Sara Lee Brownies

 Its National Brownies Day 

Sara Lee-Style Brownies with Glaze

This recipe is designed to produce a rich, moist brownie similar to the nostalgic Sara Lee product. 

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• ½ to 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional, as they offer versions with and without nuts) 

For the Chocolate Glaze:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 oz semi-sweet chocolate
• ¼ cup sugar
• 3 tbsp milk 

Instructions

Brownies:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square pan (or 9x9 inch) or line it with parchment paper.
2. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. Whisk in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined.
4. Stir in chopped nuts if desired.
5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Do not overbake; the brownies should still be a bit fudgy in the center.
7. Cool completely in the pan before glazing. 

Chocolate Glaze:

1. Melt the butter over medium heat in a small saucepan.
2. Reduce heat to low and add the chocolate, sugar, and milk.
3. Continue heating over low heat, stirring often until the mixture is smooth. Do not let it boil.
4. Pour the warm glaze over the cooled brownies and spread evenly.
5. Refrigerate the brownies to allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving.