Celebrate National Brownie Day with Your Customers
Killer Brownies® are the best low-labor way to celebrate the holiday and increase sales
National Brownie Day pays homage to one of the most beloved confections in America – the chocolate brownie. Observed annually on December 8th, this day is a chance to celebrate a decadent dessert that has withstood the test of time. We’ll dive into the delectable world of brownies to discover their tasty origins and explore ways you can celebrate the day with your customers.
The Fascinating History of the Classic American Brownie
The origins of the chocolate brownie are fraught with speculation. Three women have been credited with creating the first brownie recipe: Bertha Palmer, Fannie Farmer, and an unnamed New England housewife.
The first theory says that brownies were invented in 1893 when Bertha Palmer, a Chicago socialite and co-owner of the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago, decided to create a special dessert for the ladies luncheon at the World’s Fair. She tasked her pastry chef to make a small confection to be included in boxed lunches and, in response, the chef developed a thick, fudgy chocolate bar decorated with walnuts and a sweet apricot glaze. The dessert wasn’t called a brownie until sometime after 1893 and the recipe wasn’t published in any books or journals.
The second theory comes from Fannie Farmer. She was considered a culinary expert and wrote and published The Boston Cooking School-Cook Book. In it, she created the first “brownie" recipe in 1896, though it used molasses instead of chocolate in the batter. She later published a true chocolate brownie recipe in 1907 that claimed to be the first published chocolate brownie recipe. But that claim to fame was refuted by Mildred Schrumpf, who believed another woman had published the first brownie recipe before Fannie Farmer.
The third theory was brought to light by Mildred Schrumpf, a writer and food educator, in 1951. She believed that the first chocolate brownie recipe was actually created in 1904 by a housewife in Bangor, Maine. She claimed that the recipe was an accident, made when the woman forgot to add baking powder to a recipe, resulting in a chocolate cake that didn’t rise but was still delicious. The dessert became known as “Bangor Brownies,” and the recipe appeared in several cookbooks prior to Fannie Farmer’s recipe in 1907.
It hasn’t been confirmed which story holds more truth than the others, as all three are recognized as possible brownie origins. Regardless of how chocolate brownies began, the classic confection has become a staple in American households.
A Dessert Worth Drooling Over
Though the recipe for a classic chocolate brownie has changed over time, from an unrisen chocolate cake in Bangor, Maine, to today’s decadent delight riddled with sweet ingredients, the positive sentiment surrounding the dessert has remained the same.
Today, brownies are available in different flavors with inclusions like peanuts and chocolate chips, and American consumers never have to look far to find the classic treat. Bake sales, parties, and menu items — brownies have become a permanent staple in the American palate, cementing its place in dessert history. So enamored were the fans of rich and decadent brownies that they created a holiday to celebrate their favorite dessert.
National Brownie Day isn’t credited to any specific person. Like other unofficial food holidays, such as National Pizza Day and International Coffee Day, National Brownie Day most likely emerged organically through online communities and social media as a way for people to connect through a common interest. It was created by fans for fans who wanted a way to celebrate the gooey goodness of their favorite dessert and connect with others who felt the same way.
Now, on December 8th, brownie fans across the country can uninhibitedly enjoy and celebrate their favorite dessert. So, why not celebrate alongside your customers this year?
The Killer Way to Celebrate
Be prepared for National Brownie Day with the nation’s #1-selling gourmet brownie, Killer Brownie®.
Killer Brownie® offers a gourmet twist on the classic American confection. With layers of fudge brownie stuffed with creamy caramel, our gourmet brownies are ready to eat, taking the guesswork out of dessert for your customers.
In addition to being convenient for consumers, our various programs cater to your needs. With Killer Brownies®, you’ll leave the baking to us and receive a product that is perfectly baked, frozen, and ready to merchandise. You’ll save on labor costs and, by thawing and selling the product you need each day, you’ll save on shrink — all without compromising quality. Premium from start to finish, Killer Brownies® are an excellent way to increase bakery sales and celebrate National Brownie Day with your customers.
Consider creating a dessert destination in your in-store bakery to celebrate the brownie holiday. Craft a beautiful display using Killer Brownies®, stacking them high and filling the table. Offer a variety of pack sizes using our trays, bars, and bites to add some contrast to the display. Consider stacking Killer Brownie® clamshells and trays in a stair-step display or showing off our individually wrapped brownies in colorful baskets. Adding balloons and ribbons to your display will not only feel celebratory and festive for National Brownie Day, but also create a full and welcoming table that will invite your customers to browse. Want to add signs to your display as well? We’d be happy to provide branded Killer Brownie® signage that you can add to your merchandising displays!
If you’re displaying brownies in a bakery case, our Signature Killer Brownies® are the perfect desserts for the job. Their layers of brownie and caramel are eye-catching and enticing. Cut Killer Brownies® on the diagonal and face the cut-side toward the customer to further highlight their iconic layers in a dynamic way. Though they come finished and ready to merchandise, consider decorating Killer Brownies® with bright swirls of icing and National Brownie Day-themed designs to attract customers. Simple additions, like this swirl of buttercream and chopped peanut butter cups on the Peanut Butter Killer Brownie® or this easy topping of icing and birthday candles on the Confetti Killer Brownie®, will elevate the product and create something special for your customers. Remember that 56% of consumers admitted to liking bright-colored products; be bold with decorating, and your customers will notice.
For Foodservice applications, you can celebrate National Brownie Day with a special menu item. Killer Brownies® are an easy dessert to add to your menu; you can serve them with a scoop of ice cream and a dollop of whipped cream. Creative chefs can use our brownies as a base for more unique dessert creations, like this German Chocolate dessert made from our Original Killer Brownies® or this Brookie Ice Cream Sandwich using our Brookie brownie. These recipes require minimal labor and could serve as a special treat for your customers in honor of National Brownie Day.
Creating attractive displays, enticing customers with tasty offerings in your bakery cases, and adding special menu items are just a few ways you can encourage your customers to appreciate and indulge in an iconic treat in American dessert history. Regardless of how you celebrate, National Brownie Day is a great way to connect with and share in your customers’ love for brownies. 71% of consumers like food products that help them save time, and you can offer them a ready-to-eat, gourmet dessert worth adding to their dinner plans.
If you'd like to learn more about Killer Brownie® or just want to try a delicious treat, contact us!