocolate for vanilla and brown sugar, creating a rich, buttery treat. Some brownies are infused with exotic spices like chilli or even cinnamon, while others are topped with everything from sea salt to bacon.
Vegan and gluten-free brownies have also become widely available, catering to those with dietary restrictions. These versions often use alternative flours like almond or coconut and substitute eggs and butter with ingredients like flaxseed and coconut oil, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a brownie.
In recent years, the concept of the "brookie" – a hybrid of a brownie and a cookie – has taken the dessert world by storm. Brookies combine the best of both worlds, with a layer of chewy chocolate chip cookie dough baked right into the brownie.
Brownies Around the World
While brownies are quintessentially American, their popularity has spread globally. Each culture has added its twist, from the use of local ingredients to variations in texture and flavour. In Japan, for example, matcha brownies offer a unique combination of rich chocolate and the earthy bitterness of green tea. In France, you might find brownies with a more luxurious texture, often made with high-quality dark chocolate and a hint of sea salt.
From their humble and somewhat mysterious beginnings to their status as the ultimate comfort dessert, brownies have certainly evolved over the years. Whether you’re team #FudgyBrownie or #CakeyBrownie, plain or with all the extras, there’s no denying that brownies hold a special place in our hearts (and tummies)! The beauty of brownies lies in their versatility, allowing each generation to put its spin on this timeless treat. So next time you bite into a brownie, you’re not just enjoying a delicious dessert: you’re also savouring an important piece of culinary history.
