Walnut Brownie Brittle

Have you heard of brownie brittle before?  I had the fortune/misfortune of finding this Brownie Brittle in the grocery store one day and I was instantly hooked.  It's got the intensity of a chocolatey fudge-y brownie but it's light and crispy so you think you can eat a whole bag with no consequences.

SO I'VE HEARD.  I have far too much self control to know about that.  Obviously.

And so really, the light crispy brownie fudginess without the mess of real brownies makes this brownie brittle damn near perfect for gift giving.  Imagine whipping up a double batch of this, mixing in whatever your heart desires, and slapping a pretty ribbon on it.  All your friends will think you're Betty Crocker this Christmas.  

Yes I just said Christmas.  

I'M SORRY.  Don't worry, I'm not some sort of Christmas freak who starts decorating before Halloween.  I have a strict "No decorations until after Thanksgiving" policy.  BUT.  I am the sort of freak who decides DIY gifts are super adorable and then I spend the week leading up to Christmas like a frazzled ridiculous mess because I'm in over my head.  

Don't be me.  It's not worth it.  

Just be smart, tuck this Brownie Brittle recipe in your back pocket and then you're covered on the DIY front.  But you should probably make a batch now too.  Quality control, ya know?  

Here's the recipe!  

Walnut Brownie Brittle

Ingredients

• 2 oz semi-sweet chocolate
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 all purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 egg whites
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 semi-sweet chocolate chips 

Directions

1.  Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Prepare a large baking sheet with a silicon mat or parchment paper, sprayed with nonstick spray.  Set aside.  

2.  In a microwave safe bowl, melt the butter and 2 oz. of chocolate in the microwave.  Heat in 30 second intervals, stirring after each until chocolate and butter are fully melted and incorporated.  Set aside.  

3.  In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt and baking soda and set aside.  In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or using a handheld mixer), beat the egg whites on medium high until frothy and light, about 3-4 minutes.  Add the melted chocolate mixture and beat until combined.  Remove from stand and, using a rubber spatula, add in the dry flour mixture and stir until fully combined.  

4.  Spread the batter onto the prepared baking sheet and, using an offset spatula, smooth into a very thin and even layer.  Sprinkle chopped walnuts and chocolate chips evenly over the top.  Bake for 25 minutes (this may vary slightly depending on the thinness of your batter layer).  Allow to cool completely on the pan before breaking into pieces with your hands.  

Enjoy!  

Recipe barely adapted from Baker's Royale.