1/4teaspoonsaltoptional, add only if using unsalted butter
1/2cupplain yogurt120 grams, at room temperature. I used plain whole milk yogurt
1cupcaster sugar200 grams, or can use granulated white sugar
1 & 1/2teaspoonvanilla extract
6tablespoonssalted butter85 grams, cut into cubes
1tablespoonoil15 ml, use any flavorless oil of choice
1tablespoonwarm water
1/2cupchopped walnutsor pecans
Instructions
Prepare an 8-inch square pan by lining it with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 350 F degrees before you start. To a large bowl, add the dry ingredients- flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Also add 1/4 teaspoon salt if using unsalted butter in the recipe. Mix using a whisk until the dry ingredients are well combined.
Now to another bowl, add plain yogurt and sugar. I have used caster sugar since it dissolves easily. Mix using a wire whisk (or you can also use a stand or hand mixer) until the sugar dissolves completely. This step is important and the sugar needs to dissolve completely. Then add the vanilla and mix until combined.
Cut the butter into small cubes and place it into a bowl. Place that bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) and melt the butter. You can also use a microwave to do this. Once the butter melts, remove the bowl from heat and add the oil to it and mix. Let this cool down a bit.
Then add the yogurt and sugar mixture to it and mix using a whisk until it's combined. Followed by the flour and cocoa powder mix. Use a spatula to mix everything together. I also added 1 tablespoon of warm water while mixing in the ingredients at this time.
Once the dry ingredients are mixed, add the chopped nuts. Fold the nuts using a spatula. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, level using a spatula. Bake at 350 F degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. Mine get done in 28 minutes but every oven is different so keep an eye after 22 minutes. Don't wait for the toothpick to come clean, you need to take the brownies out before that. You want some crumbs sticking to the toothpick.
Let the brownies cool in the pan. Once they have cooled down, transfer the pan to the refrigerator for 2 to 4 hours and then slice them up.
Video
Notes
I cut them into big 9 pieces but you can get more smaller pieces. I usually cut them into 12 pieces.
Let the brownies cool down completely and place them in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 hours before slicing them. If you slice them quickly, they will crumble.
Make sure to not over bake the brownies else they will turn hard. Take them out of the oven when there's still some crumbs sticking to the toothpick when you insert it in the pan. Don't wait for the toothpick to come out clean completely.