There isn’t a lot one can say about brownies that hasn’t already been said a thousand times before. However, it never harms to reiterate the main characteristics each and every brownie should possess; they ought to be dense, moist, exceedingly rich and jolly unhealthy. If one succeeds in attaining such characteristics, it’s fairly likely that one will have become the creator of a more than adequate brownie. Making frugal brownies is really very simple, you know.
As many of you may already be aware, the frugal brownie was tackled and perfected here some time ago. However, new variations on classic culinary themes are hardly rare and should be encouraged; this particular article is an adaptation of the World’s best brownie. Indeed, to account for the addition of a rather hefty portion of fruit, these little brown squares of chocolaty heaven require less refined sugar than was originally called for. Extra chocolate and cocoa have been added to mitigate an anticipated reduction of density and goo.
A few posts a go I promised to let you into the “secret” of my lighting equipment. Though the answer will, no doubt, be a little disappointing (there are no slaves holding pillows this time), I wish to remain a man of my word. A couple of weeks ago I purchased a photography light reflector and what a perfect job it does too! An artificial light source will make it into my set up eventually, but for now this board is more than adequate and features silver, gold and white reflectors as well as a light diffuser, all of which allows for the natural warming, cooling and softening of any natural light source. This rather impressive piece of photographic equipment only set me back around £10, allowing me to continue my frugal living.
Blueberry Brownies
Makes 16
Ingredients:
• 100g butter
• 50g cocoa powder
• 75g dark chocolate, not less than 70% cocoa solids
• 2 eggs, medium
• A generous pinch of salt
• 175g muscovado sugar
• 50g self-raising flour
• 150g blueberries
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 180C and grease and line a 21x21cm baking tin. Melt together the butter and cocoa powder, before adding the chocolate, heat gently until smooth. Whisk together the sugar, salt and eggs until frothy, before whisking the chocolate into the egg mixture.
2. Fold the flour into the chocolate mixture, before gently adding the blueberries. Tip into the baking tin, spread evenly and pop in the oven to bake for 25 minutes and not a moment longer.
3. Leave to cool for 10 minutes before loosening around the edge and turning out onto a cooling rack. Divide into 16 portions and tuck in just before they are properly cold. Delicious!
Cost: Blueberries are a rather expensive fruit, but if you can find them for a decent price then they are definitely worth purchasing. My punnet, for instance, set me back a mere 30p – very frugal. Still, overall these brownies are very thrifty, particularly since many cafes and restaurants regularly charge as much as £3.50 per brownie. You’ll be glad to know that this recipe comes in at substantially less at £3.80 for the entire confection. With these one’s frugal life may continue unabated.
198 replies on “Blueberry Brownies”
Pretty berries.
Blueberries are in season on this side of the world right now – Melbourne Australia – so will give these brownies a whirl this weekend!
Fantastic! I hope you like them!
Thanks, Rosemary 😀
Blueberries + chocolate = wonderful!
That’s funny, that’s the equation I came up with too…
OMG – will have to make these for my son – he LOVES blueberries and chocolate! Yummy…
You have a lucky son 😀
What a combo, me like! 🙂 Love your photos!
Thanks, Sibella! I’m glad you think so 🙂
What a great twist to a standard favorite!
Kenley
Thanks – twists are always the best 🙂
Indeed they are!
What’s your take on using frozen blueberries in these brownies, if fresh berries aren’t available? If I’m not mistaken, blueberries freeze pretty well (like peas). But I could be mistaken!
Well… I used frozen blueberries so… perfect 😀
Gorgeous!!
Thanks, Sarah 😀
fantastic! those brownies look so so good!
Thanks so much , they were 🙂
Looking beautiful Nick! I am sure the blueberruies take good care of the desired moisture! A lovely & delicious combination 🙂
Thanks, Shira! A VERY good combination indeed 🙂
I don’t know how you managed to end up with brownies. If I attempt to make these I would have trouble having any blueberries or batter left to put into the pan. The new camera is definately working! It will be blueberry season here soon and I MUST grow some of our own on Serendipity Farm. Cheers for the recipe 🙂
Haha – I am the epitome of self-control! Yes, you really should!
Amazing!
Thanks :).
Reblogged this on Annette J Dunlea Irish Author's Literary Blog.
Thanks for the lighting advice, that’s a great idea. (yummy looking brownies too, btw)
Thanks so much! Definitely get a reflector 😀
Sounds delicious… will most definitely try. Also, I have been meaning to tell you that your photos are getting better and better each week. Cheers
Thanks! You definitely should. I’m glad you think so 🙂
Mmmm does this look delicious!
It does!
Wow, pairing two of my favorite foods – yum
I’m glad I could be of service 😀
great brownies!
and don’t you just love your reflector? best piece of photography equip ever, isn’t it?
It’s brilliant! Really and truly 😀
Wow, I absolutely love blueberries and chocolate, these look so good! x
Thanks – they really were fantastic.
Excellent tip on the reflector: I’ve added one to my wish list. My food photographs leave a lot to be desired!
Great idea! I hope you get it soon 😀
I wouldn’t have thought to add blueberries, but now my mouth is watering.
Everyone is saying that, but they work SO well!
Awesome!! I have blueberries everyday I love them so much. And being the choc-aholic that I am, this could very well be my new favourite treat!!
Bravo!!
Thanks! Blimey, that must be an expensive habit!
LOL! It’s not too bad. Now that the cooler weather is here, it’s getting harder to find fresh blueberries so I’ve had to start buying frozen. No problem though; I just thaw them and we’re good to go!!
Indeed! These were fresh, reduced and then we froze them 😀
D’oh – why didn’t I think to put blueberries into brownies! And thanks for the lighting tip – I’ve been eyeing tents and reflectors (even had a go at making my own) for a while now, but haven’t committed yet. Your photos are very convincing!
I have no idea 😀 – they go fabulously well. Reflectors are very cost effective – there’s no reason to avoid getting one.
Oh my , this looks delicious! 🙂
Thanks, Daniel!
I love the idea of blueberries in brownie- they’re my favorite fruit! I’m going to have to try this, after converting to US measurements, that is.
Fantastic! I have a converter link at the top of my blog… I never convert because I really detest the American method…
Blueberries and chocolate…a winning combination in your brownies.
Thanks so much, Karen 😀
In 1995 while visiting New York I was served a brownie that was studded with raspberries. That was THE best brownie, I still remember it vividly! Blueberry brownies may well be their equal!
Perhaps they are! These certainly were VERY nice.
I always think of pairing blueberries with white chocolate, but these look totally amazing!
That works very well too, but I always feel like the white chocolate detracts from the fruit a little.
These sound delicious. I love chocolate and blueberries!
Thanks, Laurie! They go together very well indeed.
I’m making it tomorrow since I’ve got all the ingredients!
Thanks for sharing this!
Fantastic! I hope you enjoy them.
When I saw this recipe I knew you had a winner. This is definitely getting a spot in my to do list, and soon. Yummmmm
Hehe – thanks 😀 You’ll love them!
Reblogged this on Smiley's Healthy Way of Life.
There you go making me drool again and killing my waistline!! These look sooooo goood!
I just noticed your FB page, and I am going to hop over and like it! Also, I’d love for you to swing over to my new Domestic Superhero Facebook page and give it a Like! I would totally appreciate it! http://www.facebook.com/DomesticSuperhero
Dreadfully sorry! Yes, why not? I’ll pop over there now.
thanks!!!
Those look fantastic! I must try them. Your new reflector seems to have done its job as well! Not as good as slaves though . . . 😉
Thanks so much, Daisy! No, slaves are the best!
These are a masterpiece! Loving the brownies and blueberries; and wish I had one right now : )
I hope you don’t mind if I reblog your link on my reblog page?
Aww, thanks! How nice! Reblog? Of course 😀
Wow these brownies look like the perfect consistency! LOVE the addition of blueberries!! I would never have thought to do that 🙂
Oh they are, Amy! The blueberries went very well.
I’ve just pinned this.. I’m dying to try anything sweet with a blueberries added in!!
Hehe – thanks so much, Barb’ 😀
Yum! A great take on the classic brownie.
Thanks 😀
I was looking at that first photo and thinking ‘how does Mr Frugal take such good photos? jealousy does not become me, but those blueberries just…. pop. But low and behold, it’s a light reflector? Hmmm. I have a light box, but I still haven’t used it. But I might have to make these… I only have one brownie recipe and it does not have any blueberries in it. A must add I’m thinking.
Haha – dreadfully sorry, Aimee! You should give it a whirl, though I think they can be a little restrictive. Make some more brownies NOW! You must!
Sounds NOM! Do you think it would work with frozen blueberries?? Although they do tend to be a bit more juicy than fresh but sometimes they are on bogof so also frugal. I love the combination of fresh, dark cherries and chocolate… Think that could make an awesome brownie. I did try it last year when they were in season but it needs perfecting.
Oh yes – mine were actually frozen to keep them fresh! Give it a go!
These sound amazing! A punnet where I am now costs around $5… so I will wait but can’t wait to try them!
You could sub the blueberries for something a little cheaper – raisins perhaps?
Definitely a good idea! Although not a fan of raisins but you’ve made me think of dried cranberries 😉 Thanks!
Not a bad idea!
Oh, the pretty pictures! I never dare to bake brownies for the ridiculously short time advocated in recipes. As a result they are not quite gooey enough.
OH, but you must! Never more than 25 minutes at 180C
Now I see why you love photographing brown! These are completely gorgeous Nick. I’ve put raspberries in brownies, but blueberries sound incredible.
Haha – indeed! Thank, Somer! I’ll have to give that a go too!
These look great. I wonder if they would also work with strawberries. Thanks for the tip on the reflector.
umm… I’m sure they would! No problem 😀
I’m going to have to try these Nick! A couple super foods in the same classic unhealthy dessert – what could be better than THAT? (so tell me, are these as wonderful as they look?)
You must :D! Yes, they really are… I enjoyed them A LOT.
I’ve tried the deceptively delicious brownie version of adding pureed cooked beets to the batter–which gives the brownie a red velvety appearance. I’m anxious to try your recipe with the blueberry bonus. Have you tried it with thawed frozen berries or do you think fresh works best? I’m glad our blogs “hooked up”–eager to read more. A penny saved–Sarah J>
Not a bad idea! I have beets though and I can always tell if they’re in something… I used frozen berries in this, they weren’t even thawed!
These look amazing!! Blueberries are my favorite! 🙂
Thanks! They are awfully nice 😀
Congrats! You have been nominated for a Sunshine award…follow the link… http://pantryobsession.wordpress.com/2012/11/15/a-sunshine-blog-award/
What a nice sounding award 😀
Looks amazingly delicious!
Thanks so much – they really were.
Reblogged this on WordPress Report.
I would have never thought to put blueberries and chocolate together but now that I have seen the success, I am a believer. (Your new lighting and props has made a positive influence in your photography- beautiful)
They do work very well together! Thanks 🙂
I really like the photo of the unbaked brownies! Very nice colours and sheen. The finished product looks great too of course 😉 !
Thanks so much! I was very pleased with them!
Do you think frozen blueberries would work, or would they be too mushy? They are definitely less expensive and available year-round.
And thanks for the lighting tip. It’s tough to get a good photo at this time of year!
Oh yes, these were frozen actually! It is indeed!
Blueberries? Never even thought of it! I must try this!
You must – they were great!
Blueberries in brownies? What a great idea, and one I must try soon. Also interested to hear about your lighting equipment … I find indoor food photography an ongoing challenge. I’m still getting used to my light box, and haven’t perfected its use yet. The backgrounds look stark. If I had my way, I’d photograph every plate of food perched on the railing of my verandah, overlooking the back garden!
Thanks 😀 – it works very well. Why not have your way? :D. I find it a challenge to, but it is possible to overcome it 😀
I have never had blueberry brownies but these look beautiful 🙂
Thanks! You should try them, Lilly!
Whoa, those look so fabulous and gourmet… definitely about ten steps above chocolate-covered dried blueberries, which is probably the usual instantiation of this combination. Yum!
Thanks, Allison! I’ve never heard of those… supose they must be nice… but expensive.
Yep! I’m sure it’d be cheaper to make them myself, but chocolate-covered or not, dried blueberries are a little expensive.
That’s what I’m saying! 😀
What a fantastic combination Frugal! And your photography is so grand it makes me want to reach into the picture and take a bite of that brownie!
Thanks so much, Karista! Don’t break your screen!
Thanks Frugal Feeding, I’ve just used this recipe and it works absolute wonders. As scrumptious as the blueberries look in the photos, I took the frugal theme one step further by swapping the berries for 100g raisins and 50g chopped walnuts, and used supermarket own-brand dark chocolate (I’m not sure our taste buds are refined enough to taste the difference!). I’m pleased to report that the menfolk in my home are now now looking sufficiently satiated and full of chocolate! Hannah, http://nr11blog.wordpress.com/
Thanks for the comment :D. That’s a great idea – it was very frugal for us though since we got the berries at 10% of their normal price!
You know what else goes great with chocolate? More chocolate.
Tim
I’ll agree with that!
This recipe sounds divine – what a combo! Looking forward to making these!
Thanks! They were so yum!
Thank-you!! I’ll save this one for my 10% not raw time 🙂 YUMMO!!
Haha – I hope the 10% likes it.
[…] inspiration from Frugal Feeding, who ingeniously added blueberries to his latest batch, I was prompted to defrost my much-loved […]
Yum!! This looks and sounds so good…after a few conversions I think I will try this recipe!
Please do – they were tasty!
Yum!!! I can almost taste how delicious these are just be looking at your last photo! Thanks for stopping by TheYorkshireTart again today. All the best, TYT.
Haha! They were lovely!
Yum! Blueberries hold a special place in my heart since my maiden name was Bluett (French for blueberry). Do you think that you could substitute frozen blueberries for fresh? Would you leave them frozen & extend the cooking time, or thaw them before adding? I froze a bunch of blueberries this summer when they were in season (& thus very frugal).
That’s cool – mine were frozen when they went in… I think that answers your questions :D.
Ooh…these blueberry brownies look decadent indeed!! 🙂
Thanks – they were. I have one for my lunch today 🙂
Nice! I’ve been looking for a different way of doing brownies and wouldn’t have thought of using blueberries. 30p for a punnet is a bargain!
It really is – I hope you like them, 🙂
These look amazing (thanks to the creator and not so much the light) and delish. Even though blueberry season has come to a bitter end here in Northeastern America, I may just have to splurge a bit (just a bit because frugal is important) on the berries to enjoy this fab creation. Yum!
Thanks! Maybe somewhere will be selling frozen berries or ones going out of date?
Neat idea! Love the pop of blue in the brownies too!
Indeed! thanks so much 🙂
Yes , I want more chocolate . I have to learn how to made this to.
give it a go! It’s so simple!
Healthy and not so healthy all in one go, just great! …I’m definitely going to try this recipe…thank you.
I suppose you’re right! Enjoy 😀
Two superfoods in one!!! I will try this today. I even bookmarked this page in case I lose it! Thanks. Glad to have found you and even gladder that you are frugal. There is a balance with spending money and calories.
Oh yes! I’m glad you approve – Emma!
Oh my gosh. You are a GENIUS!!! I’ve never heard of adding blueberries to brownies — I bet the chocolate blueberry combination is heavenly! 😀
Haha – too kind! IT really, really is!
These look really tasty.
Thanks, Iain – they really were 🙂
Wow! These look great.
Thanks, Laura! They were delicious.
Those brownies look so good! Awesome photography by the way.
Thanks so much 🙂
Oooh! Sounds yummy! Will have to try a gluten free version!
I have a gluten free brownie recipe that would work perfectly!
Excellent! I would love to see it! 🙂
It’s on the blog all ready!
Great! I will check it out!!!! Thanks! 🙂
I’ve just nominated you for “The Super Sweet Blogger Award” which pretty much just invites you to answer a few questions, if you’d like to follow through, and then list blogs that have inspired you. You can see my “award nomination” blogpost at http://kitchencauldron.wordpress.com/2012/11/25/super-sweet-blogger-award/, where your blog is listed. Thanks for inspiring me!
Very cool….never thought of blueberries in the brownies! I have a ton of blueberries in the freezer just crying out for a higher purpose….
They work very well! They would be perfect!
I love how there is a higher percentage of blueberries in this recipe than butter. Superb.
Yes, it seemed only right 😀
These look yummy! Beautiful pictures, too! Thanks so much for liking one of my posts, I hope you’ll come visit again soon.
Thanks so much – I hope you do too!
Blueberry and chocolate has to be the best combo!
They do work awfully well together!
Wow! What a fabulous combination!!! Thanks!
I’m glad you think so 🙂
Okay, I will try them when I can do the metric conversions. My bad. I should already be proficient being Canadian and all.
There are conversion calculators all over the net…. I have links at the top of my blog!
Those look amazing!
They were 😀
Blueberry brownies sounds like a fantastic idea!! Must try these soon. And your photo are beautiful as usual 🙂
Thanks! they were delicious 🙂
Looks yummy. I love brownies an with blueberries, such a good combo!
Thanks so much! They were delicious.
Now I know what to make for afternoon tea at work tomorrow. Blueberries are cheap here at the moment.
Fantastic! There’s no excuse!
Reblogged this on Transforming Flab to Fab and commented:
While creeping on the people who have liked my blog, I stumbled on this gem. I may have to make these next weekend after I go to the store. MMMM YUMMY!
[…] memory, mood, concentration, and overall clarity, are blueberries and dark chocolate. So when I saw Frugalfeeding’s recipe for Blueberry Brownies I knew I was on to a winner! Blueberries and dark chocolate […]
Mmmmn blueberry brownies sound divine! I always have a box of them in my freezer so could easily dig some out to throw in…
They were divine, Kate :D. Please try them, you’ll be forever in my debt 😀
I have never considered blueberries in brownies before, but you know I’ll have to give this a try!
Please do – it works very, very well!
This is a good idea, my in laws (with whom I live) always overbuy blueberries at the market so I am involved in an ongoing battle to use up what they freeze (what a chore). This is another superb weapon in the fight and hopefully I will be able to make these soon. First up are lime tarts (limes and eggs are our own) and macaroons (to use up the egg whites) but these are going on the list.
I have linked one of these pictures on my pintrest board, hope you dont mind.
AND Thanks for visiting my very first blog post. I am not totally frugal and like to be extravagent sometimes but I am trying to make the best of all the amazing products I am surrounded by in Australia.
Thank you! We just got another 4 punnets for next to nothing! I don’t mind at all – I encourage it!
Ah, I see you have emancipated your slave ;-P. I’ve made brownies and I’ve made plenty but never tried it with blueberries. I am always afraid that the blueberries get lost into the chocolate and you end up not tasting them at all. Does that happen here? I’m frugal as well and blueberries are pricey here. 🙂
Yep… unfortunately… Nope, you definitely get them!
What a great idea!
Thanks! It worked very well!
[…] credit for inspiration and recipe goes to Frugal Feeding […]
[…] recipe was adapted from the one found on Frugal Feeding’s website so I won’t take any of the credit but here is my […]