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When it comes to desserts and tea time snacks, you can never go wrong with a brownie. Rich, chocolatey, and comforting, brownies have remained a beloved favorite for generations — and their history dates back to the very same era as Titanic herself.
The brownie we know today was first created in the late 19th century, with the earliest known recipe tracing back to the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago around 1893. According to culinary history, Bertha Palmer requested a dessert that was elegant yet portable for ladies attending the World’s Fair. The result was a rich, cake-like chocolate confection that could easily be enjoyed during an afternoon outing — the very beginning of the brownie tradition we know and love today.
Since brownies were created during the same time period as Titanic, they would have made a perfectly fitting dessert for afternoon tea among the first-class ladies aboard the ship. Elegant tea services and sweet treats were an important part of upper-class social life during the Edwardian era, making brownies an indulgence worthy of a Titanic-inspired tea table.
This recipe comes from Veronica Hinke’s Titanic: The Official Cookbook and is inspired by the original Palmer House brownie recipe.
Titanic-Inspired Brownies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, plus more for the pan
- 4 ounces milk chocolate chips
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mini milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup slivered almonds (optional)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F and butter an 8-inch square cake pan.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and milk chocolate chips. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can become thick or grainy. Once melted, stir well and set aside to cool slightly.
In another large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the eggs and sugar on medium-high speed until fully combined. Once the chocolate mixture has cooled to room temperature, add it to the egg mixture along with the vanilla extract. Beat until blended.
Add the sea salt, flour, and sour cream, mixing until everything is fully incorporated.
If using almonds, stir about 3/4 cup into the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the top with the mini chocolate chips and the remaining almonds, if desired.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool before serving.
And there you have it — a delicious brownie perfect for an elegant afternoon tea inspired by the Titanic era.
For an even more authentic Titanic tea experience, visit the Titanic Museum Attraction gift shop, where we offer Titanic tea both in-store and online, along with beautifully recreated china to bring first-class elegance to your own tea table.
Titanic Tea Time Gifts
Titanic Tea Tin
$15.99In memory of the RMS Titanic's maiden voyage, the Master Tea Blenders at Harney & Sons have created this timeless tea blend. Four classic teas similar to those aboard the famous ocean liner combine to create a decadent flavor that would have felt familiar to Titanic's passengers.
First Class Wisteria Pattern Tea for One
$29.99Our modern Tea for One set is decorated with a historic pattern from Titanic's first class that will add that elegant Titanic touch to your daily tea time.
Titanic: The Official Cookbook
$27.99Dine alongside Titanic's passengers as you journey through TITANIC: The Official Cookbook by author Veronica Hinke.
