Introduction
There’s something undeniably comforting about a fudgy, chocolatey brownie that melts in your mouth. Now, imagine pairing that richness with the crunch of toasted walnuts and the delightful bite of gooey chocolate chips—this is exactly what Picnic Brownies with Chocolate Chips and Walnuts bring to the table. They are a perfect balance of soft, chewy, and nutty flavors, making them the ideal treat to pack for outdoor gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a cozy homemade dessert.
What makes these brownies special is that they’re both indulgent and versatile—they travel well, taste even better the next day, and can be enjoyed warm with ice cream or cold straight from the fridge. They’re fuss-free, satisfying, and universally loved.
Why I Love This Recipe ❤️
I love this recipe because it combines two of my favorite dessert elements: the rich creaminess of chocolate and the earthy crunch of walnuts. The chocolate chips add an extra layer of gooeyness, making each bite irresistible. The best part? These brownies are picnic-friendly—they don’t crumble easily, can be cut into neat squares, and stay moist for days. They’re also a crowd-pleaser, appealing to kids and adults alike.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for picnics, lunchboxes, or festive occasions.
- Texture Heaven: Fudgy, chewy, crunchy, and melty—all in one bite.
- Beginner-Friendly: Simple steps, no complicated equipment, and minimal prep.
- Customizable: Can be tweaked with dried fruits, white chocolate, or caramel swirls.
Recipe Information
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: 45–50 minutes
- Servings: 12 squares
- Calories per Serving: ~280–300 kcal (varies with chocolate and nut type)
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Dessert / Snack
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 8 oz (225 g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
Simple Cooking Directions
- Melt butter and chocolate together until smooth.
- Whisk in sugars, eggs, and vanilla.
- Fold in flour, cocoa, and salt.
- Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts.
- Spread batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake until set, cool, cut, and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Method
- Preheat the Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Melt Chocolate & Butter: In a heatproof bowl, melt butter and chopped chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave (short bursts, stirring between).
- Add Sugars & Eggs: Whisk in granulated sugar and brown sugar. Add eggs one at a time, beating until glossy. Stir in vanilla.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Add Mix-Ins: Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts (reserve a few for topping if desired).
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Cool & Cut: Let brownies cool completely before slicing into squares.
How to Serve
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Pack cooled squares in parchment paper for picnics and travel snacks.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a festive look.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Do not overbake—slightly underdone brownies are fudgier and richer.
- Toast the walnuts lightly before adding for a deeper nutty flavor.
- Use good-quality chocolate for the best taste.
Variations
- Nut-Free: Skip walnuts or replace with dried cranberries or raisins.
- Extra Gooey: Swirl in caramel or Nutella before baking.
- Double Chocolate: Use white chocolate chips along with dark ones.
- Holiday Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon and orange zest.
Freezing & Storage
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Wrap individual brownie squares in cling film and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Special Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Heatproof mixing bowl
- Whisk and spatula
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife for clean cuts
Conclusion
Picnic Brownies with Chocolate Chips and Walnuts are the ultimate blend of chewy, fudgy, and crunchy goodness. They’re easy to make, travel-friendly, and endlessly customizable, making them a recipe worth bookmarking. Whether you’re baking for a picnic, a family get-together, or simply indulging yourself, these brownies are sure to bring smiles all around. One bite, and you’ll see why this classic is a must-try!
Picnic Brownies with Chocolate Chips and Walnuts
Description
There’s something undeniably comforting about a fudgy, chocolatey brownie that melts in your mouth. Now, imagine pairing that richness with the crunch of toasted walnuts and the delightful bite of gooey chocolate chips—this is exactly what Picnic Brownies with Chocolate Chips and Walnuts bring to the table.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven : Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
-
Melt Chocolate & Butter : In a heatproof bowl, melt butter and chopped chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave (short bursts, stirring between).
-
Add Sugars & Eggs : Whisk in granulated sugar and brown sugar. Add eggs one at a time, beating until glossy. Stir in vanilla.
-
Mix Dry Ingredients : In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
-
Combine Wet & Dry : Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
-
Add Mix-Ins : Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts (reserve a few for topping if desired).
-
Bake : Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
-
Cool & Cut : Let brownies cool completely before slicing into squares.
