Homemade Little Debbie Fudge Brownies (2024)

Rate Jump to Recipe

My husband is obsessed with these brownies. Yes, he that only ever loves the Ghirardelli brownies from the box or my copycat version. When I told him I was making my cosmic brownies only with walnuts, he shouted for joy. Ok, maybe not shouted, but he was pretty darn excited! These brownies are just like the Little Debbie ones that are covered in a fudgy ganache and topped with chopped walnuts. They’re dense, rich and extra chocolatey- just the way we like them.

A few months ago when I postedmy recipeforLittle Debbie cosmic brownies, I had no idea what a hit they’d be. I was really pleased with how they turned out and everyone we shared them with loved them! My husband was a huge fan of their texture, taste and fudgy topping. I’ve made them a few times since, slightly adjusting the ingredients here and there and even topping them with toasted pecans. Ultimately I decided I needed to make a version with walnuts, because I’m kind of obsessed with putting them in/on everything. How about you, which type of nut do you prefer when it comes to brownies? Stephen grew up in Florida so his familytends to bake with Georgia pecans, but I grew up in Northern California so I’m all about walnuts. Anyway… I stuck with toasted walnuts, they were the clear winner for me and would obviously make these taste more like the ones you buy at the store.

To start, line a 9×13 baking dish with foil and lightly spray with baking spray such as Pam. Foil makes removing the brownies 100x easier and prevents any sticking or mess that might occur. Don’t skip this step! Next, beat the melted butter, sugars and vanilla until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs and yolk, one at a time, mixing until incorporated. In a medium size mixing bowl whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt (the cornstarch will help keep these brownies chewy and dense which is exactly what we’re going for). With mixing speed on low, alternate adding dry ingredients and milk. Mix just until combined.The batterwill be relatively thick but that’s ok.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Using a rubber spatula spread it into an even layer. Place in oven and bake for 18-22 minutes or just until the brownies look set. Do not over-bake them or you will have dry brownies! Remove them from oven and allow to cool in the pan.

Meanwhile to prepare the ganache, in a 2 c. glass measuring cup, combine chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave on half powder (mine is usually power 10, so I did 5) for one minute, stir, then repeat. Stir chocolate until all of the chips are melted and it becomes smooth. I like to beat the mixture by hand for about a minute, then pour it over the brownies. You can either spread it with an offset spatula to smooth it out or shake the pan on the counter in a back and forth, side to side manner until it becomes smooth. I prefer the later mainly because I don’t want to dirty another utensil. Top the brownies with chopped walnuts (I toast mine but you can use raw too), cover andplace in the refrigerator for at least 3o minutes. Cut, serve and devour! Enjoy and happy baking!

Baking Tools & Ingredients You Will Need For This Recipe:

• Stand Mixer
• Hand Mixer
• Whisk
• 9 x 13 Inch Pan